LIGHTING
► Road legal upgrades involve improving the original filament bulb, not changing it, unless you fit replacement lamps. As with any modifications, much depends on what you wish to achieve. Fitting brighter bulbs to compensate for fogged lamp covers, or deteriorated reflectors, are unlikely to deliver a satisfactory improvement and may even contribute to dazzling oncoming motorists. Yet, bulb manufacturers offer a variety of different options, many with baffling marketing names, which tend to offer three primary benefits:
1. Brighter bulb To keep within the mandatory Type Approval requirements, these bulbs can be no more than 10% brighter than a limit set by legislation. They tend not to use more current but contain internal refinements, such as different gases, or a tighter wound filament. Hella told us that providing light where it is needed, rather than indiscriminately, is crucial. The company highlights that its range of Performance +60% or +120% upgraded halogen bulbs, for instance, provides the driver with improved visibility of up to 50 metres.
2. Long-life bulbs If you drive long distances regularly, a particular lamp design encourages frequent bulb failure, or if replacing the bulb involves extensive dismantling, long-life bulbs are an attractive proposition. Some of these bulbs carry very long guarantees of up to 2-3 years. They last longer, because they run cooler and, while performance bulbs can be up to 10% brighter than standard, a long-life bulb can run up to 10% lower. Yet, bulb manufacturers tend to limit this compromise with clever design and materials.
3. Different colours Light colour is another parameter that is dictated by Type Ap
