Philips LED headlight test

Like all older cars and even some new cars, the Holden Commodore VS originally came with halogen headlight bulbs. While these bulbs have served well over the years, modern LED technology offers significant improvements in brightness, energy efficiency, and durability. Here I’m testing two types of Philips LED headlight bulbs – the Ultinon Access and the Ultinon WeatherVision – installed and tested on the same vehicle.

First Impressions

Both Philips Ultinon Access LED Bulbs and Philips Ultinon WeatherVision LED Bulbs come in a small package that’s easy to order online and have delivered, or pick up at your local retailer. The bulbs themselves have a solid design and seem durable. Included in the package were, of course, the LED bulbs, a detailed installation manual and integrated IEC 60061 compatible base.

Installation Process

Both sets of bulbs feature a plug-and-play installation, designed to be quick and easy - which it is. Here’s a quick overview of the installation steps:

1. Remove the Old Bulbs: The first step is to remove the existing halogen bulbs from the headlight housing. Your car’s workshop manual will detail this process or you may have easy access already (particularly with older cars).
2. Insert the LED Bulbs: Both the Philips Ultinon Access and WeatherVision LED bulbs fit directly into the same slots, thanks to their direct-fit design.
3. Secure the Bulbs: Ensure the bulbs are securely fitted in place - no rattling and no chance of poping out.

The entire process for both sets of bulbs was straightforward and took less than 30 minutes, requiring no additional tools or adapters. Of course, it will depend on your car and how easy taccess to the headlights is.

Performance

Philips Ultinon Access LED Bulbs

The Ultinon Access LED bulbs provide a 6000 Kelvin cool white light, significantly brighter than the original halogen bulbs. The beam pattern was more focused, offering better road coverage and enhanced on-road visibility. These bulbs use advanced LED technology to match the luminous flux (measured in lumens (lm), it indicates how bright a light is) of standard halogen bulbs while improving beam performance and using less energy.

Philips Ultinon WeatherVision LED Bulbs

The WeatherVision LED bulbs project a 3500 K warm white light, mimicking the classic halogen glow but with the brightness of LED. These bulbs provided a more comfortable vision in difficult weather conditions, such as snow and fog, thanks to reduced glare. The beam performance was superior to halogen bulbs, offering better on-road vision and safety with reduced energy consumption.

Compatibility

Both the Ultinon Access and WeatherVision LED bulbs are designed to comply with automotive standards, including EMI standards for electromagnetic interference. During testing, I encountered no issues with flickering or error messages for either set of bulbs. This is not so surprising given the relative simplicity of the Holden Commodore’s electrical system.

Road Test

Night Driving

• Ultinon Access: The cool white light provided by these bulbs significantly improved night driving visibility. The focused beam pattern made it easier to spot obstacles and navigate dark country roads.
• WeatherVision: The warm white light of these bulbs offered a traditional look, which I quite like. They give a more comfortable and less glaring experience, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Weather Conditions

• Ultinon Access: These bulbs appear bright, and provided a consistent performance in various weather conditions, including rain and fog.
• WeatherVision: The reduced glare and warm colour were the best in foggy conditions, particularly on cold, dark mornings.

Energy Efficiency

As with LED bulbs you’d use in your house, both sets of Philips bulbs consume less power compared to halogen while providing better illumination. This efficiency helps to reduce power draw and so the battery does not have to work so hard, which can help extend its lifespan.

Longevity and Warranty

Philips LED bulbs are designed to last up to three times longer than comparable halogen bulbs. Additionally, they come with a 2-year warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship, ensuring peace of mind without the need for any additional registration or documentation.

Overall

Upgrading the headlight bulbs to Philips Ultinon Access and WeatherVision LEDs has proven to be worthwhile. Both sets of bulbs deliver on their promise of improved brightness, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. The Ultinon Access bulbs are ideal for those seeking a modern, cool white light that’s not too bright, while the WeatherVision bulbs offer a classic, warm light.