Quality Bulbs?

Supercell

Can anyone recommend a brand of bulb maker that should last longer than others?

Have been using cheapie Halford bulbs as replacements but they seem to have a shorter life and need replacing a lot more frequently than other manufacturers I've tried.

Given the pain in the ass that is bulb changing (imho) I'd spend a few quid extra on a bulb that lasted longer.

Anyone have recommendations for a brand or type that gives long life before needing replacement?

Max_Damage

I hear General Electric make good bulbs. I use them for my lights, and so far, none have blown yet (they've been in the car for about 3 years now).

fletch

Osrams always seem to do well in the AutoExpress tests

colm_mcm

Second the Osrams.

crosstownk

I use Philips. They usually put an end to the persistent bulb blowing that doggs Saabs and Volvos and other models with daytime driving lights.

Mr.Diagnostic

I will third the Osrams but I have heard that the Phillips ones are good too.

Wishbone Ash

Do the standard motor factors stock different brands? I've never been asked which brand I would like when ordering bulbs - just the wattage. I seem to replace at least one bulb every fortnight!

Alun

I've replaced my standard bulbs with Philips Vision Plus, and as others have said, Osram do a similar bulb which is also rated quite highly. I got mine online from powerbulbs.co.uk, because I couldn't be bothered traipsing round the motor factors. I've had none of the problems some people appear to have had with them blowing more often than 'normal' bulbs to be honest.

Moanin

I normally when I need to replace a bulb I replace with Tungsten from the motor factors.Seem to be okay

ismynametoolong

Some manufacturers can suffer from early bulb failure and in a lot of cases it has been the H 7 type bulb that blows. The H7 has a much smaller foot plate than the older type H4 and depending on headlamp design the H7 can suffer from poor heat dissapation allowing the element to over heat and fail.
From experience i have found the Philips vision plus bulbs to be good but can be hard to find here. If it is a problem that really annoys you you could try a modification that a certain manufacturer introduced which was to solder a length aprox 6" of wire to the foot plate and a small washer at the other end this greatly improves the heat dissapation.

Supercell

Philips Vision Plus or Osrams it is next time!, thanks.

_Kaiser_

colm_mcm wrote:

Second the Osrams.

I tried the Osrams in my Passat but didn't find them as good as the Philips GT150 Power2Night bulbs that I'd had in my Mitsubishi Mirage previously.

I've since gotten a set for the Passat and find them much better... good prices to be found on uk e-bay shops.