Hi,

I am new to this forum.
My headlight in the 1990 Civic 2-door consists of separate high and low beam units. That means, each piece of headlight consists 1 highbeam and 1 low beam.

Problem is, after a couple of years, the low beam's reflector seems to have "darkened". It is no longer as shiny and crisp as before. The high beam reflector is OK.

1. Am I correct to assume that this darkening of the relfector can reduce light output?

2. What is cause of this darkening?

3. What can I do about it?

4. Will using HID kits make the darkening even worse?

5. I have used normal 100W halogen bulbs before. Could this have been the cause?

Thanks.

You are probably overheating the lamp housing with the 100 W bulbs. The darkening is the deterioration of the aluminized coating and its clear protective coating. Yes, there is less output. HID has less heat, but you may get a poor beam pattern, and you would may be driving an illegal vehicle, as you probably are with the 100s.

Resurfacing is not finanially nor labor defendable. Have a look at http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/hl-upgrades.htm to get some ideas to what alternatives you have.