Best Headlight Replacement Bulb?

Osram nightbreakers

 

"Makes" the light look whiter because of the blue filter. See here: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/blue/blue.html

 

should i buy the best bulbs at walmart at 45.00 pr. to replace factory bulbs on a 2012 tacoma? thanks, cat grader.

 

Funny that I saw this bumped today. I just replaced these bulbs in Feb, so looks like they lasted about 26 months. Both blew within 72 hours of each other.

 

Just go with the mid-scale Silverstars and keep a spare pair in the glovebox.

 

last post on this topic was quite a while back... So giving it a bump in 2015.

If you were to pick a replacement bulb over stock to have brighter/wider lighting what would it be, and why?

 

The original bulbs in my truck were Osram made in Germany. When they died I put in the Sylvania Silverstars. They were brighter but one went out in less then 1 year and cost $40 a pair. I got in a minor wreck and both headlights were replaced with OEM Toyota that came with Osram bulbs. I had some wierd cracks form in the lens of one of the replacement assemblies but was able to pick up a pair of take off headlights and LED taillights from a 2009 for $200 in perfect condition with Osram bulbs included. I've been using the Osram bulbs from the various headlights as replacements but ran out and am now running 1 Osram and 1 Sylvania so I ordered a pair of Philips extreme power because they are supposed to be as bright as the Sylvanias and I found them for under $20 delivered to my door. At that price I'll be happy even if I only get a year out of them. That's my "what and why".

 

Thanks for the input LJ, the stock bulbs just don't seem to have enough light (especially on high-beam on back roads) so I'm looking for the perfect replacements. I have read up on a bunch of light-bulb threads here at TW and it seems the trade off is bulb life. Now granted I don't drive a ton at night, but in the many Toyota's I have owned I have never replaced a headlight bulb. I guess I'll have to get used to it now when I select an upgrade.

 

The difference between the OEM Osram and Sylvania silverstar bulbs is obvious. The Osram bulb is yellow and dim looking in comparison but lasts much longer. I'm waiting for the new bulbs to arrive and I plan to replace the Osram bulb first so I can turn them on before I finish the job to see the difference between the silverstar and the philips bulb. The headlights on these trucks leave much to be desired but I just can't justify spending $1000 on retrofit projector headlights.

 

EJF I just grabbed replacements for my headlights fogs and 2 aux lights for 15$ total from Amazon. None of them are the name brand bulbs that are mentioned in this thread. We'll see how long they last, but I figure its worth trying the cheaper ones to see if they will work before spending 40-50$ a pair for halogen bulbs

 

I had Philips MotoVision bulbs that lasted about a year. But then again they were previously in my Civic for awhile.

$23 Philips 9003 MotoVision Motorcycle and Powersport Replacement Headlight Bulb, 1 Pack

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-MotoVision-Motorcycle-Powersport-Replacement/dp/B001CB0362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420788122&sr=8-1&keywords=motovision+h4

The beam hotspot on the road is longer than the stock bulbs. Despite the orange coating the beam color is whiter than stock. Brightness is about the same. Makes me wonder if it'll actually be brighter than stock if it didn't have the orange coating.

 

Just something to note... I looked at all four of the Sylvania bulbs today at an auto parts store. For those that don't know- the Sylvania Xtravision, silverstar, and silverstar ultra are all Osram bulbs. It is printed on the bulbs. The Sylvania "base" (cheapest of the four) didn't appear to be an Osram (it had a plastic end as opposed to metal like on the other three). Now I'm wondering if the stock bulb In my 2014 is actually the Xtravision (Osram is printed on it).

 

Thanks for all of the info. I just ordered the PIAAA Xtreme Whites headlight bulbs and fogs. Excited to get them and see the difference!

 

Pretty old thread, but FYI coated bulbs like PIAA Xtreme white put out less light than a stock uncoated bulb. The light is whiter, but not brighter.

 

Definitely an old thread. Lots of new products and info since then. In short, @crashnburn80 is spot-on.

If you haven't already done so, @PigSooieTacoma501, recommend you check out the Ultimate headlight upgrade thread.