Do we need to change the Halogen headlights often ?

mithun · 10th December 2006, 05:46

I've read that all halogen headlights gradually lose brightness, they should be replaced in pairs and changed out at regular maintenance intervals, just like wiper blades. Is that true ?

And why they need to be changed ?

tsk1979 · 10th December 2006, 08:12

Nope, you dont, unless you blow a headlight or it goes Kaput, you should be okay.
Not the same can be said about the headlamp glass and reflector which may lose their sheen with time due to environmental damages.

esteem_lover · 10th December 2006, 17:43

Halogens rarely go kaput. has not happened to me so far.

rjstyles69 · 10th December 2006, 19:25

18 months or so, still running strong on my bro's Alto !! No probs as yet. Touchwood !!!

Mugen_Power · 10th December 2006, 23:39

There is no need to change halogen lamps often.
BTW Which halogen lamps are you using in which car ??

Cheers,
Mugen_Power.

jkdas · 11th December 2006, 13:23

Another rumour.................

vigsom · 11th December 2006, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by mithun

I've read that all halogen headlights gradually lose brightness, they should be replaced in pairs and changed out at regular maintenance intervals, just like wiper blades. Is that true ?

And why they need to be changed ?

As stated by other BHPians,there is no need to change halogens unless they go "phut".Reflectors lose their shine particularly if 100/90W bulbs or higher are used and that too if driving with lights on is extensive.

One more thing...if the halogen's beam is very dull(say like a 15W bulb) , do not immediately change the bulb.It is just likely that the earthing for the bulb is not OK.

By the way,I tried Bosch wiper blades and am thoroughly disappointed with its performance and rubber quality...the blades have lost performance in just one monsoon..all earlier blades used to last two monsoons without fuss.

mail4ajo · 11th December 2006, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by vigsom

As stated by other BHPians,there is no need to change halogens unless they go "phut".Reflectors lose their shine particularly if 100/90W bulbs or higher are used and that too if driving with lights on is extensive.

How long will the new reflectors last with 100/90W halogens? Is there anything that can be done to extend the life? I have seen cars with a smoky reflectors. Why does this happen?

tsk1979 · 11th December 2006, 19:39

My indica reflectors lasted for around 3 years, but after that due to an accident both headlights got changed. Current ones are going strong for more than a year. I have always used 100/90W and earlier I was using 130/110W(Older reflectors).
My friend on his indigo petrol had a different experience. He got 100/90W for his indigo, and near the edges of the assembly(not the main reflector) there was some discoloration. But apart from that no problems.

10th December 2006, 05:46	#1
mithun BANNED Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cochin Posts: 2,195 Thanked: 268 Times	Do we need to change the Halogen headlights often ? I've read that all halogen headlights gradually lose brightness, they should be replaced in pairs and changed out at regular maintenance intervals, just like wiper blades. Is that true ? And why they need to be changed ?
	() Thanks

10th December 2006, 08:12	#2
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Nope, you dont, unless you blow a headlight or it goes Kaput, you should be okay. Not the same can be said about the headlamp glass and reflector which may lose their sheen with time due to environmental damages.
	() Thanks

10th December 2006, 17:43	#3
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras/Py Posts: 7,556 Thanked: 502 Times View My Garage	Halogens rarely go kaput. has not happened to me so far.
	() Thanks

10th December 2006, 19:25	#4
rjstyles69 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bengalooru.. Posts: 4,343 Thanked: 842 Times View My Garage	18 months or so, still running strong on my bro's Alto !! No probs as yet. Touchwood !!!
	() Thanks

10th December 2006, 23:39	#5
Mugen_Power Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gujarat 03 Posts: 1,302 Thanked: 18 Times	There is no need to change halogen lamps often. BTW Which halogen lamps are you using in which car ?? Cheers, Mugen_Power.
	() Thanks

11th December 2006, 13:23	#6
jkdas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapu Posts: 9,687 Thanked: 1,492 Times View My Garage	Another rumour.................
	() Thanks

11th December 2006, 19:39	#9
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	My indica reflectors lasted for around 3 years, but after that due to an accident both headlights got changed. Current ones are going strong for more than a year. I have always used 100/90W and earlier I was using 130/110W(Older reflectors). My friend on his indigo petrol had a different experience. He got 100/90W for his indigo, and near the edges of the assembly(not the main reflector) there was some discoloration. But apart from that no problems.
	() Thanks