HIR2/9012 Bulb Shortcomings

[sciphi]

Tonight I found out some weaknesses of the HIR2/9012 bulbs in the Buick's low beams. It was raining and foggy, and the road surface was fairly new. This combined to illuminate the road for a very short distance. However, the road markers were still illuminated out to quite some distance, so I thought I could see much further than was illuminated. At least it got me looking far ahead of the car despite not actually being able to see.

 

[Hokiefyd]

New pavement doesn't reflect much light at all. And combined with the rain, I think your experience can be said of any bulb. I wouldn't say that it's necessarily a weakness with the bulb type. It's most likely a combination of weak optics in the reflector housing and the weather/pavement conditions.

 

[Ken2]

Are you sure your headlights are aimed right?

I agree with Hokie about the low reflectivity of new, really black, wet pavement.

 

[sciphi]

Sorry for the late answer!

Yes, I aimed my headlights according to my Buick's factory service manuals when I got the bulbs. No reason to think the aim has changed.

Last night on the same stretch of road in clear, dry conditions, they were illuminating much further. Several hundred more feet of road were illuminated. You guys are right on new pavement soaking up light when wet.