What makes my headlights fade?

bguzz · Post by **bguzz** » 22 Oct 2010, 11:25

I have a 98 S70 and the headlights are really not very powerful at all. I can drive with my brights on and nobody flashes me.

My bulbs are fairly new (within a year) and are the GE halogens they sell at wallmart. I have tried PIAA's and they aren't any better. I've read that the lenses could be the problem or the reflectors (they fade with UV exposure?). Since the lenses are glass, I would expect that it is pitting that causes the dimming of the light? I don't know if I buy the reflectors fading due to UV exposure, but I suppose it could be true.

Has anyone had any definitive experience on this as to what type of solutions works?

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 22 Oct 2010, 13:32

The lens is a common problem on our cars and most other kinds too. Some people report good luck with a lens polishing/buffing kit that you can pick up at auto parts stores or Wal-Mart. Others have posted here that they are very pleased with the Euro spec (E-Code) lens that is available from site sponsor FCP for $60 each before the 10% MVS discount or shipping. They also have an October promo for 10% off and free shipping for orders over $99 (use code oct99).

bguzz · Post by **bguzz** » 22 Oct 2010, 13:46

is it that the lens is getting pitted from driving? or does something happen to the glass over time?

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 22 Oct 2010, 14:41

bguzz wrote:is it that the lens is getting pitted from driving? or does something happen to the glass over time?

If it's pitted badly enough to affect your light output, I'd think you'd be able to feel it in the glass.
I've never heard of a polishing kit for GLASS headlights, just plastic.

I started with SilverStars, changed up to E-code glass and got reasonable, but not terrific lighting.
Short of jewels, HIDs would probably be my next step for improved lights.
But for now, SilverStars and E-code glass made a noticable improvement on the cheap.

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 22 Oct 2010, 16:12

BEJinFbk wrote:I've never heard of a polishing kit for GLASS headlights, just plastic.

My bad, I thought our lens were plastic. I thought I'd read some testimonials here about using the polishing kits, but I must be confusing it with the forums I participate in for my Previa and Odyssey. I am certain that they use plastic for the lens.

+1 for Silverstars. I get Silverstar Ultra bulbs from ebay or Amazon at pretty good discounts. I burn my lights on my daily driver S70 in the daytime as well and they last me about 6-9 months.

There is an interesting discussion about the whole bulb/lens topic with a couple of helpful links at this thread:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 9&p=145346

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 23 Oct 2010, 02:14

You can compound the glass with a aggressive grit but I think your reflectors are probably shot and faded as well.

Its probably to expensive to have them electroplated in a vacuum chamber here in the US so I would just go for an after market replacement pair of reflectors. You can use the cheapest nasty bulb you can find and it will still give you a sharp crisp focused beam.

This is how my old reflectors looked on a 1990 Saab 900

A direct AB side to side comparison with the new Hella reflectors and lens.

This is how the new reflectors look behind the glass flash and no flash.

fasteddyT5 · Post by **fasteddyT5** » 11 Nov 2010, 07:57

I also have a 98 S70, our cars use H7 bulbs. Daniel Stern offers H9 bulbs on H7 bases, the H9's are rated at 2100 lumens at 65 watts as compared to 1450 lumens at 55 watts for the H7's. I have liked these better than other after market bulbs, especially since they don not have a blue coating like the silver stars due.

Also have you checked the voltage at your headlights? Mine reads something like 12.5 volts, as compared to the 13.8 volts at the battery. I am planning on installing a new relays off the battery to bring in the current on larger wires direct from the battery to the headlights.

The drop of a single volt from 13.5 volts to 12.5 volts reduces light output by something like 20%.

Warren561 · Post by **Warren561** » 11 Nov 2010, 12:06

Red-Arrow wrote:old reflectors

That's quite a difference. I suspect that for our S70's there's no way to clean/polish the reflector. We'd have to just replace the entire assemblies? If that's the case you might as well pay a bit extra and get the jewels (reflector and lens)? Or can you just buy a new reflector (non-jewel) and utilize your existing (non-jewel) lens?

Post by **kelvin6** » 11 Nov 2010, 12:10

I first upgraded my Volvo H7 headlights by using a beefier wiring harness (running 14 gauge wiring direct to the battery). This made a very noticible difference in brightness. The next step was to upgrade to the H9 on H7 base bulb, the Osram Rallye 65w H7 bulb. This made a major change in brightness. The heat output has no negative effect so far on my headlights. The upgraded wiring makes using this bulb very safe. It probably is safe to run it on the stock wiring as well.

I recently replaced my headlight lens with another DOT glass set, which were pitted like crazy, and now my light output is very good compared to no upgrades

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Nov 2010, 14:43

It's been a while since I've posted but found this discussion something I can relate to. Actually, I have a '98 S70 too and have had the same issues. Although the Silverstars were better, I was burning through them sometimes within a month, then I found the solution! And...it's fairly cheap!! Change our your whole set-up to HID light bulbs. You can buy the kit for the H7's here: http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-H ... 35W-or-55W You'll have to use a 1 inch bit to drill the hole on the back side of your headlight cover and then just insert the new bulbs that have a rubber grommet to keep moisture out over the hole and then mount your ballasts to somewhere nearby- I used velcro (passenger side, behind the head light and driver's side onto the battery). Anyway, they work great- I didn't even upgrade to 55watts and it's much brighter now!! They look sort of fluorescent but much brighter and I have had none burn out (by the way- a life time warranty!). Check out the bulb color carefully- I stayed with as white as I could get- of course you could go towards the blue spectrum if you want but I found that they look cheesy, especially on a Volvo (personal taste).