Very limited visibility on dark roads

[BobHornsby]

We just got a Telluride EX a couple of weeks ago. We hadn't driven it at night on dark roads until last night. It was dangerous in our opinion. The light had a definite line that almost appeared like a dark screen on the windshield. Upon stopping and looking at the headlamps, I discovered that there is some kind of black deflector on the bottom and top of the headlamp bulb. This creates a "border" at the top of the light being shone on the road and surroundings. Normal headlamps allow some light to shine above this artificial border. I find this current lighting dangerous.

 

[jazzyone]

The EX and lower trims have projector lens. These headlights will give you a distinct line in the beam from a shield, when lowered is the low beam and when raised is the high beam.

The standard halogen lights should not be "dangerous". Make sure the light bulbs are seated properly into the socket as a person reported that they were inserted incorrectly from the factory.

 

[BobHornsby]

Do you think an upgrade to SX headlights would help? The visibility is really bad in true darkness and with hills and curves. The black shields on the top and bottom of the headlamp bulbs is the issue.

 

[jazzyone]

If you don't know how to check, you should get the dealer to check to make sure the bulbs are seated properly first.

Those lights will cost thousands new and are not readily available. Also not sure if its a direct retrofit. You can find used/damaged ones from eBay for about $600.00. The much cheaper option is to convert it to HID or LED. You can find different threads discussing those topics.

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[BobHornsby]

So to be clear, you think the HID or LED upgrade would expand the amount of light even though the black shields are there? I’m heading to the dealer in the morning.

 

[jazzyone]

So to be clear, you think the HID or LED upgrade would expand the amount of light even though the black shields are there? I’m heading to the dealer in the morning.

You may be correct, but I haven't notice the "bottom" shield. I just notice the light cutoff on the top. Anyway, lighting is subjective but from the thread, if you want maximum light you'll want to do a HID conversion. If you go with LED, you may need to try several different bulbs until you are satisfied with the results. Search for the threads in this forum to get details.

If you are used to normal headlights, projects will look strange. I actually like the effect. Like I mentioned, they have a distinct cutoff on the top. The right side is typically slightly higher than the left but the line is very sharp.

 

[BobHornsby]

I’m at the dealer now. It seems the lights are functioning “normally” but this is not an acceptable situation for me. My wife won’t drive the car at night. I feel like the dealer should point out that the vehicle has projector lights as it’s so different from reflector style.

 

[regaphysics]

Telluride EX and below failed IIHS tests for headlight illumination, so yeah you aren't alone. They are really bad. I would try and retrofit new HID or LEDs. Kia definitely cheaped out on their lights - even the SX lights are just meh.

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[JonFar111]

We just got a Telluride EX a couple of weeks ago. We hadn't driven it at night on dark roads until last night. It was dangerous in our opinion. The light had a definite line that almost appeared like a dark screen on the windshield. Upon stopping and looking at the headlamps, I discovered that there is some kind of black deflector on the bottom and top of the headlamp bulb. This creates a "border" at the top of the light being shone on the road and surroundings. Normal headlamps allow some light to shine above this artificial border. I find this current lighting dangerous.

Hi Bob. The Telly halogens are horrible. And the headlight cutoff is very severe. I replaced the halogens in my EX with Xenon HIDs (EX HID Xenon headlight replacement) and a made some slight adjustments with headlight alignment, specifically raising the passenger side slightly higher than the driver's side. @YoTellyYo also installed the same DDM kit that I put in.
The amount of light that the HID's put out is INCREDIBLE and I suspect that along with a few height adjustment tweaks you and your wife will be thrilled with nighttime driving again.

 

[jw_tx21]

I’m at the dealer now. It seems the lights are functioning “normally” but this is not an acceptable situation for me. My wife won’t drive the car at night. I feel like the dealer should point out that the vehicle has projector lights as it’s so different from reflector style.

Yes, you need to replace them. See post above for an excellent solution. Aftermarket options are all that's available.

 

[jazzyone]

I’m at the dealer now. It seems the lights are functioning “normally” but this is not an acceptable situation for me. My wife won’t drive the car at night. I feel like the dealer should point out that the vehicle has projector lights as it’s so different from reflector style.

Yes, they are very different. BTW, LEDs also have a sharp cut off. This is from my experience with rental cars. The KT may be different.

Projector style can come in two ways from the factory, incandescent and HID. It was previously used primarily with HIDs but many manufacturers started putting in regular halogen bulbs instead of HID. Now most manufacturers have moved from HIDs to LEDs but the use of halogens remain.

Had HID been installed from the factory, since they did not install LEDs in all trims, I think most people would have been happy. Instead, they chose the cheapest route. It’s strange that they did that since they are touting the virtues of their safety technology that come standard on all trims.

My guess is that the 2021 models will all get LEDs. Unfortunately, you and I will have to go after market. My motivation for changing to LED was to match the DRL. I was ok with the brightness of the halogen.

 

[alexdrums]

Being I am older and don’t have the night vision I used to, If I had an EX I would probably look into just installing a wide light bar in the center, down where the fog lights go on the SX, for those dark roads. This way you wouldn’t have to mess with the halogens, which are probably fine for most city driving.
Those light bars are relatively inexpensive, but the trick would be getting it mounted correctly and having an additional switch installed. You could have a reputable custom shop do the job.
Good Luck

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[alexdrums]

P.S. You can also just buy brighter halogen bulbs at an auto parts store. This might be your first move.

 

[ucinn]

Telluride EX and below failed IIHS tests for headlight illumination, so yeah you aren't alone. They are really bad. I would try and retrofit new HID or LEDs. Kia definitely cheaped out on their lights - even the SX lights are just meh.

These SX lights are the best headlights I've ever had. All other cars including the stinger with LED headlights that are active don't light up the road like these SX ones do. I don't even have to use the brights on these things.

 

[BobHornsby]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Is there any reason the dealer couldn't install SX lights on my EX?

 

[jw_tx21]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. Is there any reason the dealer couldn't install SX lights on my EX?

They cannot be retrofitted to the EX. It is an assembly. That has been mentioned. Just install the HIDs.

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[BobHornsby]

I'm also wondering if upgrading to LED or HID voids any portion of the warranty. And since the HID requires ballasts, how much do you think the installation might be?

 

[eonblue]

These SX lights are the best headlights I've ever had. All other cars including the stinger with LED headlights that are active don't light up the road like these SX ones do. I don't even have to use the brights on these things.

Me too. Im not sure what more you could ask for. They light up the entire road and half the woods out to a 45* angle. The cutoff on the low beams is very distinct but i assume it had to be so as not to blind people..

 

[Gwyn]

I'm also wondering if upgrading to LED or HID voids any portion of the warranty. And since the HID requires ballasts, how much do you think the installation might be?

So, it should not void the warranty as long as it does not cause the problem. I will say that electrical are not something someone should alter with out some care. As for increasing brightness. I will say this, it is unpopular but the truth.

Most 3rd party lights are way brighter then stock, because they are way brighter then stock, they will blind oncoming traffic. Unless the bulb is a direct copy of the original, and designed for the projector, the bulb will create glare for oncoming traffic. Remember upgrading your lamp will need to upgrade your projector. Now most states it is illegal to have excessive glare on your car. Some states like California it is illegal to change your lights. It is a several hundred dollar ticket when you are pulled over.

I understand that you think your headlights are dangerous, but upgrading will not make it safer for you, you are now just blinding oncoming traffic.

So what can you do? There might be 3rd party kits for you. You need to have them professionally installed with a person that as a glare chart. They can upgrade and adjust your lights increase brightness and reduce the glare, but you will always be some glare. This will cost a couple of thousands of dollars. If you are really handy you can do it yourself, but you will need to replace both the lamp and projector.

What every one that tells you to upgrade your headlights will not tell you to have them tested by Department of transportation. In fact, they will be complete crickets on actually have them tested by the state.

Bottomline.

Your cars projector is built for the lamp. It is built for the lamp of that brightness, size, and set at the proper angle/distance. When you change the lamp size, shape, brightness, angle, or distance, you will create a problem. You will need to match the new projector with the new bulb, to make sure you are getting the right light output.

 

[BobHornsby]

So, it should not void the warranty as long as it does not cause the problem. I will say that electrical are not something someone should alter with out some care. As for increasing brightness. I will say this, it is unpopular but the truth.

Most 3rd party lights are way brighter then stock, because they are way brighter then stock, they will blind oncoming traffic. Unless the bulb is a direct copy of the original, and designed for the projector, the bulb will create glare for oncoming traffic. Remember upgrading your lamp will need to upgrade your projector. Now most states it is illegal to have excessive glare on your car. Some states like California it is illegal to change your lights. It is a several hundred dollar ticket when you are pulled over.

I understand that you think your headlights are dangerous, but upgrading will not make it safer for you, you are now just blinding oncoming traffic.

So what can you do? There might be 3rd party kits for you. You need to have them professionally installed with a person that as a glare chart. They can upgrade and adjust your lights increase brightness and reduce the glare, but you will always be some glare. This will cost a couple of thousands of dollars. If you are really handy you can do it yourself, but you will need to replace both the lamp and projector.

What every one that tells you to upgrade your headlights will not tell you to have them tested by Department of transportation. In fact, they will be complete crickets on actually have them tested by the state.

Bottomline.

Your cars projector is built for the lamp. It is built for the lamp of that brightness, size, and set at the proper angle/distance. When you change the lamp size, shape, brightness, angle, or distance, you will create a problem. You will need to match the new projector with the new bulb, to make sure you are getting the right light output.

Thank you