I own a 98 Nissan Maxima SE, and i wanted to change the fog lights. I looked in the manual and there was no size indicated, just the wattage. What size bulb would i need? Answers are greatly appreciated.

 

A lot of people have replaced these bulbs with 85W H3 bulbs with no problems. I've been using Hella 85W Yellowstars for over a year with no problems, big improvement over stock. Also there is an ajustment screw on the back of the fogs, a couple of turns and you can see A LOT more of the road.

 

At the same time, some people have used 85W H3's and have ended up with cracked fog light lenses when cold water or snow hits the lens. The extra heat from the 85W's causes the hot lens to fracture more easily if something cold hits it.

So, if you live in an area where it snows, I would not get 85W H3's.

 

I recently had some help putting in the foglamp kit in my '98 GXE. I put in PIAA SW H3's (55W). The drivers side one already blew out. Do the stock bulbs always blow too. I don't feel like dropping 25 bucks ever time my PIAA blows out.

-Nick

 

my passenger side fog lens cracked last winter....the output of 85 watt is higher but there is danger for sure.

 

Does Slyvania make an H3 55W bulb? Those cost less.

 

When changing a halogen bulb of any type, make sure to clean the bulb glass with rubbing alcohol and a clean lint-free rag. Any dirt or grease (even from your fingers) will form a thermal barrier and cause that portion of the glass to overheat and crack.

I've considered using 85W H3s numerous times...it seems as though some have used them with no problems, while other end up cracking their fog light lenses. I remember reading that Hella makes 55W yellowstars too...but I can't seem to find a vendor.

Finally, on a side note...aiming your foglight up slightly is a BAD idea. Foglight are not made to project light a distance away...they are designed to shed light close to the front and to the sides of the car. If you want more light up ahead, install driving lights. Foglamps should be aimed the same way the headlights are.

 

not the extra heat produced by the bulbs but that the fogs have plastic lenses. I have 85 w Hella YellowStars in my '95 have had no problems with them in winter. The newer fogs are cheaper, IMO, and thus cannot thame the extra heat.

Lovejoy

 

It's a gamble. Some owners have had cracked lenses and others haven't.