runtohell121
Member
- :
- 2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD Soul Red
With this kit, the low beam gets upgraded to HID, but the highbeam remains halogen, correct?
Yes, that's correct.
With this kit, the low beam gets upgraded to HID, but the highbeam remains halogen, correct?
Mazda dealer and AutoZone said I could just swap out bulbs for something a bit brighter like these...
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/447867/00236
not going for HID or LED the way you folks describe the problems.
That's a good option.
Mazda dealer and AutoZone said I could just swap out bulbs for something a bit brighter like these...
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/447867/00236
not going for HID or LED the way you folks describe the problems.
Well if you look above, BambooBen said they melted parts in the assembly. yikes.
yes, why Mazda couldn't at least have included HID as standard equip, is beyond me. Halogen should be outlawed by the Fed agency and HID standard by now.
No, No, with a side of No.
LEDs like this throw light sideways, while halogen bulbs give light in almost all directions.....so, the headlight system is designed FOR halogen bulbs, NOT directional LEDs. Some people try and throw in HID bulbs into halogen projectors....with mixed results.
What you can try and do, if you are handy, is retrofit the halogen projectors with HID projectors (or hell, even LED projectors if you can afford that....)
A lot of times, it simply means opening the headlight, un-bolting the old projector, and puttign in the new one. Sometimes you have to get/make brackets, or full cutting/JBWelding the new system in. I did this for my Honda Fit years ago (halogen reflector headlights), and holy hell, the simple quick retro using the MH1 35w HID projectors were night and day!!!!!
Check out some stuff at www.theretrofitsource.com (TRS) and a FB group called Headlight Junkies. They are both a world of knowledge when doing this. Just for the love of hell, NEVER ask if LED bulbs can be put into other headlights...they will eat you alive.
I dunno, I honestly don't have any issue with my CX-5's lighting. It's done well enough for me.
Looks like TRS sells LED bulbs now for use in headlights. Do you now approve of them all of a sudden?
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/led-lighting/led-bulbs/2stroke-h11-led.html#.V3ZnzvT3aJI
Looks like TRS sells LED bulbs now for use in headlights. Do you now approve of them all of a sudden?
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/led-lighting/led-bulbs/2stroke-h11-led.html#.V3ZnzvT3aJI
The best selling aftermarket LED Headlight on Amazon utilizes Cree parts. 18% of its reviews fall between 1-3 stars. Who knows what the 5-star reviewers encountered after posting their reviews. Can't rely on some guy installing it then after 1 day posting a 5 star review.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
TRS is a good vendor however the aftermarket LED headlight tech is not there yet in terms of reliability. TRS's Morimoto versions are too new to review. People have to understand that although LEDs are energy efficient and produce low heat, in a headlight application the components associated generate a lot of heat hence why aftermarket LEDs headlights require cooling fans. Even halogens don't require cooling fans. HIDs run the coolest. Can't compare OEM $1000+ LEDs systems with $120 aftermarket LED kits. At least not right now. I'd caution not to be a guinea pig to fund the ongoing R&D with aftermarket companies. I'd rather get good quality aftermarket HID kits that have been tried/tested. This is an added incentive in getting LED headlights when purchasing a new Mazda. Could care less about the Bose or sunroof but the HIDS/LEDs are one of the primary selling points for me.
Extremely helpful information. I may just consider riding this CX-5 out for the next 5 or so years, and then upgrade to a MDX or Q5. Installing HIDs seem like too much of a hassle.