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Sylvania SilverStar lights are pure crap

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by krap22, Apr 5, 2013.

  1. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:08 AM
    #1
    krap22

    krap22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Second time i've had them both burn out on me. First time was 5 months after installing them. This time it was 2 months. I'm going back to get another pair replaced under warranty but this is pure crap.

    I didn't touch the bulbs when installing. The high beams still work. the damn low beam just burns out.

    Anyone have any suggestions for bulbs instead of these?
     
  2. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:10 AM
    #2
    Round II

    Round II Member #12005

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    Weird 8 yrs and only one has shit the bed.:confused:
     
  3. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:11 AM
    #3
    jtav2002

    jtav2002 Kenny Fuckin Powers

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    I can usually get 2 years out of mine.
     
  4. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:32 AM
    #4
    iroh

    iroh Well-Known Member

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    Life expectancy is very low to begin with on silverstars. Something like 250 hours lowbeam and even less for highbeam. Typical long life bulbs are 1200-1700 hours in comparison.

    Personally I don't like Osram bulbs much anymore. If I can't find a pair of GE long life bulbs at Wallyworld I'll zip up to the Honda dealer and grab them.
     
  5. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:37 AM
    #5
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco $20 is $20

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    i put those in one of my previous cars and determined that i would never spend three extra money on them.

    I've been pleased with the OEM bulbs so far. I'd like to know who makes them for when that time comes.
     
  6. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:44 AM
    #6
    T@co_Pr3runn3r

    T@co_Pr3runn3r XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    They only half suck at most. Half of people have shit luck and half of people have normal bulb life. Has to be something else than the bulbs. I have had H4 double filaments and H7 single filament lows on 2 different brand vehicles and have no issues. One vehicle had same pr of H7s for over 4 yrs and the other still has the same H4s going on 2+ yrs. I drive to work at 0415-0445 every day so they do get used every day. 1/3 on my trip is country so brights get used pretty often on daily basis. IMO there are other factors at play other than just touching the bulb or not. I don't know what those factors might be but the reports just don't add up to the bulbs simply suck. Also, your housings will determine a lot as to whether the cost of these are worth it. All housings are NOT created equal.
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2013
  7. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:47 AM
    #7
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Look at the back of the box, they even state that the life expectancy is like 1/4 of a normal bulb.
     
  8. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:51 AM
    #8
    krap22

    krap22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well then O'Riley auto parts can keep replacing them when they burn out in a few Months
     
  9. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:53 AM
    #9
    T@co_Pr3runn3r

    T@co_Pr3runn3r XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    I've seen the box & simply reporting my experiences. People can take it or leave it. Not trying to sell these and not saying some people don't has issues. Am saying they are total crap for some people and not others, hit or miss at worse, which is the same for every product nowadays, even tacomas. Try Philips Xtremevision if problems with the ss's..............
     
  10. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:54 AM
    #10
    T@co_Pr3runn3r

    T@co_Pr3runn3r XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    This too........:D
     
  11. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:54 AM
    #11
    krap22

    krap22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks I'll try those next.
     
  12. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:56 AM
    #12
    carcharias

    carcharias Giggiddy what what

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    Yeah, I just replaced mine. Again. They really are crap - last me only about 6-8months, but the damned thing is they don't go out at the same time. Didn't go with them this time around, though.
     
  13. Apr 5, 2013 at 7:57 AM
    #13
    KalamaKid

    KalamaKid Well-Known Member

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    same shit as everyone else
    Yeah I've switched to the napa no name brand as they last just as long now
     
  14. Apr 5, 2013 at 8:16 AM
    #14
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco $20 is $20

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    i didn't think they were crap from a longevity standpoint. i didn't like the brightness. they weren't bright enough for the premium price. i buy the regular Sylvania bulbs for my wifes car, and haven't had an issue.
     
  15. Apr 5, 2013 at 8:18 AM
    #15
    krap22

    krap22 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I thought they were significantly better than the bulbs that were in there originally. I liked the light output, but the longevity seems to suck. Part of that is probably because i always drive with my lights on.
     
  16. Apr 5, 2013 at 8:48 AM
    #16
    CowboyTaco

    CowboyTaco $20 is $20

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    the OEM ones on my trick ate pretty bright. seems like i get several people who flash me:D thinking that my brights are on...can't wait to lift it!

    maybe our OEM bulbs were different (09 vs. 11)?

    and just to clarify, my experience with silverstars was several years ago on a much different car. i could be way off base here.
     
  17. Apr 5, 2013 at 3:42 PM
    #17
    paranoid56

    paranoid56 Well-Known Member

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    any bulb with a blue coating on it (or any coating) will acutally have less light output then a non coated bulb. fyi.
     
  18. Apr 6, 2013 at 7:56 AM
    #18
    Boilerman

    Boilerman Well-Known Member

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    I've installed Sylvania Xtravisions which are brighter than stock and light up the sides more. No issues after two years.
     
  19. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:09 AM
    #19
    TACO TX

    TACO TX Well-Known Member

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    I put silver stars in this time last year and no problems yet. Knock on wood!
     
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2013
  20. Apr 6, 2013 at 8:19 AM
    #20
    XXXX

    XXXX Well-Known Member

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    Silverstars are pure junk IMO. I couldn't even tell you how many I blew out + they aren't even that bright.

    Narva or Osram for the win. Same pricing if not less money, they last longer, and are much brighter. I have pics somewhere comparing them, but can't find them. Narva Rangepower 50's give off way more Lumens. Any bulb not willing to provide the lumen output while telling you they are "50% brighter" is a sham. You have no way to compare bulbs besides lumens. If they don't provide it they are a shitty bulb/company IMO.

    http://store.candlepower.com/h4hb29003bulbs.html
     

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