If you're still rocking the original 2006 subaru wrx headlights in your car, there's quite a good chance they aren't looking quite as razor-sharp as they did back in the mid-2000s. The "Hawkeye" period is arguably among the best-looking generations Subaru ever produced, but those massive, capturing light housings are susceptible to a few common problems that can make your otherwise clean Subie look the bit tired. Whether or not you're dealing with the dreaded yellowish oxidation or you're just tired of feeling like you're driving by candlelight at night, improving or restoring your setup is a single of the most rewarding weekend projects you can consider on.
Coping with the Infamous Yellow Haze
It's almost difficult to find a set of 2006 subaru wrx headlights nowadays that will haven't began to turn a funky shade of yellow. Subaru used a polycarbonate plastic for the lenses, and while it's tough, the ULTRAVIOLET coating eventually gives up the cat after years associated with sitting under the sun. This starts being a minor fog and eventually transforms into a crusty, opaque mess that will doesn't just appear bad—it's actually harmful because it kills your light output.
If your own are simply starting to cloud over, a person can usually escape with a decent restoration kit. The key here isn't just the sanding; it's the sealant. I've seen plenty of guys invest hours sanding their particular headlights right down to a crystal-clear finish just to have them turn yellow once again 3 months later due to the fact they forgot to apply an UV-resistant clear coat. When you're going in order to get it done, do this right. Use the multi-stage sanding process, polish them until they shine, and then hit them with a top quality ceramic coating or even a dedicated headlight very clear spray.
The Struggle with Manufacturing plant Lighting Output
Let's be truthful: the stock lighting around the 2006 WRX wasn't exactly innovative even if it was new. The bottom versions came with standard halogen projectors, which were okay for the particular time but experience incredibly dim in comparison to the modern LED setups on newer cars. If you have the Limited trim or an STI, you got the particular factory HID (High-Intensity Discharge) setup, which is far better, but even those lights lose their "punch" as they age group.
If you're looking to improve that which you can observe on a dark backroad, simply changing in a better bulb can create a world associated with difference. For the particular halogen guys, snagging a high-performance H7 bulb is the particular easiest path. Nevertheless, a lot associated with people are enticed to just slap a cheap LED kit into the factory 2006 subaru wrx headlights . Whilst it's tempting because of the "cool white" look, you have to become careful. LED chips have to be aligned properly with the focal point of the projected lens, or you'll end up with a beam pattern that's scattered all over the place, blinding oncoming traffic while leaving dark spots on the road best in front associated with you.
The "Baked" Headlight Mod
In case you spend any time within the old Subaru discussion boards, you've probably heard people talking regarding "baking" their headlights. It sounds terrifying in order to a first-timer—putting your expensive 2006 subaru wrx headlights straight into the kitchen oven—but it's actually the gold standard for customizing these housings. The goal is to soften the butyl rubber sealant so that you can pull the obvious lens away from the back housing.
Why would you do this? Mostly for the "Joe P" mod or even the "blackout" appearance. The internal chromium bezel of the Hawkeye lights is huge . Painting that will inner housing the matte or gloss black completely changes the aggressive look from the front finish. While you've obtained them open, it's also the perfect time to install "C-lights" or halo rings. It offers the particular car a much more modern, high-end feel without having to invest $600+ on the collection of pre-built aftermarket lights. Just make sure you get a refreshing roll of butyl tape to reseal them, or you'll be coping with condensation every time this rains.
Choosing Aftermarket Replacements
Sometimes, the initial 2006 subaru wrx headlights are just too far long gone. If the inner reflectors are burned up or the plastic material is cracked, repair isn't going to save them. This particular is where the particular aftermarket comes in. You've probably noticed the options from brands like Spec-D, Spyder, or Akkon. They usually come with built-in LEDs, blacked-out internals, and sometimes even continuous turn signals.
The catch with aftermarket lights is usually the build quality. They look amazing out of the box, yet the seals could be hit or miss. A pro tip if you go this particular route: run the thin bead of clear silicone close to the edge where the lens meets the particular housing before you install them. It's an inexpensive insurance plan against moisture. Furthermore, keep in brain that many automotive aftermarket sets use various bulb sizes compared to the factory ones, so check the particular specs before a person try to exchange over your elegant high-output bulbs.
Tips for a Smooth Installation
Swapping your 2006 subaru wrx headlights isn't hard, but it is the bit of the procedure. Unlike some old cars where one can simply pop the hood and pull a few clips, the Hawkeye requires you to drop the front bumper. It seems like a headache, but it's really just a few of 10mm bolts and those irritating plastic push-clips that Subaru loves a lot.
If your own car is a northern car that's seen a few winters, be prepared with regard to some of those clips in order to snap. It's the good idea in order to buy a bag associated with replacement bumper clips before you start the work. Once the bumper is sagging or off, the headlights are held in by three or even four bolts. When you're putting every thing back together, don't forget to target your lights. There's a gear on the back of the particular housing that allows you adjust the vertical aim. Recreation area on a level surface about twenty five feet from the wall and create sure your cut-off line is simply below the height associated with your actual headlights so you aren't "that guy" blinding everyone in the particular rearview mirror.
Keeping Them Crystal Clear
As soon as you've either refurbished your 2006 subaru wrx headlights or shelled out the cash for new types, you definitely don't want to do it again in two years. Servicing is pretty easy but often neglected. Any time you wax your car, wax your headlights too. Most modern waxes and sealants have UV inhibitors that perform like sunscreen for the plastic.
When you actually want to proceed the extra kilometer, look into PPF (Paint Protection Film) intended for the lenses. It's a clear, solid vinyl that takes the brunt from the road debris and sun damage. It's much cheaper to replace some yellowed film every 5 years than this is to sand down your lens or buy brand-new housings.
Final Thoughts around the Hawkeye Face
From the end associated with the day, your own 2006 subaru wrx headlights are the "eyes" associated with the car. They will define that iconic Hawkeye stare. Regardless of whether you decide in order to go the OEM+ route by painting like a pro the housings black, upgrade to high-end HIDs, or simply provide them a good polish, it's one particular of those mods that pays intended for itself in both style and protection. There's just something incredibly satisfying about seeing a clean WRX with crystal-clear lights—it the actual whole car look ten years younger. Therefore, grab some equipment, maybe clear out there the oven, and give those headlights the attention they deserve. Your night time vision (and the car's curb appeal) will thank you.