Poor headlights.

[GoodyFR]

I've had my 09 Leon FR tdi for 2 months now and I'm really not impressed with the headlights. The light beam seems to die instantly about 10-15 meters in front of the car. They're that bad that a mate who I gave a lift to one evening asked if I'd got them adjusted to the lowest dipped setting! I bought some new Philips 60% brighter bulbs but it turned out they already had them fitted!
Anyone got any ideas as to why the beam dies such a short distance from the car and what I can do to rectify the problem?

 

[PlatinumCupra]

May sound daft but are the bulbs in properly, my car was the same when I brought it

 

[Jarre]

Check the bulbs aren't upside down. If they aren't, get them aligned at an MOT garage!

 

[kazand]

Check the bulbs aren't upside down. If they aren't, get them aligned at an MOT garage!

+1, get the settings checked if that's still no good change the bulbs, if that doesn't work consider Specsavers!

 

[GoodyFR]

I'm such a mong! I thought they only went in one way, with the square tab at the bottom! It turns out they seem to fit better with the tab at the top!! I'll see what they're like when it's dark!! Cheers fellas!!

 

[Jarre]

Easy mistake to make, which is why I suggested it! it makes a huge difference to the light output.

 

[GoodyFR]

Cheers mate. I'll let you know how they are when I've tested them in the dark!!

 

[Jimbobcook]

Now that is always good to know lol

 

[robthebubble]

I'm such a mong! I thought they only went in one way, with the square tab at the bottom! It turns out they seem to fit better with the tab at the top!! I'll see what they're like when it's dark!! Cheers fellas!!

That's made me chuckle! TBH, the light output is fairly crap anyway which is why I'm putting in projectors.

 

[GoodyFR]

Projectors?? What are they and how much mate?

 

[robthebubble]

Projectors?? What are they and how much mate?

Projectors are Bixenon headlights. They are expensive but can be retrofitted by either buying a set or making your own by pulling a set of lights apart and installing the parts.