Light Bulbs

Ok Guys I got a random question for you guys. I like to tell people when they have a tail light or break light out. If I see a Vehicle on the road that has a light out It becomes a mission for me to stop beside them and let them know that they have a light out. I hate the idea of someone getting pulled over for a blown light to then have it escalated by the with other issues once the cop has you stopped. Now I won't stop traffic or do anything crazy to let them know but if I can get us to line up at a stop light or something then I will do my best to let you know in a friendly manner. So Anyways I've started noticing that I have been informing more and more people with cars and trucks much newer than mine that they have lights that our out. I drive a 2008 Tacoma and have not yet had to replace a single turn signal break light or Tail light bulb in my truck. So not counting headlights what year is your truck and how many bulbs have you had to replace since you got it.

 

Had a 1991 Honda since new. Sold it in 2009, never replaced a bulb, 114k miles. 2001 Dakota new. Sold in 2014, never replaced a bulb, 140k.

 

2011 Tacoma, only had a DRL go out once, so I ended up replacing all of them with silver star halogen bulbs.

 

2006..... One headlight

 

I've replaced all my lights on my truck with LED. Not by need but by want. So far so good.

Screwed up when I replaced the bumper and put Rigid D2's in them that weren't DOT approved so now I can't use my fog lights on the road. No biggie since they are bright as hell when I need them.

 

2005, had it since new, and haven't replaced a single bulb, including headlights.

 

2008 - someone took out a taillight at Lowes, so I replaced them both. Does that count?

 

What brand LEDs are you running on your headlights? And is it just switch out or are harnesses and relays involved?

 

I would suggest massively upgraded halogens instead of the problems associated with LEDs. See the Ultimate Headlight Upgrade link in my sig for more info.

 

What wrong with LEDs?

 

On top of the fact that most will not work properly with a halogen reflector and cause scatter blinding other drivers, if you want more light than stock the LEDs will also need cooling fans on the circuit board, so they depend on computer style microprocessor fans, which are delicate and not durable for being in a vehicle engine bay, especially if you go off road, also the circuit board will not fit through the back of the lens boot, so on many you need to cut and modify your boot, meaning there is now potential for moisture in the headlight. They are also more expensive than a halogen upgrade, and after all that, they tend to not last and burn out. Many people report going back to halogens after going through several sets of LEDs.

See the long thread here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lifetime-led-install-and-review-in-progress.324467/page-59

 

Running jumpers LED's in the DTRL and 5900k Halogen bulbs for the actual bulbs. I bought a set of LED's for the parking lights at AutoZone IIRC.

The DTRL's are switchback so they still light up yellow when the headlights are off and turn white when the headlights are on. They switch between yellow and white when the turn signal is on with the headlights. As with any LED you will have to run resistors for the turn signals to keep from having the hyperflash.

 

Yeah, that was / is my thread. LED technology just isn't ready for aftermarket consumption. First set lasted about 11 months. Second set lasted 30mins. I loved them when they worked but they aren't worth the hassle.

 

Good to know. Won't get my feet wet there yet.

 

Yeah... I don't mind being a guenie pig but I would steer far away from those right now. I loved them when they worked but they just didn't last. "Eventually" the technology will catch up but not at the moment.

 

Two license plate bulbs--same side both times. Not sure why I keep going through them. Other than that, nothing.

 

yeah replacing your bulbs by choice wasn't what I was aiming for and how could you expect a bulb to not break you get hit. My Main goal I guess was just to see how long other peoples stock bulbs were lasting with out any other intervention other than use.