Notices
Scion xD Aero & Exterior Aero parts and exterior dress items...

Seeking recommendation for replacement headlight bulb

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-11-2011 | 09:28 PM
  #1  
scion_boyo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Default Seeking recommendation for replacement headlight bulb

I have a 2008 xD.

I've been using Sylvania Silverstar replacement bulbs. I like them, but each bulb seems to last about a year, which is pricey, considering the cost of these bulbs.

I'm looking for a bright bulb that is longer lasting than the Silverstars and which does not require any changes to the car (that is: wiring or the headlight housing).

Recommendations?

Thanks!
Old 06-12-2011 | 02:29 AM
  #2  
Zed's Avatar
Zed
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 117
From: Exton, PA
Default

I used PIAA extreme white plus bulbs. they are also pricey, but they lasted more than a year. i don't know the exact life on them because i got HIDs and they were still going strong when i pulled them out to put in the HIDs. i could recommend these bulbs.
Old 06-12-2011 | 02:52 AM
  #3  
ramrat's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 75
Default

you must drive a lot at night. I have not had my silverstars burn out yet (installed in 09) but I don't drive much at night.

Another option may be to put the original bulbs in and add fog lights to brighten things up some more.
Old 06-12-2011 | 06:36 AM
  #4  
mengsta's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
Scion Evolution
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,783
From: Milpitas
Default

Our customers have been happy with Halo bulbs in particular. They cost a lot less than PIAA but are still high quality made in Japan bulbs. Of course still plug and play H4 bulb with no wiring or changes. We just sold out of these bulbs in h4, but should have more coming in soon.

As somebody mentioned, HIDs is a great way to go as well, but of course is a minor change.

Halo link: http://stores.mengmotorsports.com/-s...ite/Detail.bok
Old 06-12-2011 | 02:14 PM
  #5  
scion_boyo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Default

HI ramrat -

Thanks for the suggestion. I had not considered fog lights. That's an interesting idea.

BTW, according to this:

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27004

Sylvania says:

"....SilverStar halogen light source [depends/varies] .....have a life span of up to one year ...."

Also, I read that the life expectancy is 150 hrs of use (for low beam), although I didn't save the URL for that citing.

So, if the driver uses the low beams routinely when driving during the say, at 1/2 hr per day they will last about a year. On the other hand, if the driver uses low beam for 1 hr/day (1/2 hr, each way to/from work), they will last about 6 mos.

The first time I replaced these bulbs I thought that perhaps I had bad luck or maybe the bulbs were 'bad'. But after reading the posts that I mentioned above I realized that I am getting exactly the life expectancy that Sylvania claims.

Originally Posted by ramrat
you must drive a lot at night. I have not had my silverstars burn out yet (installed in 09) but I don't drive much at night.

Another option may be to put the original bulbs in and add fog lights to brighten things up some more.
Old 06-12-2011 | 02:17 PM
  #6  
scion_boyo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Default

Semur, what bulbs are you referring to? The Silverstars?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Semur
well, i know some online stores have these bulbs, you can have a try

Last edited by scion_boyo; 06-12-2011 at 02:44 PM.
Old 06-12-2011 | 02:27 PM
  #7  
scion_boyo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Default

Thanks for the reply.

Unless I'm googling poorly, these bulbs list for $50/each and 'street price' is about $35, mail order. Does that sound right? Or, is that the price per pair?

Originally Posted by mengsta
Our customers have been happy with Halo bulbs in particular. They cost a lot less than PIAA but are still high quality made in Japan bulbs. Of course still plug and play H4 bulb with no wiring or changes. We just sold out of these bulbs in h4, but should have more coming in soon.

As somebody mentioned, HIDs is a great way to go as well, but of course is a minor change.

Halo link: http://stores.mengmotorsports.com/-s...ite/Detail.bok

Last edited by scion_boyo; 06-12-2011 at 06:09 PM.
Old 06-12-2011 | 02:53 PM
  #8  
scion_boyo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Default

This web site claims the PIAA Xtreme bulbs last for "1-2 years":

http://www.tunersdepot.com/Lighting/...03--59657.html

I wonder what that translates to in hours, as a prediction....

Originally Posted by Zed
I used PIAA extreme white plus bulbs. they are also pricey, but they lasted more than a year. i don't know the exact life on them because i got HIDs and they were still going strong when i pulled them out to put in the HIDs. i could recommend these bulbs.
Old 06-12-2011 | 03:13 PM
  #9  
Zed's Avatar
Zed
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 117
From: Exton, PA
Default

i do a lot of night driving and i was very happy with them. as for price. i went to my local after market car part store (i actually have one) and i paid 53 after 6% sales tax.
Old 06-13-2011 | 07:58 AM
  #10  
CXTKRS1's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 592
From: Louisiana
Default

35 watt 4300K - 5000K HID kit...
Old 06-13-2011 | 02:50 PM
  #11  
scion_boyo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Default

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Based on what I've here and elsewhere, I believe I will get Xtravision bulbs.
Old 06-14-2011 | 07:32 AM
  #12  
mengsta's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
Scion Evolution
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,783
From: Milpitas
Default

Our Halo bulbs H4 bulbs are sold as a Pair =]. Shipping is also only $5.00. Just for future reference!

Glad to know you decided on bulbs!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
torranosaurus
Scion xB 1st-Gen Aero & Exterior
1
01-28-2015 05:53 AM
scsteven
Scion xB 2nd-Gen Aero & Exterior
3
01-25-2015 02:06 AM
AbsoluteRedtC
PPC: Vehicles
3
12-31-2014 07:18 PM
jjambox
Scion xA/xB 1st-Gen ICE & Interior
2
11-26-2003 09:32 AM
BCS
Scion xA/xB 1st-Gen ICE & Interior
1
10-12-2003 10:52 PM




All times are GMT. The time now is 11:24 PM.