How To Get the Best Performance Out of New Headlight Bulbs
Your vehicle may be burning through your headlights too quickly, and there are usually numerous reasons for why this is occurring. If you can discover the issue you will be able to save yourself from purchasing replacement bulbs, and thus the need to change them.
The Times You Use Your Headlights Affect their Usage
A halogen light bulb is set to work for 350 to 400 hours. If you have long drives during the winter or at night you may be over using your headlights. If you use your headlights during the day it is also possible that you are using your headlights with more frequency than is normally designed, thus they last two or three months.
Its important to note that if you have fitted upgrade xenon bulbs they will normally last only around 200 hours, because they have been in effect tweaked to improve their light output. For drivers who do use their headlight bulbs for long periods you can reduce the amount of time between changes by fitting long life headlight bulbs.
Heavy duty components for headlights, which last longer than regular halogen bulbs, provide you the same performance as halogen bulbs.
Are You Touching The Glass Bulb When You Change Them?
Headlight bulbs are touchy when it comes to your bare hands because you have oils on them which can be left behind on the glass bulb. This oil will create a hotspot on the halogen bulb where it is illuminated by light. This hotspot then burns more quickly thus a blown bulb. You should wear latex gloves when changing your cars headlight bulbs.
Moisture or Vibration: Are Your Bulbs Affected?
Light bulb creators for vehicles do use a heavier glass when they build headlight bulbs; however there are still some areas where the glass can be more vulnerable. For example thermal shock is when the bulbs meet water, which leaks into the headlight unit, thus ruining the bulb. You do need to make sure the bulb is correctly replaced, and ensuring it is secure and protected from jolts and bumps to avoid damaging the filament.
Is The Car’s Electrical System Working Correctly?
The connectors in the headlight holder are electric. They are the source of power from the battery to the bulb, and these metal connectors need to be properly secured to the base on the headlights. If this does not occur a short circuit or blown bulb will result.
It is also important to check that the alternator is not overcharging the battery and delivering more voltage than the bulb is designed for. Typically the maximum voltage of a bulb is around 13.2 volts.
Are You Buying Good Quality Headlight Bulbs?
Saving money can be important; however buying inexpensive headlight bulbs results in lower quality components. Osram and Philips are two top manufacturers of headlights providing durable and quality materials in their bulbs. You want a quality bulb that has the E1 mark, which shows the rigorous testing and standards they have been through.
To avoid the hassle and expense of needing to replace your headlights too frequently you should aim to always install high quality Car Bulbs. Whilst high quality bulbs may cost a premium you will save in the long run as your Headlight Bulbs will last longer and produce a better light quality.
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