Replace Headlight Bulbs Once a Year?

cdepuydt · Nov 2, 2008

I went over to my local Honda dealership yesterday to get a couple headlight bulbs. The dim burned out on the passenger side, I needed to replace it, so I bought two because...since I was gonna replace one, I wanted to replace them both at the same time.

Anyway, I was talking with the parts service manager, as he asked me if I "only wanted two headlight bulbs". I said, "Well, yeah, I only have two headlights'. He said, "Well, Honda recommends that people replace their headlight bulbs once a year, to keep the headlights working at their optimum level...plus, it's a good idea, because the leads get corroded, and you have heck of a time getting the bulb out of there, if it does burn out". I told him two were enough, paid, and left.

I started thinking...in all the years of owning different vehicles, I have never heard that you should replace headlights once a year. I have heard that if you replace one, you should replace both of them at the same time, but never thought of headlight bulbs as a regular maintenance item.

Has anybody else heard this, is this part of your annual maintenance, or is the service manager just trying to pad his bottom line, by selling more parts?

speedlever · Nov 2, 2008

Never heard that before.

In my recently deceased 10 year old Toyota truck, I never replaced a headlight or taillight. They never broke, which I found remarkable.

k757 · Nov 2, 2008

cdepuydt said:
is the service manager just trying to pad his bottom line, by selling more parts?

There it is!

rakapur · Nov 2, 2008

"money money money MONEY!!!!!" this is whats going through everyones head that works at a car dealership

Striper4 · Nov 28, 2009

Totally agree the statement above !!

roakey · Nov 2, 2008

Did he try and sell you any halogen fluid along with thise new bulbs?

Roak

cdepuydt · Nov 2, 2008

No, but he said my piston return springs might be bad.

OK...I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. Like I said, I had never heard of something like this before, and wanted to make I wasn't missing some sort of Honda maintenance regime....

Andy-Montreal · Nov 2, 2008

Taking into consideration that your vehicle will go thru standard scheduled maintenance visits, the old southern adage goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!".

John32070 · Nov 2, 2008

My parent's 05 Malibu Maxx needed both front and rear turn signal bulbs replaced a few weeks back (on the same side). I hear how the aftermarket headlight bulbs only last about a year but this is the first I've seen posted here how one of the factory bulbs has burnt out in a year's time.

shovelhd · Nov 2, 2008

Honda greases the headlight connectors at the factory. There's no reason for the connections to get corroded unless you regularly drive underwater.

ChrisM · Nov 3, 2008

So thats what is causing my problem. The salesman told me that they call the Ridgeline a SUT.

I thought that SUT was an acronym for submersible underwater truck.

ROTORRAY · Nov 3, 2008

On your next visit he'll probably want to convince you to lubricat your exhaust bearings, or even replace them if they show signs of overheating. Also watch out for the necessary replacement of the rear-bore rounding ring. A necessary part, for sure, but I understand the factory unit is a "lifetime" unit with no replacement ever necessary.

wrenrj1 · Nov 3, 2008

cdepuydt said:
Anyway, I was talking with the parts service manager, as he asked me if I "only wanted two headlight bulbs". I said, "Well, yeah, I only have two headlights'. He said, "Well, Honda recommends that people replace their headlight bulbs once a year, to keep the headlights working at their optimum level.

If you want one as a spare till the other goes out, then it would be a good idea. I've never had a headlight go out on a new vehicle, probably because I don't tend to drive at night however I leave my RL's lights on 24/7. I look at this like my local dealership's recommendation that I change my oil at 3750 miles as they use semi-synthetic now, and not follow the MM. There's also a post about windshield wipers etc.

Just as for the documentation from Honda. I think you are going to the same dealership I am...

cdepuydt · Nov 14, 2008

Just a little follow-up on the replacement of the headlight bulbs on my RL:

After replacing the bulbs I noticed a marked improvement in visability with the new bulbs. The light was much whiter, as the old bulbs were getting a yellow tint to them, but I didn't notice because it was a gradual thing.

Anyway, long story short, while this may not be a once a year maintenance item, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea for everyone to replace their bulbs once every couple years or so. For $22 it's a cheap for the piece of mind knowing your headlights are working at their best.

My .02.

zepman881qyk · Nov 14, 2008

During the game last night I saw a commercial for Sylvania headlight bulbs stating that the bulbs dim over time. I guess that makes sense. Their packaging actually holds two bulbs (in one package). I'd only replace blown bulbs as they go. I wouldn't do the driver's side too if the passenger side went out and I work at a dealership (Honda). If it ain't broke don't try to fix it right? I will replace them both if they seem to getting dimmer, but I havent noticed that yet.

arteegee · Nov 14, 2008

zepman881qyk said:
I guess that makes sense. Their packaging actually holds two bulbs (in one package). I'd only replace blown bulbs as they go. I wouldn't do the driver's side too if the passenger side went out and I work at a dealership (Honda).

To each his own.

cdepuydt · Nov 14, 2008

Also, I just happen to be over at a Checker Auto Parts Store over my lunch today, and they have a deal where if you bring in two headlight bulbs (burnt out or not), and buy 2 Silverstar bulbs, you'll get $20 off the retail price of the Silverstar bulbs. The Silverstart bulbs normally run for around $50 a set.

So, for $8 more than the OEM replacements, you can get a pair of Silverstar bulbs. I mention this because somebody said they wanted to try the Silverstar bulbs, but they were way too expensive. This deal might get the price of them into their wheelhouse.

Dang, I wish I would have seen this deal before I purchased the OEM bulbs...I wanted to try the Silverstar bulbs...

k757 · Nov 14, 2008

cdepuydt said:
Also, I just happen to be over at a Checker Auto Parts Store over my lunch today, and they have a deal where if you bring in two headlight bulbs (burnt out or not), and buy 2 Silverstar bulbs, you'll get $20 off the retail price of the Silverstar bulbs. The Silverstart bulbs normally run for around $50 a set.

So, for $8 more than the OEM replacements, you can get a pair of Silverstar bulbs. I mention this because somebody said they wanted to try the Silverstar bulbs, but they were way too expensive. This deal might get the price of them into their wheelhouse.

Or get them on eBay. I usually bought them on eBay (but once, Amazon had some crazy special). A pair can usually be had for ~$20-$25. The best "deal" I have gotten there is 3 individual packages for $18 shipped and the worst "deal" was a pair for $28 shipped (cause I was in dire need). One thing to note, you should carry an extra set with you, or at least one extra bulb, so when it burns out, you have it with you if the police decide to pull you over to tell you about it.

TexnNC · Nov 15, 2008

I worked for Acura from 90 to 95. Didn't ever hear about replacing bulbs once a year. Worked for Saturn for 4 years and just about every brake light bulb would go bad on them within a year!

arteegee · Nov 15, 2008

TexnNC said:
Worked for Saturn for 4 years and just about every brake light bulb would go bad on them within a year!

Ever noticed how many new GM vehicles have at least 1 bulb burned out? Wonder who makes their bulbs?

GeNeRaL · Nov 15, 2008

It may sound crazy to some, but make sure your fingers don't come into contact with the bulbs themselves. the oils from your skin will decrease the life of the new bulb.

Jet Pack · Nov 15, 2008

I've heard of changing bulbs once a year long ago. I never really saw a diference in brightness from a new bulb to the old one on the other side of the car. If anyone is interested I found a couple short videos from a car show about headlights. Hope the links work.

http://drivingtv.canada.com/?x=http...e/current/drive_all&overridePlaylistId=3d636a6d0246c73daa0d78b26476390a4d246988

When the page loads, on the right side scoll down till you see the epesode on "Brighter headlights" the other is caled "Better visibility"

cdepuydt · Jan 7, 2009

OK...I ordered the Silverstar Ultras and was finally able to install them over the holiday break. Long story short, I like them. I like the whiter light. I dunno if the brights are that much better, as I have been driving around town, and haven't had a chance to use them on a dark highway yet...but I really think the dims are a %100 better. In side to side coverage, I can see the road in front of my RL much better and the amount of light that goes off to the right into the ditch is a lot more than the OEM bulbs.

Also, I was on Amazon.com the other night and, just for the heck of it, I put in a search for the Silverstar Ultras...and you can get them even cheaper now. There was one set for $28.99 and you can still get the $10 rebate. So, for $3 less than OEM replacements you can get Silverstar Ultras for your vehicle. Good bulbs at a great price, IMHO. I'm thinking about buying another set for a backup set.

k757 · Jan 7, 2009

cdepuydt said:
Also, I was on Amazon.com the other night and, just for the heck of it, I put in a search for the Silverstar Ultras...and you can get them even cheaper now. There was one set for $28.99 and you can still get the $10 rebate. So, for $3 less than OEM replacements you can get Silverstar Ultras for your vehicle. Good bulbs at a great price, IMHO. I'm thinking about buying another set for a backup set.

don't forget about eBay. I recently got two sets of Ultras from the same seller for $41 shipped. gotta have a backup pair in the glovebox.

kwoodman · Jan 7, 2009

After using the Silverstars, I decided not to go the same route.
They had good light, but only lasted a year.
Bought the Philips Extreme. Even brighter than the Silverstars.
We'll see how long they last.

shovelhd · Jan 7, 2009

I got 18 months out of my last set of Extreme Power Plus.

wrenrj1 · Jan 8, 2009

Not to hijack this thread, but our dell projector bulb went out today. Luckily we had a replacement bulb tucked away that only those with institutional knowledge knew where it was, here's Dell's website sales pitch as I looked to order a spare...It makes the RL's replacement headlights look like chump change...

"You never know when your projector's lamp might fail, so it is smart to carry a back-up on business trips or keep a spare one at the presentation facility. This replacement lamp from Dell™ is a life-saver, in case ...Starting Price $349.99"

At least the RL has two headlights to get you home. A burned out projector bulb can cost you big bucks!

shovelhd · Jan 8, 2009

Those bulbs are quickly becoming things of the past, being replaced by LEDs.

RkyMntHigh · Jan 8, 2009

I liked using my Silverstars (non ultra)in my Pilot but found that every six months or so the passengers side would go out. Luckly the Walmart by my house is 24hrs and always has them in stock. I will see if it does the same thing on the RL. If so I might switch to the Nighthawks or to the Extreams. There was apost stating that only the nighthawks proved to give better visablility by CR. I don't think this is true. In every day driving the Silverstars are far better than the OEMs (JMHO). I drive down a very dark and winding mountain road when I go home from work and I need to see all that I can because bears, turkeys, deer, and foxes pop out all the time. I think upgrading your lights is the best mod you can do. But everyone is right you need a back up set in your glovebox or have a local walmart that cares them close by.

Cajun Country Ridgeline · Jan 8, 2009

i have had my ultra's now since july andthey worked really well for night driving. The light appears to be whiter than the ge nighthawk's. I had those for 18 months before one went out. I couldnot find replacement nighthawks anywhere. Walmart quite carring them and none of the local autoparts shops, etc. Carried them. I dont know how long the ultra's last but i am very happy with them so far.

SRQRIDGE · Jan 8, 2009

It seems walmart is the best place to buy blubs? Has anyone found a good price on line they can share?

k757 · Jan 8, 2009

yes, eBay and Amazon. I recently paid $41 (eBay, $18/pair + $5 shipping) for two sets of Ultras. I say that's a pretty good deal. They actually arrived today! woo hoo!

RkyMntHigh · Jan 8, 2009

19 dollars on Amazon for just the Standard Silverstars. $28 for the Ultras.

K757: Some say that he has a small moon orbiting his balls, or that he eats hearts of lambs. All we know is, they call him the Stig.

k757 · Jan 9, 2009

RkyMntHigh said:
K757: Some say that he has a small moon orbiting his balls, or that he eats hearts of lambs. All we know is, they call him the Stig.

hahahhahahah

GeNeRaL said:
2. I will spend many a day replacing blown bulbs.

I really don't have anything bad to say about the stock bulbs, although these ultra's are intriguing. I just don't want to keep forking out loot and time replacing them.

many a day? it takes all of a minute on each side of work, and that's if you have never done it before.

seriously, it's nothing to do.

We need to get a CT meet so you can see them in person.... you'll be sold

GeNeRaL · Jan 8, 2009

Nice Stig reference lol

So basically from everything I have read on these bulbs I can conclude two things:

1. They work well and light up nice and wonderfully bright!
2. I will spend many a day replacing blown bulbs.

I really don't have anything bad to say about the stock bulbs, although these ultra's are intriguing. I just don't want to keep forking out loot and time replacing them.

Replace Headlight Bulbs Once a Year?

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