abc

Yet again, a headlight bulb has blown. MY05 WRX with Osram silver star or similar bulbs. I've had to change them I don't know how many times (well, maybe 4 or 5 times in 3 years) and always change the pair, even though it seems to be the near side one that goes.

Anyone got any thoughts as to why and suggestions how to stop this happening.

Thanks in advance.

Andrew

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

I don't think thats unusual for uprated bulbs.

The uprated ones that I used never lasted even close to a year.

Fitted HIDs and still going strong after 17months and they will last a fair bit longer yet (10 time longer than conventional bulbs)...

Aztec Performance Ltd

iTrader: (234)

Standard lights


HID lights


(Thanks to Granby )

ScoobyNet Group Buy Specials

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

You never give up, do you Bob?

Uprated bulbs produce more light because they are "burning" the filament at a hotter temperature, which makes it more prone to break if it gets a physical, or thermal shock.

I used to have 100W offroad bulbs on a previous Xantia, (before the wife parked it upside down in a field), and all I can say is that I spent time, and money replacing them regularly.........usually the n/s one

Alcazar

abc

Just what I was thinking!

Fair point, and I had wondered this myself, but the bulbs I'm using are still only 50 (or whatever) watt, so they shouldn't be putting out more heat, should they?

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Ah.........you must be using the so-called "uprated" bulbs, then? 50W but produces 80w? Or 50% uprated, etc?

They work by having an even thinner filament, and a different mixture of gases inside, one of which is actually Xenon.

The thinner filament actually gets HOTTER with the same current, (and since Watts = Volts x Amps, the wattage remains the same), and gives out more light, which is the EQUIVALENT of say, a bulb with 50% higher wattage.

However, because of the thinner filament, and higher temperature, these bulbs are even more prone to failure than normal ones of the same quality.

Having said that, I've had a pair of GE Megalight 60% uprated in my car for three years now and both are still fine

Alcazar

abc

Visit Scoobynet and get educated -- Thanks Alcazar!

Anyone else running these "uprated" bulbs had similar problems?

AndyMoody

iTrader: (2)

I used to run Osram Silverstar in my 03 WRX for dip and had to change at least one set each Winter and would find one side would blow within a week of the other. I even kept a spare pair at home knowing I'd need them soon. Now I've gone down the HID route from BOB'5 GB and don't have that problem. The HID's are better and you can fit and forget, fitted LED sidelights too as the photo shows.

Andy.

abc

Cheers for that, Andy.

Granby

iTrader: (5)

Mine did quite well then as i've had 2 sets of Osram bulbs & they both lasted 13 months, as you can see from the pics above i now have HID's which are miles better & should last a lot longer

ps... I think i should start charging BOB'5 for the use of my pics