SR71BLACKBIRDXX Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 Wifey has a 2007 Santa Fe. It takes H7 bulbs for high and low beam. The originals lasted close to 50k. It now has @ 75k and I've replaced both high and low beams at least once. I had to replace another one this morning. I know, I know...don't touch glass, check voltage, check corrosion. I'm not using any funky, bright bulbs, or some off brand. Always Philips or Sylvania regular old bulbs. Seems like I'm changing them out every 6 months. Is this acceptable?? I sold my last 3 vehicles with the ORIGINAL bulbs. I have read that leaving the daytime running lights on shortens lifespan. Any thoughts?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBLXX Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 You got married? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR71BLACKBIRDXX Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 Are you high? Wifey, warden, Satan, what's the difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBLXX Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I was about to give you shit for not inviting me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_40 Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 No they should last longer than that. You checked most of what I would have. But I did have one POS Ford that water had made it's way into the headlight. Would get hot turn to vapor then would condense on the bulb. Went throw a few bulbs before I figured out what it was. Cleaned and dryed inside of the light and found a small crack, glued it and it was fine after that. Washboard and rough roads can cut down how long they last if that's commonly driven on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXBirdSlapper Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 No they should last longer than that. You checked most of what I would have. But I did have one POS Ford that water had made it's way into the headlight. Would get hot turn to vapor then would condense on the bulb. Went throw a few bulbs before I figured out what it was. Cleaned and dryed inside of the light and found a small crack, glued it and it was fine after that. Washboard and rough roads can cut down how long they last if that's commonly driven on. New plastic housings are good for awhile and then suck. If you plan on running a vehicle for years this is what you get if they dont seal well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoWhee Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 When you say regular old bulbs, you didn't get silverStar bulbs? They don't last as long as plain bulbs, but they are slightly brighter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR71BLACKBIRDXX Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 No to silverstar. I've used them in the past, and your right. They are brighter, but burn out faster. I checked with her last night, and her OCD confirms that I've changed all 4 at least once, and a couple of them twice. Strange. This is the first time I've had any experience with H7 bulbs. They are held in place similar to our bikes. (That little piece of wire you push in and move to the side) I thought it was a bad way to hold them, but I don't remember changing out bulbs on any of my XX's or VFR's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warp11XX Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 (edited) Just a thought....motorcycle bulbs are mechanically similar/identical to auto bulbs in same part number range but built to a higher spec for vibration and harsh environment survivability. Replace H7 auto with H7 moto if it's worth the extra dollah for extended lifespan maybe....??? Edit: And check your output voltage at high(er) rpm possibly... Edited November 22, 2014 by Warp11XX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted November 24, 2014 Share Posted November 24, 2014 Make sure your headlight housing isn't loose and the spring sits tight on the back of the bulb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVLXX Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 From what I can find... Standard OEM H7 55W bulbs will generally have a rated bulb lifespan of 500 hours. Higher output bulbs, Like the Silverstars, that have slightly different gas chemical make-ups in order to produces a white-r light , have shorter lifespans of around 200 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superhawk996 Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Most of the bulbs in a parts store are Chinese, some may be held to higher standards, but a name brand doesn't guarantee quality. Try whatever the factory ones were or Osram and see what happens. Running them full time will obviously shorten their lives, but shouldn't suddenly be shorter lived than the originals unless the bulbs are crappy or the car is doing something to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianmacza Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 or put an HID kit in and solve the problem properly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR71BLACKBIRDXX Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 I've written down the date for the last one I put in. She is no longer using her DRLs. We'll see if they last any longer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I had replacement bulbs go fast. They were the super-bright kind. At the store, I read the package and found that the brighter the bulb, the shorter the rated life. So I just bought the OEM version rather than the brighter ones that burn out sooner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superhawk996 Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 or put an HID kit in and solve the problem properly If the reflectors work well with them and there's no high beam issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 hid baby, just a couple bucks more $$$ than replacement H7 silverstars adjust properly and ride into the artificial sunlight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR71BLACKBIRDXX Posted December 9, 2014 Author Share Posted December 9, 2014 Sorry, not putting hid in a baby blue Hyundai mommy mobile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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