If you find that your headlight bulbs burn out regularly, then there could be a number of reasons why it is happening and by identifying what is causing the problem, you will save yourself the cost of continually buying replacement bulbs and the hassle of necessity to constantly change them.
Do you use your headlight bulbs for long periods of time?
The typical expected life of a standard halogen headlight bulb is around 350 to 400 hours, so if you drive a lot during long winter nights or even keep your headlights on during the day, the bulbs may only last 2 to 3 months.
It is important to note that if you have installed upgrade xenon bulbs, they will normally only last around 200 hours, because they have in fact been adjusted to improve their light output. For drivers who use their headlight bulbs for long periods of time, you can reduce the time between changes by installing long-life bulbs.
These tougher car bulbs contain heavy duty reinforced components and therefore typically last three times longer than standard halogen bulbs, while offering the same lighting performance as normal halogen bulbs.
Are you touching the glass bulb when you change it?
If you touch the glass section of the headlight bulb with your bare hands, the natural oils in your skin will leave a small residue of grease. Once the halogen bulb is illuminated, this patch of oil will create a hot spot inside the bulb and cause it to fail prematurely. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear latex gloves when installing new halogen bulbs.
Are the bulbs getting wet or experiencing excessive vibrations?
While most of the major light bulb manufacturers used tempered glass in the construction of their headlight bulbs, they are still vulnerable to the effects of thermal shock. This means that if they come into contact with water that has leaked into the headlight unit, the bulb is very likely to be damaged. It is also important to make sure the bulb is installed securely, otherwise the extra jolts and bumps it will be subjected to can damage the filament.
Is the car’s electrical system working properly?
When you install the bulbs, please make sure that the electrical connectors of the lights power cable are firmly attached to the metal connectors at the base of the headlight bulbs, otherwise it is easy to short circuit and burn out the light bulb.
It is also important to verify that the alternator does not overcharge the battery and deliver more voltage than the bulb is designed for. Typically the maximum voltage of a light bulb is around 13.2 volts.
Are you buying good quality headlight bulbs?
While they are cheaper because the bulbs may seem like a good idea, they typically lack the high-quality, precision components that leading manufacturers like Osram and Philips use, and they won’t last as long. High-quality bulbs will be marked with the E1 mark, indicating that they have undergone the most rigorous testing and quality standards.