Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Hey all, recently became a JK owner and loving it.
However on my way into work this morning driving in white out conditions I lost sight of the road due to snow build-up on the headlights.
It seams that the recessed lights allow snow to collect around them and fill in covering the lens.
Anybody else had this problem?
It could have been the fact that the snow was wet and slushy but that's living on the west coast.
I plan to upgrade the bulbs in the next couple of days to Sylvania ZXE. Maybe having brighter bulbs will help.
Suggestions?

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Dave,

When driving in wet snow, this will happen since they are recessed.
I know it sounds odd that it accumulated while driving but can happen given the lip that protrudes. I've never driven on the west coast, let alone during a whiteout but have experienced that here and normally the heat from your headlamps would just melt the snow.

Hope that helps.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Thanks for the reply Denny, ya just part of the design of the front end.
I did get the upgraded bulbs so I'll see if that helps.
Of course now that I've done that probably won't see anymore snow.
If the new bulbs don't do the job I'll probably get aftermarket driving lights and install them.

Later,
Dave

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Dave,

Just be careful as it is not recommend to use bulbs of any higher amperage than you vehicle is equipped with. They could overload the circuits and cause the fuse to open... leaving no head lamps.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Everything is working out just fine. Talked things over with customer service before buying.Very satisfied with the new bulbs, good distance and coverage. Just need to test them in snowy conditions.
Dave

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

We run PIAA Xtreme White Bulbs and Silverstar Ultras, they also work really well. Aiming the headlights properly will increase the efficiency of the headlights.
I find using the factory fogs is very beneficial in snow storm conditions..

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Hi Jeff thanks for the tip. The PIAA were just a bit out of my budget so I went with the ZXE. I was told that they are the next step up from the Ultras so I was content with that and they fit the bill.
I haven't touched the height of the lights from the factory setting. I assume they are OK as nobody high-beams me.
Had the fogs on as well that day but they covered over as well.
I do enjoy the new brights though,glad to have them.
I think it was just a nasty wet snow day that slushed over the entire front end.
It happens when the weather doesn't know if it wants to rain or snow.
Double bad when the highway is a mess(covered in sand,salt,gravel) and missing most reflectors marking the lanes.
OK now I'm just pissing and moaning about our Highway Dept here in B.C.
Thanks again,
Dave

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Are these ZXE's a direct replacement? Lighting in my 2011 is useless, and any dirt or snow build up
makes it so you see further with the fogs!.
topbanana

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

You can get the ZXE in the H13 so it just plugs in. Not sure what the output is like on these but I thought they were a Xenon bulb with that different color to look like HID. They are more for the look https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/produ...rstar-zxe.aspx . I would suggest the Silvania SilverStar Ultras or if you don't mind spending a bit more the PIAA Xtreme Whit Plus.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

I do like the ZXE's but still feel that my headlights need adjustment. They are still factory set. Right now I have no problem seeing a road sign a kilometer down the road but not much road in between. Not bad when there are reflectors along the hwy. but during the winter,dark,wet and covered in sand and gravel there isn't much light getting back to me. I still rely on my fogs to fill in close-ups. Also considering adapting my fogs to stay on when the hi-beams are on. Any advice on that?