LED conversion kit

smokeyjoe123

Have a 2003 Toyota Corolla 1.4 Petrol. The headlights are really dim when driving in the dark mornings and evenings, would like to get something a bit brighter and that projects further.

I have done a couple of things in the past. Tried those really bright expensive Philips bulbs, which did make a bit of a difference but nothing amazing. Cleaned up the plastic headlight assembly with one of those 3M kits but again didn't make a huge difference.

Was thinking of getting one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TECHMAX-Headlight-Bulbs-All-Conversion/dp/B01I4YJJXC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481662200&sr=8-3&keywords=led+conversion+kit

Anybody ever try these? Also would they be acceptable for the NCT?

Tropheus

The issue you'll have is that your headlights are designed for halogen bulbs. Any other type of bulb such as HIDs or LEDs, while possibly brighter, will likely dazzle other drivers.

They will also not pass the NCT. In order for factory HIDs or most LEDs to pass the NCT, they must have auto levelling and headlamp washers installed. The headlight housing must also be made for the type of bulb installed.

Basically, they are not worth the hassle and the best you can do is one of the high output halogen bulbs.

blackbox

Have you tried checking the voltage at the lampholder when the light is on. It could be that the connections or wires have deteriorated over the years.

colm_mcm

Pre facelift corollas often have an issue with the plastic going opaque on the headlights.
LEDs will be useless. They'll just look whiter but will give out less light. You have reflector type headlights which means HIDs should be avoided too.

LEDs don't need washers.

Special Circumstances

colm_mcm wrote: »

Pre facelift corollas often have an issue with the plastic going opaque on the headlights.
LEDs will be useless. They'll just look whiter but will give out less light. You have reflector type headlights which means HIDs should be avoided too.

LEDs don't need washers.

Pedantry time!

Euro regs say washers and self levelling for >2000 lumens per lamp I think. Not that anyone in the real world knows this or gives a hoot even if they do know to be fair.

Now Chinese led lumens are well known to somewhat optimistic. So maybe they won't be so outrageously bright (3500+ per bulb if I remember the link correctly... lolz) as to get the nct boys thinking about washers and things.

They will however be glarey and sh1t and slapped together by some fly by night outfit with all the associated reliability. I'd be happy to be proved wrong but I suspect I won't be.

colm_mcm

Current model Leon for example doesn't have washers.

Good clarification

Tropheus

colm_mcm wrote: »

Current model Leon for example doesn't have washers.

Good clarification

I wouldn't fancy arguing that one with the NCT if I fitted aftermarket LEDs.

colm_mcm

Nct manual only lists HIDs far as I know.

shietpilot

LED bulbs will be a lot worse than halogens in a reflector.