Headlight Bulbs Blown

[pqsqac]

I just had both of my PIAA H7 55 Watt bulbs blow on the same day. Some back ground I switched to the PIAA bulbs probably in August of last year and run pretty much high beam during the day. I was catching a burning smell every once in a while over the past few weeks but could never pin point the source. After the left bulb blew this morning I pulled the right and it was still working but was ready to go at any minute. I thought at first I would find the dreaded burnt up wiring harness but both strings look fine just the bulbs are toast. Not sure if running in HB all the time builds up too much in that sealed off area of the head lamp housing or not, I guess that’s up for debate. I’m picking up two stock bulbs from the dealer today for $14.00 apiece. They want $45.00 for one PIAA, I don’t think so. I purchased my first set of PIAA bulbs from Amazon and paid that much for two.

 

[hANNAbONE]

...probably running the highs all day create diminished longevity of life for the bulbs due to heat.

might wanna reconsider that...

 

[HoebSTer]

remember the H7 is a single filament, and the temp stays the same. the motor actuator changes the beam position inside the headlight assembly. So, the headlight is running all of the time regardless if high or low beam.
The PIAA night vision or somethign like that is supposed to be longer life bulb designed for more vibrations.

 

[Cerenkov]

Philips makes the x-treme vision. It is a long-life higher-output halogen bulb. They are expensive, but worth it.

I have them in my VW and my Triumph. They are regarded as the highest output halogen bulb you can buy. (at 55watts without loss of life)

You want a bulb without any coatings. Any coating will reduce output, Ann's in some cases reduce life.

PIAA isn't what they used to be and the longevity of their bulbs is poor. I believe they're all coated bulbs as well. Get Philips X-treme Visions or Vision+'s, you won't be disappointed.

Edit: Philips X-treme vision is the bulb I was talking about, had the name wrong, Osram makes the Night Breaker as well.

 

[pqsqac]

After reading the comments I'm guessing the PIAA just didn't stand up to the heat, no pun intended, well maybe a little. Anyway the PIAA was coated with a blue tip so that probably didn't help. I picked up Honda H7 bulbs made in Germany from the dealer for 21.00 a piece yesterday but I will check out the Philips bulb. Thanks for heads the up.


I just checked Amazon they have the Vision for 45.99 for two about what I paid for the PIAA.

 

[Bigbore4]

FWIW I get standard H7's or H4's for that mater at the local auto parts store for under 10 bux each.

Save the big bux upgrade bulbs.

 

[pqsqac]

Yeah I knew I was going to get hit hard with dealer prices but I was in a pinch. The bulbs blew on the way to work and the dealer was the closest place at the time.

FWIW I get standard H7's or H4's for that mater at the local auto parts store for under 10 bux each.

Save the big bux upgrade bulbs.

 

[Bigbore4]

Yeah I knew I was going to get hit hard with dealer prices but I was in a pinch. The bulbs blew on the way to work and the dealer was the closest place at the time.

I have no issue supporting my dealer, but not for that kind of stuff, except in a case like yours where you're stuck. I would have bought just one, but then I am the cheapest dude on the forum.

 

[sail2xxs]

FWIW or future reference, I ordered Osram Nightbreaker Plus H7 bulbs from http://www.powerbulbs.com/us before realizing that my right headlight bulb was out because of the wiring harness issue. I've ordered from them before; pricing and delivery timing have always been very good.

Chris

 

[Cerenkov]

FWIW or future reference, I ordered Osram Nightbreaker Plus H7 bulbs from http://www.powerbulbs.com/us before realizing that my right headlight bulb was out because of the wiring harness issue. I've ordered from them before; pricing and delivery timing have always been very good.

Chris

+1 to powerbulbs.com I didn't want to mention them in my post so as to not come off as advertisey, but they sell out of Europe, which is exactly what you want since Philips X-Treme Visions come in two versions, European and American, with the American bulbs being coated and the European bulbs being uncoated.

Coating on the tip isn't a big deal, it's the coating on the whole bulb you want to stay away from. ::008::