Bright headlights keep burning out

[shane_c]

Does anyone else find that the newer variety of bright headlights burn out really quick. I had tried some Sylvania bulbs (30% brighter than OEM) a while ago and they burnt out in about 6 months. Bought another set and they too lasted about 6 months. So I switched to GE Nighthawk Platinums (90% brighter) and after 3 months the low beam is burnt out on one of them. FWIW, I put on rubber gloves when installing so that I didn't get oil on the bulb. I think I'll save my money from now on and just buy the cheaper ones. They may not be as bright but at least they seem to last for a few years.

[Jimdon]

Originally Posted by shane_c

Does anyone else find that the newer variety of bright headlights burn out really quick. I had tried some Sylvania bulbs (30% brighter than OEM) a while ago and they burnt out in about 6 months. Bought another set and they too lasted about 6 months. So I switched to GE Nighthawk Platinums (90% brighter) and after 3 months the low beam is burnt out on one of them. FWIW, I put on rubber gloves when installing so that I didn't get oil on the bulb. I think I'll save my money from now on and just buy the cheaper ones. They may not be as bright but at least they seem to last for a few years.

If you look on the package some of the brands have a life expectancy chart for different brightnesses, and the brighter you go, the faster they burn out.

[shane_c]

Originally Posted by Jimdon

If you look on the package some of the brands have a life expectancy chart for different brightnesses, and the brighter you go, the faster they burn out.

The GE ones have a 1 year warranty so I would assume they are supposed to last longer than 3 months. I think I'll just return them and get OEM ones and put the extra money back in my pocket.

[worth]

If you have Sylvania Ultras, they come with a 1 year warranty. The guy told me at parts source, if they burn out, bring them back with your receipt and they will be replaced.

[speede5]

What kind of vehicle, how old, any mods to the electrical system? Do you possibly have a voltage regulator issue? Do you drive on gravel (bumpy) roads alot? Don't just use rubber gloves, hold the bulb with clean tissue paper.

By bright are you saying that the hibeam is burning out? the high beam is usually also the daytime running light (regulated). Maybe the daytime running module is faulty.

[Pinner]

Do you alot of time driving in the dark out of the city to justify extra bright headlights?

Most of the people with high performance lights and driving lights don't even leave the city in the dark.

[shane_c]

Originally Posted by speede5

What kind of vehicle, how old, any mods to the electrical system? Do you possibly have a voltage regulator issue? Do you drive on gravel (bumpy) roads alot? Don't just use rubber gloves, hold the bulb with clean tissue paper.

By bright are you saying that the hibeam is burning out? the high beam is usually also the daytime running light (regulated). Maybe the daytime running module is faulty.

I have a 2004 Focus. There are no electrical issues, the OEM lights lasted about 2 years before one of them burnt out. I don't drive on bumpy roads. It's the low beam that keeps burning out. The reason I wanted something a little brighter is because one of the roads I have to drive on is poorly lit at night. Now that the days are longer I don't do much driving in the dark but during the winter it's usually dark when I'm coming home from work and wanted better lights for being on this road.

[FurnaceFace]

Wow, I've had my Subaru for over 10 years and never replaced the lights. One of my foglights is dead but that's due to a crack I'm sure. I guess I don't drive enough.

[Matata]

Here's what you do: Take the lights, throw them in the trash, buy regular ones and stop burning the retinas out of incoming traffic.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by Matata

Here's what you do: Take the lights, throw them in the trash, buy regular ones and stop burning the retinas out of incoming traffic.

Here's a thought: stop staring at my headlights.

I travel long distances, at night, through country where the animals like to wander onto the road. I want to throw as much light down the road as is legally possible, that means HID bulbs.

I buy the SilverStar ULTRA's, they work great and so far seem to last.

[onetwo_threefour]

I've had some of the Silverstar's for well over a year, and my previous set lasted just under 2 years. They seem okay.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by -TC-

I want to throw as much light down the road as is legally possible, that means HID bulbs.

I buy the SilverStar ULTRA's, they work great and so far seem to last.

Sigh. Those aren't HID's. Not even close.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Silverstars burnt out at about 1.5 years for me - promptly stopped using them.

For a while, Costco carried some Phillips Crystalvision bulbs that were "whiter" and I think brighter. While I can't say they were crazy brighter I can definately say they lasted more on part with a normal bulb.