[morgsmini]

hello there all,

I seem to be having a problem with the life of the lamps in my headlights ?
I had one go about Feb and it has just gone again today ? Could this be a more serious problem?
I'm aware that the lamps only have a certain amount of hrs life but surely they should last longer?!
Only other thing i could think of is that i drive around with my lights on 24/7 and this could be adding stress.
I only do this as have had 3 people drive into me in last 4 months and they cant use the lame excuse of they didn't see me as Ive got my headlights on!

Any help would be greatfull!

[oldmots]

The lamps will last only a short time if they are touched with a finger or other contamination. You probably put your fingers on them during installation. I use special care not to touch the bulbs.

[NeuroBeaker]

Quote: Originally Posted by oldmots (original)

The lamps will last only a short time if they are touched with a finger or other contamination. You probably put your fingers on them during installation. I use special care not to touch the bulbs.

^--- What he said.

Nip off to your local hardware store and buy a small pack of disposable rubber gloves. Then when you unwrap and install your new bulbs, you'll be sure not to deposit any finger grease/contamination on them.

Good luck - let us know how you get on.

All the best,
Andrew.

[morgsmini]

thanks for that but lol..... no contamination!
i was thinking more along the lines of a voltage surge, due to the great demand on electrical systems of many new vehicles.
which it may well be as i leave lights on when i turn off ignition to allow parking lights to operate. although usually voltage surges occur by starting the engine with headlights or auxiliary lamps on.
i know You can prevent voltage surges by starting the engine before turning on headlights etc...., and turning off the lamps before turning off the ignition.
but why have parking lights options if this is bad ?
just baffled as to why they lasting such a short period of time

[NeuroBeaker]

Hmmm... that's a tricky one.

If not contamination during installation, I don't know what it could be. I use my lights in a similar manner to you - and I always drive around with my dipped headlights on... I'm paranoid about being seen. My first set of bulbs lasted about 3 and a half years. I only changed them because I wanted some that were a bit brighter - I've never actually had a bulb that's 'gone'.

Sorry, but I can't think of anything else to suggest.