Headlight Longevity

[Shasta]

Are there any tips or something I can do to increase the life of my headlight bulbs. If I keeping correct count, I think after today this is my 4 set of bulbs since ownership (2007). I always replace both since I'm sure the other is about to go and just keep one for emergency spare. They are not huge bucks but I'd rather spend that $50 on something else.

Is there a reason they don't last that long? Am I buying the wrong bulbs, think I've tried a few but these today were again, H7 Silverstar Ultra's, are these just cheap, there wasn't anything more expensive.

[Perma]

If my bulbs were burning frequently, I'd be weary of wires. A few goons with frequent burnouts switched to HIDs which solved their issues. It appears the problems were within the wires.

I would also be cautious of how they bulbs were installed. Maybe it's just an urban legend, but bare hands on the bulb reduce life.

[Shasta]

I was careful installing, I have a pair of cotton gloves in my kit that I wore as to not get any oils or fingers prints on them. I know there are these grounding kits you can buy, is that what you are referring to wiring, or the harnesses themselves?

Thanks

[00bluees]

short headlight bulb life is a HUGE issue with these cars. most owners experience it. i never had a problem personally. i have upgraded to HID's (with a lifetime warranty) so i dont mind. mine cost $120 shipped to my door a couple years ago (ddmtuning.com) i think they are cheaper now then when i got them.

reading stories on the US boards HID's seem to fix the burnt bulb issue since HID's have there own power supply to the bulbs.

[Shasta]

Does the HID just fit the exact hole of the H7 bulb, and leaves your driving lights non operational right?

[red-i]

you have to disable your daytime running lights in order to use HID bulbs.

yes they are a direct fit.

[Shasta]

Ok thanks.

[Bagman]

I was using Silverstar Ultras for quite some time, and even enjoyed free bulb replacements for the better part of 2 years through Crappy Tire, because the bulbs kept burning out and the ppl at Crappy Tire don't thoroughly enough look at the receipt.

However, the annoyance of replacing bulbs trumps nice fancy light bulbs, so I am now using the 'cheap' standard bulb replacement.

Why do the bulbs burn out so fast with these cars? I suspect wiring/grounding, and then running higher wattage fancy-pants bulbs just exacerbates the problem.

[Keddy]

You could build a simple relay system for the headlights, use upgraded wires and pull power directly from your battery. That would take care of the cheap wiring.

[Laserbluechic]

You could build a simple relay system for the headlights, use upgraded wires and pull power directly from your battery. That would take care of the cheap wiring.

Is there a How-To on that?

[MSpeed]

Hmm, never heard of the headlight issues. I'm on my original set, going on for almost 8 yrs now

[Hacker]

Brighter, higher-powered halogen bulbs typically have shorter life because of the increased current and temperature.

I've replaced 1 headlight bulb in 10 years. I bought the cheapest OEM replacement from Canadian Tire.

Make sure there's no moisture in the lamp housing. Otherwise that will greatly shorten bulb life.

FYI, from Sylvania's website: http://www.sylvania.com/LearnLighting/LearnAutoLighting/FAQs/

Q) How long do the headlights last?
A) The life of any halogen bulb varies based on vehicle type, vehicle voltage, amount of time the bulb is on, road conditions, proper installation, and correct application. The average life of SilverStar® headlights is approximately one year. With our SYLVANIA SilverStar® products, the primary goal is to offer the brightest, whitest light. Research has shown SilverStar® headlights improve driver visibility and reaction time. However, since our SilverStar® headlights are up to 35% brighter and our SilverStar® ULTRA headlights are up to 50% brighter than standard halogen, they may have a shorter life span compared to our other products. We offer a wide variety of products to satisfy customer needs including brightness, durability, color options and increased visibility. We recommend evaluating your headlights annually as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.

J.

[Shasta]

^ Well they are right on the money then, I'm just going to bring back my old set for a new set so I have them when need be.

[CulRidr]

Hmm, never heard of the headlight issues. I'm on my original set, going on for almost 8 yrs now
It's more of a P5 issue VS sedan...

[typhoonk]

Went through three sets in three years.

Finally put in relays for the low beams to get power directly from battery (fused), and haven't had a problem in over 1.5 years.

Always used the GE replacements

[MAZDASPEEDPOWER]

well now i don't feel so cheated. good to know it\s not uncommon and that my bulbs contribute to the issue. HID time.