Blown Bulbs Anyone.... - Page 4

MrLongbeard · 8th January 2015, 11:49

It's about time Aldi did their cheap H7's again

HarryM1BYT · 8th January 2015, 17:22

A few words on lamps.....

The only way to get more light from a normal bulb, is to over run them, which reduces their service life. All tungsten lamps are designed to be a compromise of light output (efficiency) versus life.

Brake and indicator lamps are over run, but that doesn't matter so much because no one sits with their foot on the brake pedal (do they?). Indicator lamps switch on and off rapidly, so they don't suffer 100% duty cycle. Tail and parking lamps are slightly under run, because they are always on and tend to last a very long time.

Headlamps are a case where the compromise is more towards a lot of light output and a limited life. If you are happy to change them more frequently and pay more/ more often, go for the ultra types.

Some cheap lamps are poorly made, badly terminated, no so well supported filaments, maybe not so accurately voltage rated and may not last long.

Poor connections can also destroy lamps quicker than normal, the on/off switching causes the filament to expand and contract rapidly, which can eventually damage the filament.

chrissyboy · 8th January 2015, 17:45

never changed a bulb on my 18t in 3 years i owed it must something wrong with peeps wiring or something

Seafrost · 8th January 2015, 18:19

Thanks for that Harry, pretty much what I had suspected. I will see how long the Ultra Life last when they eventually get fitted.

Cannot be wiring Chrissyboy, as my bulbs would blow all the time... Its just certain bulbs, the more expensive brighter ones appear to blow more often, within a year and minimal use... now explained by Harry above.... Maybe you have Ultra Life bulbs...? or similiar?

Maybe I will take the plunge when the good weather comes and fit some Hids to my projectors. Maybe....

8th January 2015, 17:22	#32
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	A few words on lamps..... The only way to get more light from a normal bulb, is to over run them, which reduces their service life. All tungsten lamps are designed to be a compromise of light output (efficiency) versus life. Brake and indicator lamps are over run, but that doesn't matter so much because no one sits with their foot on the brake pedal (do they?). Indicator lamps switch on and off rapidly, so they don't suffer 100% duty cycle. Tail and parking lamps are slightly under run, because they are always on and tend to last a very long time. Headlamps are a case where the compromise is more towards a lot of light output and a limited life. If you are happy to change them more frequently and pay more/ more often, go for the ultra types. Some cheap lamps are poorly made, badly terminated, no so well supported filaments, maybe not so accurately voltage rated and may not last long. Poor connections can also destroy lamps quicker than normal, the on/off switching causes the filament to expand and contract rapidly, which can eventually damage the filament. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

8th January 2015, 17:45	#33
chrissyboy This is my second home lovely little ford focus. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: East Dulwich Posts: 7,877 Thanks: 2 Thanked 82 Times in 68 Posts	never changed a bulb on my 18t in 3 years i owed it must something wrong with peeps wiring or something __________________ [ I'm really confused. -I keep dreaming I'm an insomniac

8th January 2015, 11:49	#31
MrLongbeard Regular poster MG ZT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Tenbury Posts: 58 Thanks: 12 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	It's about time Aldi did their cheap H7's again

8th January 2015, 18:19	#34
Seafrost Posted a thing or two 75 Connie SE 1.8 Manual Tourer Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Outskirts of Newport :) Posts: 1,450 Thanks: 479 Thanked 241 Times in 163 Posts	Thanks for that Harry, pretty much what I had suspected. I will see how long the Ultra Life last when they eventually get fitted. Cannot be wiring Chrissyboy, as my bulbs would blow all the time... Its just certain bulbs, the more expensive brighter ones appear to blow more often, within a year and minimal use... now explained by Harry above.... Maybe you have Ultra Life bulbs...? or similiar? Maybe I will take the plunge when the good weather comes and fit some Hids to my projectors. Maybe....