max808

i just borrowed my folks 97' pathfinder and it uses 9004 bulbs just like us. i noticed that the light pattern was much better than our maximas? what's up with that? i wonder why nissan didn't put better lights in the flagship model.

Albertt

Since the Pathfinder's lamps are larger and have a rounder reflector, they have the ability to distribute light more evenly. Even light distribution makes for more usable light. Not all 9004s are created equal. Because Maximas have such short and wide headlamps, we lose out.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

So, it's the headlight housing that's at fault for our light issues, not the 9004 bulb itself. I've always thought that was the case. Still, you can adjust the beam and get a somehwat decent dispersal pattern. I see alot of cars adjusted very badly. Recently I saw an altima and it's beam was real bright 2 feet in front of it. Completely useless . . . . .

DW

Albertt

9004 bulbs are still the worst headlamps bulbs, but what I'm saying is that cars like the Pathfinder who use a more circular reflector, get more out the bulb than car with rectangular reflectors, like Maximas.

BUt, you're right, aiming is important. It's about making the best out of what you have.

Albertt

9004s are the worst because they use transverse filaments, meaning the the filament wind direction in relation to the car is from left to right, instead of fore and aft.