Never to soon for getting ready for the winter season!!

[erik]

Just thought I'd remind some of you out there that Colorado has a long winter season. Although it can be very nice a large part of the time; the roads still can be very icy at night or your vision, traction (braking power) and other conditions can be an issue even during broad daylight from time to time.
Check all of your lights, and other regular maintenance, then check for ideas on sharpening your aptitude for driving conditions and better than average car performance like a good set of winter tires for an example.
There are many web sites out there for you to learn about how to prep you and your car to be more reliable for the winter and if you are looking into tires. Tire technology is improving almost every year and if you are one that needs a new set of shoes for your car, beat the mad rush at your nearby tire place and get'em soon!
For a start on how to prepare, try these sites out.
http://www.safety-council.org/info/traffic/winter-car.html

http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/Topics/winter/Wintere.htm

For now, safe driving and be aware of your surroundings at all times while behind the wheel. Best seasons wishes!
Erik

[erik]

I had gone to Pep Boys last night and found some very expensive Halogen 12V bulbs for my regular beam headlights.
Last year I purchased some other brand at Napa that were a cool blue and boasted to be brighter than the regular Halogens that one would usually put in the car, for the regular beam. $12@. They did project a much better "white/Blue" beam as opposed to a yellow beam : I noticed only a slight improvement on brightness. (yet annother picture gallery I can make if I had a web site)
So when I noted these Sylvania super white bulbs (4000K-4200K) at Pep Boys, I thought they MIGHT give a better projection. So I noticed an opend, but taped up, package and asked the store manager if I could test them out. He agreed and I dropped that one in and went to the back of the store where it was dark and compared them. ... Well, I didn't notice an improvement worth the 25bux a piece they were going for. I didn't even notice MUCH of an improvement at all to say the least.
I know it wasn't total darkness in the back of the store but close. I tried different angles and shined them on a brick wall too.
So all I have to say is, if you are interested in something else they look good in the car and would be a step up from the factory bulbs (OE replacement) but if you have some other brand that is comparing to be better than the OE style, then it might not be worth it otherwise.
erik - any other input for better bulbs or other options for a higher level of brightness is welcomed for reply.