**Upgrading Headlights: A Guide to Brighter Vision**

When it comes to upgrading headlights, it's not just a matter of swapping out one bulb for another. Changing the type of headlights can significantly impact the performance and safety of your vehicle. In this article, we'll explore the different options available and provide guidance on how to make an informed decision.

Currently driving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition, you're wondering if it's possible to upgrade your headlights from standard halogen bulbs to something more advanced. While it is possible to make the switch, it's essential to understand that upgrading headlights requires a bit of knowledge and planning. HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights are one option, but they require a separately-powered ballast, which adds complexity to the process.

For those looking for a more significant upgrade, LED headlights have become increasingly popular in recent years. While still halogen bulbs, these upgraded lamps offer improved brightness and whiteness in color temperature. However, it's crucial to note that distance is determined by the reflector or lens in front of the bulb, rather than just making a brighter bulb. In our past tests of upscale bulbs, we found that while they offered a more pleasing color, they didn't significantly improve distance visibility.

If you're considering upgrading your headlights, it's also essential to check the alignment. Some states have inspection programs that verify alignment, and incorrect settings can lead to discomfort for oncoming drivers or even attract unwanted attention. The key is finding the perfect balance between brightness and alignment to achieve optimal performance.

**The Science Behind Headlight Alignment**

Alignment plays a critical role in ensuring proper headlight function. A well-aligned headlight will provide better visibility and safety, while misaligned headlights can cause discomfort for oncoming drivers or even attract unwanted attention. In our testing of various high-end bulbs, we've found that alignment is essential to achieving optimal performance.

When it comes to aligning headlights, it's crucial to strike the right balance between brightness and positioning. If the headlight is too high, it may be considered "high beams" by oncoming drivers, which can cause discomfort or even lead to a fine. On the other hand, if the alignment is too low, visibility may suffer.

**The Most Appropriate Vehicle for Your Needs**

You're currently considering three vehicles that fit within your budget of $35,000: the Subaru BRZ, Mazda Miata MX-5, and Hyundai Veloster N. Each of these cars offers unique characteristics that may appeal to you, but which one is best suited to your needs?

As a 6-foot-tall driver, you're likely to appreciate a car with sufficient thigh support for comfort during long drives. The Hyundai Veloster N stands out for its rev-matching downshift and exceptional exhaust note, making it an exciting drive on twisty roads.

However, as the resident Prius lover here, I must point out that this vehicle may not be the best fit for you, given your height requirements. Nonetheless, we'll continue to explore other options that may meet your needs.

**Exploring Alternative Options**

While the Hyundai Veloster N is an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts, there are other vehicles worth considering. One option is the Mazda Miata MX-5, which offers a more traditional driving experience and a comfortable seating position for taller drivers. However, its smaller size may not provide sufficient space or thigh support.

If you're looking for a car that strikes the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and affordability, we recommend exploring other options in your budget. The market is rich with choices that cater to different preferences and requirements, so don't be afraid to explore and find the best fit for you.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enOur test results are in forthe new 2019 Hyundai Tucson.We discuss that and we alsotalk about new top safety picksfrom the IIHS.We also answer someof your questions,including one about affordablesports cars for taller drivers.That and more thisweek on Talking Cars.Hey, welcome back.I'm Keith Barry.I'm Jennifer Stockburger.And I'm Ryan Pszczolkowski.And we've got a tonto talk about today.The first piece of newsis about crash tests.And it is the newIIHS top safetypicks have been released.So let's talk about that.What's changed this year?Something's different inthe test this year, right?Right.So the IIHS top safety pickand the top safety pick plusare these highlycoveted designationsthat the IIHS givescertain vehicles.And that agency is an insurancecompany-funded agency, right?Right, Insurance Institutefor Highway Safety.And they're privateand they do crash testsand they give these awards.Right.And these awards are, you'll seethem with vehicles advertised.They really like tobe on these lists.And there's a totalof 57 this year.30 top safety pick plusesand 27 top safety picks.So the designations--IIHS ups the ante each yearand it makes their requirementsa little more stringentyear over year.Last year they addedheadlight performance.This year, the upping theante was an improved scorein the passenger-sidesmall overlap crash test.Oh, we talked about this.This is the one where they didthis test on the driver's sideand a bunch of cars passed.And then they said, let'stry the passenger sideand a bunch ofcars failed, right?Right.So it was kind of a balance of--they've been doing thedriver's side small overlap.And this is about aquarter overlap crash.It's like hitting a tree orhitting a telephone pole--Or just side swipinganother car whereit comes almost outside theframe and runs down the side.So they did that onthe passenger side.And they've been doingit, but now they'vesaid you have to be good in thatpassenger-side small overlap.Well they're tryingto keep cars light.So they're looking for anywherethey can trim weight off.Well the good newsis that there are 30,if you count the Impreza Sedanand Impreza Wagon, right?30.It's a lot of good newsfor Subaru, Hyundai, Kia,and Genesis.And the full list ison consumerreports.org.Right.And they'll notethat Forester didn'tmake the top safety pick plus.It was just shy, soit was so interesting.So, definitely worth looking at.Very cool.So I guess there are going tobe some more things that add,too, right?Like a pedestrianautomatic emergency brake?Right.So that's--That's for next year?--they gave us kind of ahint, in their release,of what's coming.And they've begun doingpedestrian detection systems.This would be part of yourautomatic emergency braking,but they recognize pedestrians.And some vehicleshave them already.We'll be testingdifferent scenariosand likely going torate them similarto like they do automaticemergency braking systems now,that basic, advanced, superior.And I'm sure inthe future you willsee some of those requirementseke into the top safety picks.So it's not just aboutprotecting the person who'sin the car now, it'sabout protectingeveryone who's on the road.Right.So that's a neat pointbecause the IIHS top safetypicks traditionally wereall about crash protection.It was just thecrash test scores.Only over the lastfew years have theybeen bringing in more of whatwe do in the crash and buoyancyarea.Yes, this is theinteresting part.It goes hand-in-hand withthe testing that we do,avoidance maneuver, trackhandling, emergency handling.Let's avoid theaccident altogether.These mid-sized smallerSUV are quite nimble.They go through our avoidancemaneuver at great speeds,they're easy to control.The big SUVs-- thebigger is better thingis not necessarily true.If you can avoid theaccident altogether,why do you need to be drivingin Suburban or a big Expeditionor something?Right.And we've said that before.Bigger is better mass-wise interms of surviving a crash,but to your point, youwere saying some stuffabout the handlingand the brakingdistances for the big stuff.Yes.Now that they're doing theautomatic emergency braking,obviously the system hasto sense what's happening,but these smaller SUVs areposting ridiculous stoppingdistances.Ridiculously good?Yes.They're just performing well.It's better than a full-size.Better than athree-row full-size.Even some of thesesporty European SUVsdon't do that wellin avoidance maneuverbecause they're heavier.Their left fronttires are locking up,the stability controlsaren't quite tuned that well.And they're havingtrouble actually gettingthrough the course.These little SUVs,they're like cars.I mean, they scootright through and it's--So the largerones, some of thoseare 300, 400 horsepower,close to 400 horsepower,and they don't have themaneuverability of a CX-3,basically.I mean it's physics.So these smallervehicles are more nimble.And we've alwaysskewed to what Ryansaying, that crashavoidance side of things.Don't get me wrong, this issuper important, the crashprotection.The ability--There can be an accident, right.Right.There's going to becrashes in every car.This is super important.But there's thebalance of the two.And you noted,there is no trucksand large SUVs on this list,despite their popularity.Not because they didn'tdo well, but IIHShasn't rated enough ofthem to make the list.Yes, I heard the Ram,the new Ram was tested,but its headlightsweren't great.And headlights--Yes, not surprising.--that's something that's.Near and dear to you.You do the testing for that.That's so importantbecause if you can't see,it's another part of thatcrash avoidance thing.Right.Another piece ofcrash avoidance that'snow coming into their ratings.Yes.As we're heading towards thedarkest days of the year.I appreciate .Literally tomorrow, I think.Exactly, exactly.All right, so speakingof the small SUVs,we've just tested a new one.And that's the 2019Hyundai Tucson.This is in a reallycompetitive segment.Very, very competitive.You almost feel bad for it.Because it's nota bad car, right?Well it's up against the SubaruForester, the Toyota RAV4,the Honda CR-V. And theTucson is not a bad car,but it was a middleof the road car.Even in just my opinion fromdoing the track testing,it's very capable.It fell short in fuel economy.Yes, I noticed that.So I had it last weekendand I noticed I was shocked.Especially compared tothe rest of the category.Whoa, this is not great.Right.So it has a 2.4 liter init and it's more pleasant.It has more get up and go,a little more responsive,but it's just doesn't getthe fuel economy that shouldin a very competitive group thatmost other manufacturers aredoing pretty well in.And that's what peopleare looking for.I think fuel economy is abig player in that group.Yes, why buy the smallerSUV if you're not gettingsome benefit of that from it?Interior is whatyou would expect.It's pretty basic.The controls are great.Hyundais,simple controls.That's more a Hyundaithing than a Tucson thing,but they do a greatjob with controls.And it did reallywell on the track.It was very secure,easy to drive.It wasn't bad, but fuel economyand it was a little lackluster.And we weigh fuel economy prettyheavily in our score, so--Yes, well it's important,especially in that group.--knocked it down quite a bit.The other thing Inoticed-- this is somethingthat you and I weretalking about--is that dependingupon the road surface,it really had a hard timeisolating certain roadservices.Yes and it seemed to bereally dependent on wherewe drove because you and Iabsolutely experienced it.It was like a roar at highwayspeeds, rough highway surfaces.You and I both said wewere turning the radio upbecause all of asudden the car--it was almost like a resonance,like it got into this--at a certain speed it matchedthe road and had this roar.It didn't happen to everybody.So I would encourage anybodywho's considering the Tucson,maybe do a testdrive of your routeand see if you canget that noise.Or wait until they repave.On the new pavementit sounded great.Smooth roads were great.I'd have to turn the radio down.It was really, really strange.Oh, and the safetyfeatures are standard, too.That's also--Yes, I had that on my notes.Yes, forward collision warning,automatic emergency braking,lane keeping assist,all standard.Lane keep assist,the jury's stillout on its appealand its benefits.But the other two for sure.And then blind spot warning,rear cross traffic warningon all but the base model.So that is huge.That's also the case, though,with the RAV4 and the CR-V.Right.They have to, tocompete, to Ryan's point.I would also say that thatTucson's size is the right--I've talked about having to takemy teenage son and friends backand forth to school.They fit in the Tucson.Don't fit in the Kona,fit in the Tucson.So going any smaller foranybody who has older kidsis too little.Going back to thesafety for a second,I think the safety isprobably that car's high pointwith all the safety features.And then the stabilitycontrol's tuned reallywell for avoidance maneuver.And the braking distances,just regular braking distanceswere very good.And the simple controls hasa safety element to it, yes.Yes.But you're also going to get thesame thing from the Forester.Well, this is whyit's competitive.Yes--Great stuff.--and I drove thosetwo back-to-backand the visibility, Ithought the visibilitywas decent in the Tucson.Then I get in the Forester--The Forester's hard to beat.--it was like a greenhouse.It was unbelievable.It's refreshing.I always say theForester's refreshing.It was incredible.And especially inDecember, it waslike one of those lamps thatgives you daytime light.It's amazing.Vitamin D, vitamin D!Yes.And also, for as good astheir cars are nowadays,Hyundai still always hasthat value proposition thing.So I think, atleast, they're goingto have to put some moneyon the hood of this carto get it to move,compared to-- right?This'll probably be people--To balance out yourgas that you'regoing to have to put in it.Seriously, it's a value thing.All right, sowe're going to moveon to some questionsfrom you folks.So please send them in, bea star, join us on the show,send them intoTalkingCars@icloud.com.We love video questions, too.And we're going tostart with two of them.The first one isabout headlights.So I think we know who'sgoing to answer that one.Hey guys.I love the show andI have a question.I currently drive a2017 Hyundai Elantra,It's the value edition.And I noticed thatyou guys actuallystarted testing headlights.I was wondering if there'sa way that I could upgrademy headlights from theregular halogen bulbsto something thatwould perform better.Thanks for taking my question,I hope to hear from you guyssoon.So what do you think?Yes, so in terms ofupgrading your headlights,it's quite an endeavor tochange the type of headlights.so we've talked aboutthis and he sayshe's got a basehalogen. You couldgo to an HID,high-intensity discharge.That comes with aseparately-powered ballast.It's not just aplug-and-play type thingwhere you're going tochange out the headlight.You need to knowwhat you're doing.And then LED now, which is kindof leapfrogging over the HIDs,that's becomingmuch more prevalent.It's still a whole changein the whole system.So what we havedone in the past isthere is some upgraded bulbs.Still halogen, but you'll hearthese Nighthawk and Silverstar.We have tested them in the past.They will get you a littlebit more brightness,a little more whitenessin the color of the lamp.But you got toremember, the distance,how far ahead youcan see, is dictatedby the reflector, or thelens, in front of the bulb.Either one of those--you're not changing thatby just making a brighter bulb.Right, you're notgetting more distance.You might just get a littlemore pleasing color, whiter--Color temperature, yes.--right.Color temperatureis whiter, bluer.But you're not goingto change the distanceand that's what we found in ourtests of these upscale bulbsin the past.They are a littlemore expensive.Base halogen bulbsare $15 to $25to replace the headlamp bulb.These are a littlebit more money.But you can geta little bit moreout of those premiere bulbs.What about checkingthe alignment on them?Because I've had cars wherethey, all of a sudden Ican't see--Or one's up and one's down.Right.You see that coming atyou, like what the heck.So yes, alignment is important.A lot of state inspectionprograms do check alignment.You can't just tweakthem up, though, too highor you're going to have peopleflashing you thinking you'reon high beams all the time.Or you're going tobe following people--I seem to see thosepeople all over the place.There's a point where theydo have their high beams onand you can flick itat them to remind them.But if you go toohigh, you're goingto really be causingdiscomfort to oncoming drivers.So just make sure thealignment is correct, centered.But you don't wantto just tweak them upto get more distanceout of them.Good info.Cool.So our next questionis from someonewho is 6 feet tall andlooking for a sporty sedan.So I wonder who cananswer that one.I'm in the market right nowfor a car that is fun to drive.I have a few requirements.Of course, fun to drive is themost important of them all.But also, a comfortable drivingposition is important for me.I am 6 feet tall and mostof the vehicles that I trydo not have enoughthigh support.Also, I want to keepit within $35,000.I have three vehicles in mind,Subaru BRZ, the Mazda MiataMX-5, and theHyundai Veloster N.The Veloster N has a couple offeatures that I particularlylike.The rev matching on downshiftand the exhaust note,which is superb.What do you think,in your opinion,would be the most appropriatevehicle for my needs?Am I missing something?Is there anythingelse in the marketthat you feel that I'm missing?I would like to thankyou for the opportunityand I'd like to saythat no one providesthe information thatyou do with the insightthat you do provide.So I want to thankyou for the servicethat you are givingto all of us.Thank you.Well as the residentPrius lover here, I'mgoing to pass on that one.You're not 6 feet tall, I know.Hey, on my licenseI'm taller than I am.You are, yes.I'm a lot thinner, too.What-- so what do you think?So I'm 6' 2\", almost6' 3\" and I canunderstand whathe's getting at bya comfortable drivingmusician and thighsupport in a small sporty car.These are all small sporty cars.So I'll start off with theMiata, Mazda MX-5, is tight.If you're over 6 foot,or even 6 foot or over,I don't think you'regoing to be comfortable.It's super fun to drive.We've all agreed on that.It's a reliable,good little car.But it's just not comfortable.My knees hit the steeringwheel and you're justcrammed in there.Things that we canappreciate, our knees--Yes, that's the benefitsof being shorter.And then the Veloster isawesome, a lot of fun.The one we justtested was great.And that exhaust noteon that car, he's right.Yeah.The G notes.Yeah, and it's agood-looking, fun little car.But again, the driving positionin that, if you're tall,isn't that great.You sit kind of highand steering wheeldoesn't telescope quiteenough, at least for me.Yes, there was a lotof back and forth,I remember, when wetalked about that car.That people of differentshapes and sizeshad totally differentfeelings about it.And that's a big thing.We use different peopleto test these things.And if you're a smalldriver up to a big driver,could be a world of difference.They could love the carand I could hate it.Unfortunately, there'sno changing that.You are who you are.So the Veloster, a lot offun, a good little car, but Idon't fit it that well, again.The BRZ, actually, has agreat driving position.it's very cockpit-like.It's like sitting ina race car, almost,but it's fairly comfortable.And you spend a lotof time in a BRZ.I do.So we're using onefor tire testing.It's actually a Toyota 86,which is the same thing,slightly different suspension.And the trouble with thatcar is it's really buzzy.It's stiff, you're lowto the ground, it's loud,a lot of road noise.It gets tiring after a while.But probably the most fun todrive out of all of these.It doesn't have a ton ofpower, but it's like a go kart.It's so much fun.And the best fit.Yes.I personally, Ilike that car a lot.Oh, it's a lot of fun.It really is, but, youspend an hour in itand your mind's reeling, yeah.But he mentions $35,000.That's a good chunk of money.I'd go buy a GTI.GTI, the Germans alwaysgive you a lot of room.It's a nice interior, it'sa nicer car, it's quieter.It's faster than a BRZ.It's more practical.It's way more practical.And you can get one for $35,000.Most of the cars arewell under $35,000.And it's still gota good turbo sound.it's pretty fun.Yes, so that's a great car.That's where I would go.But of the three, I would saythe BRZ is the best seatingposition that he picked.I would step outsideof that and buy a GTI.And either way, you've got afun day going to test drives.Go drive then all, Paul.Go sit in them.Just because we're similarheight, doesn't mean--we could be differenly-shaped.I have a long torso.Everybody is different.All right.So our next question, I actuallydon't have in front of me.Did anyone print it out?All right our final questionis from Mary Ann in Boston, whohas a question about hybrids.So I wonder who is goingto take this question.Mary Ann tells us that she lovesus, she thinks we're great.And that the lease isrunning up on her CR-Vand she's looking at a2019 RAV4, so the new RAV4.But she only drives 6,000to 8,000 miles a year.Aside from theenvironmental benefits,is there a financialadvantage to getting a hybrid,despite not driving that much?We're leaving that with you.Yes, the short answeris pretty much no.So the EPA numbers aren'tout yet for the RAV4 Hybrid.We haven't done fuel economytesting in either one.So I can't give youan exact number, here.But I ran some numbers onsome comparable cars, the 2018and other hybrids compared.It almost never makespure financial sensewith gas at theprice that it is now.If you're talking alease, I'll divide it up.It's tens of dollars amonth that you're saving.Now that does go up, themore city driving you do.And also having commutedin Boston, Mary Ann,I know what it's like.You're probably going tobe stuck in traffic a lotand you're going to bedoing that stop and go.And that's wherethe hybrid excels.But purelyfinancially, it's, justas far as gas isconcerned, you'renot going to be comingout ahead, probably.And sometimes we'll throw insome incentives on a hybrid.There aren't any tax benefitsfor buying a Toyota hybridanymore.Those have expired.And she's not buying, she'sleasing so maybe less so.But there may be some benefitsas far as with the lease,they sometimes put a littleextra money on the car,an incentive to get it to move.So you may actually be ableto get a better-equipped car.I remember with the Priusand the Prius Prime, whichis the plug-in, you could get abetter deal on the Prius Primethan you could geton the regular Prius,even though it was moreexpensive and better equipment.And the same thing with theAccord Hybrid and the Accord.You'll see thoseclose to each other.So I would say, youwant to save some moneyif fuel prices do go up.Try and negotiate anduse that as a tactic.Say, I really want the hybrid,but I want to get it closer--Right, to make itworth my while.Exactly.So when you go in andnegotiate just let them know.So that's what I'd do.Would you check me on that?The other thing I would say--Mary Ann points out theenvironmental benefit--I also find the hybrids, thequiet of them, very, very nice.And that instantpunch off the line.So those are outsideof the environmental,but there are somenice driving features.The quiet and theacceleration of hybrids.Toyota hybrid system'salways been great.So I can't imagine this--Right, that I appreciatebeyond the environmental.--would fall down.And we drove both of them.We rented both of themand had a little timein both and generally--Oh they're nice, very nice.They're really good.Yes, it's not a penaltyat all to drive a hybrid.In fact, it's even--In the city I wouldprefer it, I think.Yes.Yes.So for sure driveboth, Mary Ann,and negotiate, to Keith's point.Exactly.It's not like it's goingto be a $10,000 differencebetween them.You'll probably beable to get it there.So awesome, great.So thank you for your questions.We'd love some more.TalkingCars@icloud.com.Send them to us, sendus your video questionsand you can appear alongsidethis illustrious group.Thanks so much.We'll see you soon.\n"