39,396 Members 1,487,241 Posts
BRISKODA - The Skoda Forums  

Brighter Headlights

This is a discussion on Brighter Headlights within the Octavia I forums, part of the Skoda Model Discussion Area category; I've had my Octavia vRS for about 6 months now and I'm very happy, but I find the headlights too ...


Go Back   BRISKODA - The Skoda Forums > Skoda Model Discussion Area > Octavia I

Pronounced "bris-skoda", a brisk skoda.

Register Gallery FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read
Old 28-12-2005, 01:53   #1
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 32
Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS
Thanks: 6
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Brighter Headlights

I've had my Octavia vRS for about 6 months now and I'm very happy, but I find the headlights too dim. I generally drive with the foglights on at the moment, which is not a long term, nor fully satisfatory solution IMO.

Could I possibly gain extra power from changing the bulbs?

If so what are the bulbs to get and is it an easy DIY job?
__________________
Work - DAF CF 75.310

Play - Skoda Octavia vRS, Skoda Favorit GLXi

Last edited by Andyroo; 28-12-2005 at 02:43.
Andyroo is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote

Find out about Freedom to remove these ads.

Old 28-12-2005, 08:02   #2
Briskodian
 
daverapid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sawston, Cambridgeshire
Posts: 881
Members Car: SKODA RAPID 136
Thanks: 20
Thanked 95 Times in 87 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

First thing I would do is take the car to an MOT test station and get the headlamp aim checked. I'm sure that uprated bulbs ect. would make the lights better, but if they are so poor even with the standard bulbs that you are having to drive with your front fogs on then there is something very wrong.
__________________

David McKinney
TREASURER OF SKODA OWNERS CLUB GREAT BRITAIN
www.skoda-owners-club.org.uk
daverapid is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 28-12-2005, 12:04   #3
Briskodian
 
Nigel26's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Posts: 2,298
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

www.powerbulbs.com

they have a very big range of bulbs on the site and the prices and delivery are very good.

IIRC i got Osram Silver Stars for mine and they give a very white light that is much clearer than the standard bulbs. They also do Philips bulbs, alot of owners on here use the rally spec ones or the vision plus.
__________________
Sea Grey Mondeo Titanium X
Nigel26 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 28-12-2005, 20:43   #4
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 32
Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS
Thanks: 6
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: Brighter Headlights

I think I will get them checked and get some brighter bulbs.

Getting them checked was my first thought, I only really noticed it when the nights started drawing in as I don't do much driving at night otherwise.

Would I be right in thinking the rally spec ones are illegal?
__________________
Work - DAF CF 75.310

Play - Skoda Octavia vRS, Skoda Favorit GLXi
Andyroo is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 28-12-2005, 22:10   #5
207/340
 
Wardy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire
Posts: 11,707
Members Car: Skoda Fabia vRS
Thanks: 457
Thanked 366 Times in 354 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

I think the rally spec ones are illegal, yes.

I'd goto Powerbulbs or have a browse on eBay, and pick up some standard uprated bulbs from Philips or Osram. I've had both Vision Plus from Philips and Silverstars from Osram and can recommend them both

Regardless of whether the aim is out, you'll benefit from an upgrade at this time of year.

Steve
__________________
Wardy's Fabia vRS
xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+


"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen
"If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae
Wardy is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 28-12-2005, 23:27   #6
Briskodian
 
Smifffy 3 f's's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 572
Members Car: Octy vRS
Thanks: 1
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Osram Silverstars in my Octy vRS.

Much better on dipped beam. Not quite as noticable a difference on main beam, still better though.
__________________
AL.

I'm not bald, I've just got low-maintenance hair.
Smifffy 3 f's is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 00:49   #7
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 32
Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS
Thanks: 6
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: Brighter Headlights

I've ordered a pair of Phillips Vision Plus Bulbs from Powerbulbs...I'll give them a go.

I've been reading some comments from the threads in the 'similar threads' box at the bottom of the page and a lot of people do seem to have upgraded the Octavia headlights. I've never been particularly dissatified with the headlights on any other vehicle I've driven (including my old Fabia 1.4 16v). I wonder if the Octavia's bulbs are just not quite good enough to begin with, especially considering the performance of the car.
__________________
Work - DAF CF 75.310

Play - Skoda Octavia vRS, Skoda Favorit GLXi
Andyroo is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 00:59   #8
Briskodian
 
Manguish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 925
Members Car:
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Replaced mine with Xenons - best mod ever tbh.
__________________
Manguish is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 06:36   #9
Briskodian
 
MisterGT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Okehampton
Posts: 792
Members Car:
Thanks: 16
Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

I ordered a pair of the Phillips Vision+ just before Christmas and noticed a big improvement straight away. I also received a pair of the 'blue' phillips sidelights for free
MisterGT is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 10:29   #10
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Bracknell
Posts: 40
Members Car: Octavia 4x4 Estate
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by manguish
Replaced mine with Xenons - best mod ever tbh.

Did you do this by installing a Xenon kit in the existing H4 fitting (have seen a few advertised on the web) or did you replace the entire headlamp with separate projector Xenon and halogen main beam and put in the self-levelling stuff as well?

I find the standard Octavia headlamps to be dire, even after trying lots of different bulbs (probably spoiled as the after-market headlamps on my old Golf are in a different class). If there is any workshop out there that can retrofit a 100% legal Xenon installation, I'd be grateful if anyone could point me in their direction. I already have headlamp washers so that's one of the road-legal boxes ticked.

Adam.
ac16161 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 10:50   #11
Briskodian
 
plumsoul's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 654
Members Car: Octavia VRS
Thanks: 1
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

How easy is it to replace the headlamp bulbs on the octy vrs? I don't like messing about with my cars in case I break something.

cheers
derek
__________________
Derek
plumsoul is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 11:30   #12
Briskodian
 
Nigel26's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Posts: 2,298
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by plumsoul
How easy is it to replace the headlamp bulbs on the octy vrs? I don't like messing about with my cars in case I break something.

cheers
derek
easy peasy lemon squeesy
__________________
Sea Grey Mondeo Titanium X
Nigel26 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 12:13   #13
Briskodian
 
Manguish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 925
Members Car:
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

H4 bulbs with D2S bases.

All ignitors, relays etc...

Best ever mod tbh. Done it to 2 of my last cars now and will do it to any i may purchase that i cannot get with HID.
__________________
Manguish is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 13:51   #14
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Bracknell
Posts: 40
Members Car: Octavia 4x4 Estate
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by manguish
H4 bulbs with D2S bases.

All ignitors, relays etc...

Best ever mod tbh. Done it to 2 of my last cars now and will do it to any i may purchase that i cannot get with HID.
thanks. I guess though that this setup would not be 100% legal without self-levelling, or did you do that too?

Anyone out there gone the whole way on a Xenon retrofit?
ac16161 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 13:55   #15
Briskodian
 
Manguish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 925
Members Car:
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Retro fit HID do not have to self level.
__________________
Manguish is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 15:25   #16
Briskodian
 
mcgyver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: castlebar, ireland
Posts: 93
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andyroo
I've had my Octavia vRS for about 6 months now and I'm very happy, but I find the headlights too dim. I generally drive with the foglights on at the moment, which is not a long term, nor fully satisfatory solution IMO.

Could I possibly gain extra power from changing the bulbs?

If so what are the bulbs to get and is it an easy DIY job?
Hi there,
I have had the same problem with my RS. I changed the bulbs to the Osram silver star. There was a marked improvement in the intensity of the light but I was getting no extra range. I brought the car to the main dealer and he said the levels were too low. Apparently alot of new cars they receive in to prepare them for sale have problems with low light levels. My lights are fantastic now , but I would recommend a bulb upgrade as well as sorting your levels.
__________________
SHAMOAN MOTHER F~#KERS
mcgyver is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 29-12-2005, 16:11   #17
Briskodian
 
Johnnyc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 3,193
Members Car: MkV Golf 1.9 TDI
Thanks: 0
Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Philips Vision Plus are the best H4 lamps out there according to AutoExpress. Osram Silverstars were the best in the H7 type so I got a set and they are great. What a difference.
__________________
Johnny

"Americans have different ways of saying things. They say "elevator", we say "lift" ... they say "President", we say "stupid psychopathic git."
Johnnyc is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2006, 23:44   #18
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 32
Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS
Thanks: 6
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: Brighter Headlights

The bulbs have arrived and I'm gonna fit them tomorrow. See what they are like to start with, but I only work 500 yards from the skoda dealer so I'll get them checked anyway when I go back to work.
__________________
Work - DAF CF 75.310

Play - Skoda Octavia vRS, Skoda Favorit GLXi
Andyroo is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 11:21   #19
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 965
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

What is the bulb set-up in the Mk1 Octy??

Is there just the one bulb with 2 fillaments, and is this the H4?

I had an 04 Fabia sport for a day when my octy was in the garage. The lights on it were brilliant, very bright/ white light. Then when i got back into the octy i was very dissapointed. My wife even asked me if the lights were on at one point!!

I am going to try and buy some bulbs today or tomorrow, just have to decide which ones to get.

JD
__________________
Octy Elegance TDI (110bhp)
cmcm789 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 11:45   #20
Briskodian
 
mbames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Posts: 1,620
Thanks: 0
Thanked 71 Times in 63 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

mk1 Octy takes the H4 buld (twin filament)

http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/default....ageHistory=cat

I had Philips in my Pug 306 (H7s), but the Osram is meant to be better for the H4s, so I am off to buy some!
mbames is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 11:50   #21
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 965
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by mbames
mk1 Octy takes the H4 buld (twin filament)

http://www.powerbulbs.co.uk/default....ageHistory=cat

I had Philips in my Pug 306 (H7s), but the Osram is meant to be better for the H4s, so I am off to buy some!
Cheers

Are the H1 and H7 single filament then???

JD
__________________
Octy Elegance TDI (110bhp)
cmcm789 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 11:55   #22
Briskodian
 
mbames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Posts: 1,620
Thanks: 0
Thanked 71 Times in 63 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

a quick google will get you a 10% off voucher code as well [as previously listed on briskoda.net!] :-)
mbames is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 11:59   #23
Briskodian
 
mbames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Posts: 1,620
Thanks: 0
Thanked 71 Times in 63 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by cmcm789
Cheers

Are the H1 and H7 single filament then???

JD

H7 are single, and I *think* the same applies to H1s
mbames is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 12:02   #24
Briskodian
 
mcbunny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: York
Posts: 2,601
Members Car: Brabus Roadster Coupe
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

nope aslong as they are e marked they are fine dont need self leveling or washers or any of that jazz
__________________
First step to recovery is admitting you have a problem

Hi, my name is Mike and I own a Skoda and to top it all off it’s a diesel.

mcbunny is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2006, 12:02   #25
Briskodian
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 965
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: Brighter Headlights

Quote:
Originally Posted by mbames
a quick google will get you a 10% off voucher code as well [as previously listed on briskoda.net!] :-)
10% off with who??

I was going to pop into halfords this afternoon.
__________________
Octy Elegance TDI (110bhp)
cmcm789 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.us
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On
Forum Jump

Similar Threads

Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Felicia Headlights johnlod General Car Chat 2 22-12-2005 21:49
Fogging headlights JUT Fabia I 1 24-11-2005 01:29
Fabia's Headlights bradfordfabia Fabia I 42 20-08-2005 13:55
Brighter Headlights (octy) ? greg2302 Maintenance & Performance 25 02-11-2003 10:47


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:55.