quattro digest, Vol 1 #4495 - 17 msgs

[Larry C Leung]

> Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 11:40:52 -0700
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: road grime all over headlights
> Reply-To: bwpearre at alumni.princeton.edu
> From: bwpearre at alumni.princeton.edu (Benjamin Weste Pearre)
>
> 1990 200TQA
>
> Last night I ran into another 200TQA driver, and he showed me his
> Euro
> headlights.  Nice!  But he was just back from somewhere-or-other
> and
> the lights were completely coated in road grime.  I know that the


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> applications, but it is awfully slippery.  But it got me wondering
> if
> there is some very slippery coating one could apply to headlights
> (remember Rain-X?  Not quite what I need, but perhaps something
> similar) that would make road grime less likely to stick.  The
>



Rain-X seems to be helpful (no, it doesn't totally stop grime build-up,
but
it DOES make it easier to remove) on headlights. It is meant for GLASS,
and it does have corrosive effects, so I don't know if you use any
protective
films on your lights if it's a good idea. Just for fun (okay, wasn't
paying attention
so accidentally applied), I've tried it on the beater Subaru's
headlights, and
so far, no adverse effects and the same positive effects, but try on
headlight
filmed headlights at your own risk....)





> Also, I'm still debating between the normal-wattage bulbs (55/60,
> 55)
> and the high-wattage (100/80, 100).  Any last words of advice
> re. blinding drivers, too much close-up light in snowstorms, better
> visibility of deer, cops, overheating, bulb life, fish, ...?
>


If you use any form of headlight film (such as 3M, etc) if you use
high wattage bulbs (such as H4 80-100, H1/3 100) you do run
the risk of overheating the lamp/bulb or both. Use either with
caution. I'd suggest trying stock wattage (55/60 and 60) bulbs
first to see if you need the extra wattage. Also, if they are availible,
Xenon inert gas charged (as opposed to the normal halogen charge)
bulbs tend to be more efficient per/watt bulbs, so if they are of the
same wattage (and PULEEZE not BLUE!!!) they will produce more
light with the same level of heat. This may fit the bill.


FINALLY, for those on an EXTREME budget, I've tried the 9007 vs
9004 conversion in my DOT type 44 turbo headlights, WITH a regular
incandescent 55W bulb in the marker section. I have these rigged
with a relay to run with the Hi Beam only.

Results -

Low Beam - An improvement in low beam, although not up to real
rural driving standards. I do live in a suburban environment with some
rural driving, but NOTHING like Roger Woodbury's world.

High Beam - Also an improvement (lets face it, I've got a 55W unfocused
beam, use with EXTREME care in the face of oncoming traffic or when
following) but unable to handle true rural driving such as I had
encountered
somewhere between Ithaca and Binghamton, NY (a.k.a. the middle of
nowhere). Had to slow to 45 MPH with the highs on to be truely secure
of where I was going, and I knew the road. Of course, stock DOT's
would've
had me going about.....10, (okay, 35, but the point is there).

LL - NY