The CX-5 is one of the most regular cars in our bay, and the red one in these photos is typical of what comes in: a clean car whose headlights no longer match the rest of it.
Mazda sold the same model with very different headlights depending on the grade. Two CX-5s parked side by side can have halogen in one and HID or LED in the other, so the first thing we do is check which you have.
Most cars in Kenya arrive as used imports that are already several years old. Their headlights have had years of sun before the first Kenyan owner switches them on, which is why lens haze and tired light sources are so common here.
Ask about my Mazda
Model by model
Factory lighting varies by grade and year. This is a guide. We confirm what your car has when we see it or a photo of it.
From the factory
Halogen on lower grades. Bi-xenon HID projectors on higher grades, some with headlights that swivel with the steering. LED on top grades after the 2015 update.
What we suggest
Halogen cars gain the most: a Bi-LED projector gives a low beam with a sharp cut-off and a far stronger high beam. On HID cars we replace the ageing projector with a Bi-LED unit.
From the factory
LED headlights on most grades.
What we suggest
Usually no upgrade needed. Owners come to us for rings, running-light changes or lens care.
From the factory
Halogen on lower grades, HID or LED on higher grades.
What we suggest
The lamp shape suits angel rings well. The white car with RGB rings in our photos is this kind of job. Halogen cars also take a projector.
From the factory
Halogen or bi-xenon at first, LED after the 2015 update.
What we suggest
Projector replacement on HID cars, retrofit on halogen cars, and lens restoration on most.
From the factory
Halogen on most, LED on higher grades.
What we suggest
Compact projector retrofit and LED fog lights.
What goes wrong
These cars are now old enough that the lens coating has worn through. The haze takes the edge off even a good HID system.
Xenon bulbs dim and turn pinkish or purple with age. Owners often replace bulbs and are disappointed, because the projector itself has also dulled.
Many buyers only find out their CX-5 is the halogen grade on the first night drive. A projector upgrade closes that gap.
Fog lamps sit low and take stone damage. We replace them with LED units.
Questions
Switch the low beam on against a wall. Halogen is yellowish and comes on instantly. HID is whiter and takes a few seconds to reach full brightness. Send us a photo of the headlight and we will confirm.
We check which functions your headlights have before starting and tell you what will and will not carry over. Ask us about your specific car.
Yes. RGB kits can be set to white for everyday use and to other colours when you choose.
Send the make, model and year, and whether you want a restoration or an upgrade. You will get a price before any work starts.
