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?

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Aiming your lights is crucial with the factory light housing. They have a very narrow beam at low beam and lifting your Jeep makes it even more apparent. Once you have decent bulbs installed you will see a difference.
As for the foglights, I suggest to leave them as is. Add better distance lights if you need but making the road too bright right infront of the Jeep on high beam will affect your distance vision.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Thanks Jeff

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

I've an idea with the snow build up on the lights, I know that HID Lights don't get as hot and are lower power output. Would possibly there be a really bright Halogen option? I don't know alot about headlights, I don't know these brands that are thrown out there but I know the popular look right now is Bright White Lights.

Also is this a common problem with trail lights? I'd like to get a bumper to replace mine, and wire in trail lights and ditch the fog lights just run them through the same cabling.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Hey Dave,

Im looking to do the same with my fogs and high beams. Have you found anything that might do the trick so that the fog lights stay on with the high beams?

Due to the way the factory fogs are wired in you are best off to add in auxiliary lights to work with your highbeams. Generally it is better to not have the road too bright directly infront of the vehicle on Highbeam as it affects your long distance vision in the dark.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Hey Jeff,

Thanks for the tip. I was looking at throwing this on in April
Smittybilt XRC Light Bar Textured Black SB-76911

Any thought or suggestion of something better?

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Thats a nice light bar. The Rugged Ridge bar is also nice, but a little heavier. Any ideas of whats lights you are getting..?

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

Not a clue what lights i should get. Still new to all of this, have any suggestions for some that wont break my bank account

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

The thing with lights is "buy right, buy once".. Save you money and buy a good set of lights like Lightforce or PIAA and you'll never have to worry about it again. A good set of lights will last longer and have twice the output of cheap lights.

Re: Headlights vs. Snow, 2013 JK Sport Unlimited
 

The new PIAA reflector facing LED lights look very interesting. BTW.