What To Look For
Replacing your stock headlamp bulbs can greatly improve your nighttime visibility. Aftermarket bulbs are brighter, project light farther down the roadway and increase peripheral illumination. These features combine to make night driving a safer, more pleasant experience for you. Sylvania's literature on its Silverstar UItra headlamps state they are 50 percent brighter than standard halogen bulbs, provide 40 percent more down-road visibility and increase side-road coverage by 50 percent.
Common Pitfalls
When purchasing replacement headlamps a common mistake is to purchase the wrong bulb. Use cross reference materials available in the store to ensure that you buy the correct bulb for your car. Different car models, and even the same model from different years, require certain bulbs. Always replace your headlamps in pairs, even when only one bulb is out. Headlamps have a tendency to fail consecutively, so replacing both lamps at the same time will prevent you from having to return to the store a few weeks later to replace another light bulb.
Where To Buy
You have several options of where to buy your new headlights. Visit reputable auto parts stores that will have a wide selection of headlamps. The sales staff will be able to guide you in your purchase and ensure that you get the correct bulb for you vehicle. Buying bulbs for your headlamps online is an option that could save you money.
Cost
There is a wide range of performance headlamp bulbs available. Companies such as PIAA and Sylvania offer many styles of bulb that range in price from $20 to $80 per pair. The more expensive bulbs are often the brightest bulbs available and will project light further down the roadway than your stock headlamps.
Insider Tips
Do not touch the bulb with your bare hand. The oils from your skin will weaken the headlamp glass when it gets hot, causing a shorter lifespan. Use a glove or tissue to install the lamp if you need to grasp the bulb to maneuver the lamp during installation.
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