Max High Beam Wattage

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 2, 2019 | 07:15 AM
  #1  
ifixjetz1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Hampshire, Illinois
Max High Beam Wattage

I live out in the country where it gets real dark. The stock 55W high beams aren't cutting it. Will there be any harm in installing 100W or 130W high beam bulbs instead of the 55W?
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2019 | 10:39 AM
  #2  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
just going off quick research via google, the first gen TSX uses an H1 bulb for the high beams. this is a Halogen bulb, that can generate heat as well as lumens with increased wattage.

I would look out for signs of plastic melting, if you do decide to purchase a higher wattage bulb
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2019 | 11:17 AM
  #3  
horseshoez's Avatar
Latent car nut
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 7,917
Likes: 2,069
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by justnspace
just going off quick research via google, the first gen TSX uses an H1 bulb for the high beams. this is a Halogen bulb, that can generate heat as well as lumens with increased wattage.

I would look out for signs of plastic melting, if you do decide to purchase a higher wattage bulb
I agree, meltage is by far the biggest concern.

@ifixjetz1, I also live in a very rural and dark area, and am surprised the TSX high beams are insufficient. Do you have night vision issues?
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2019 | 12:19 PM
  #4  
Reorge's Avatar
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 831
Likes: 188
From: New Orleans, LA
Option 1:
I installed Sylvania Ultra low beam bulbs in my son's Accord an his mother's (ex-wife's) Odyssey.
The bulbs produce MUCH more light and it's whiter. They both noticed the increased visibility distance.
The only negative aspects are cost (~$55) and longevity (~1.5 years).

Option 2:
I suggest using 55 watts as you limit but search for a H1 bulb that produces more light at that power limit.
Amperage limit is approximately 55W/~13.5volts = ~4amps.
Perhaps a LED bulb.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2019 | 01:00 PM
  #5  
ifixjetz1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Hampshire, Illinois
No, I don't have night vision issues, I think it is since the low beams are HID, and the highs are halogen that the HID brightness cancels out the halogens. I may look into the brighter bulbs like the silver stars, or ultras.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2019 | 01:04 PM
  #6  
horseshoez's Avatar
Latent car nut
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 7,917
Likes: 2,069
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by ifixjetz1
No, I don't have night vision issues, I think it is since the low beams are HID, and the highs are halogen that the HID brightness cancels out the halogens. I may look into the brighter bulbs like the silver stars, or ultras.
It doesn't work that way, extra light is still extra light. I've had four different cars with HID low beams and halogen high beams.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
honda1405
3G TL Problems & Fixes
1
Jun 7, 2017 04:10 PM
cFoo
1G RDX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
1
May 19, 2009 12:17 PM
Vincent
Audio, Video, Electronics & Navigation
8
Feb 26, 2005 04:46 PM
shawn744
2G TL (1999-2003)
9
May 3, 2004 11:09 PM
01cl_blk
Audio, Video, Electronics & Navigation
2
Feb 20, 2003 06:10 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:38 PM.