Burning out headlights

Hey gang
I've got a 14 long bed crew cab and I've gone thru 3 sets of headlights (counting the ones that came with the truck) in just 3 1/2 years. I bought the truck new in feb 14 and have about 62k miles on it. Anyone else having issues like that?

 

Before you install the new bulbs each time, are you wiping them with an alcohol wipe and making sure not to touch the glass capsules? Are the pairs burning out together (at the same time)? So you've gone through six bulbs, or three singles?

 

are you using aftermarket headlights? my OEM ones that came with the truck lasted 90k+ miles (and may still be going since the new headlight housings I bought came with bulbs too).

 

A) Did you touch the glass with bare skin? - If yes, that is expected.
B) What headlights did you purchase? - If something like silver stars or similar, that is to be expected.

 

The first set that blew out were from the factory. It's possible that the second set had oil or dirt on them from the guy installing them. Yes, they were silver stars

 

Silver Stars don't last long. Even shorter life if contaminated when installing

 

I use the expensive silver stars I'm on my third set in 3 years just changed them about 4months ago and my one went out ago so I slapped a cheap one in for now. But the filaments are never "burntout" always seems to be the low beam wire is breaking.

 

Some Bulbs last longer than others. For the longest life use the basic, OEM style bulbs. These are rated for 1,110 hours. =>http://amzn.to/2xAvEsy

 

It could be that the voltage regulator (alternator) is putting out to high voltage. Check voltage at the battery with the engine running.
If it should not be much higher than 14 volts.

Good luck

 

silverstars burn out fast. they suck if you dislike changing them

 

Silver Stars have a filament that pulls more current to put out slightly more light. They burn hotter and they burn out faster - I doubt they even last 1 year. Waste of $40 to $45 in my opinion.

 

I've had my 2014 since late 2013 and still running the same bulbs.

 

Or try the ultimate headlight upgrade bulbs.

 

I have had luck with the PIAA NIGHT TECH. They are super bright and last long time.
Silver stars are low on my list.

 

Lots of great advice in this thread: performance brand halogen bulbs often do not last as long as OEM bulbs because they are pushing for more power.

If you're regularly having to change to halogen bulbs, have you ever thought about doing an upgrade to an HID or LED kit? There is more work involved with installing the other components, but if you can get in there and change a halogen bulb you can probably use a conversion kit, depending on your level of technical proficiency and comfort.

An H4 LED Kit could be a good upgrade for you - brighter, whiter lighting with a long lifespan. Could be something to think about.

~Robert

 

Do you always leave your lights on?

 

Interesting, even if he left his lights on the whole time he drives at 62K miles that is only about 2100 hours of driving at an average of 30MPH. Three sets of even aftermarket (Silver Stars or equivalent) should go 3000 hours. My guess is there is more to this story than bad bulbs.

 

None of the silver stars are rated for more than 160 hours.

 

I ran Silver Stars on my '99 Toyota. They usually lasted about 6 months or so, at which point I'd slap the standard halogen back in while I waited for the warranty replacement from Sylvania. Switched to the GE Nighthawk with my '10 and they weren't quite as bright, but I only burnt one set in the 3 years that I had the truck.