Car Headlight Brand or Generic ?

thesla on 21/07/2023 - 23:21
Last edited 21/07/2023 - 23:34

My car need a H11 55W Halogen (imported like that) headlight.
Should I buy branded bulb or generic from trademe or aliexpress ??

Last year, right side one blew off. Bought from tradme 2x for $16.5 while Repco wast like $50 for one. I replaced one and … it blew after about 1 week. Replace with the 2nd one.
Now, one year later the other side, left side, blew. Bought again 2x from same trademe for $22 (inflation inflation …) and repco is $77 for 1x
Replace last week the left side and … the right side that was 1 year old blew. Now I am going to replace the right side again ….
Currently still saving with my cheap bulbs but wonder if I should start buying "good" one and where ???

General Discussion

Comments

  • icecold on 22/07/2023 - 07:08
    +2

    When you're fitting these do you touch the glass of the bulb? Finger print oils can generate hot spot on the bulb leading to premature failure.

    Definitely advise replacing both sides at same time.
    You should be able to get a pair of osram for 40odd.
    Somewhere in the middle of what you were paying repco Vs the unbranded ones.

    • rkl on 22/07/2023 - 09:31

      Was going to say the same thing. Make sure you dont touch the glass when installing the new bulbs

    • thesla on 22/07/2023 - 17:45

      Yes, I did pay attention to not touch the bulb with finger (or anything else …)

      osram or philips, same same ?

  • Ebzmyst on 22/07/2023 - 08:11
    +2

    Highly likely that you’ve got a electrical faul
    If you’ve replaced both there’s something going on with those wires why they’re faulting out

    Be best to check the fault as to why you keep blowing bulbs

    Re brands - never matters - buy the cheapest

  • 2cheap on 22/07/2023 - 12:02

    I liked the ones from emax. Cheap and seemed to be a good colour and brightness. As mentioned, critical not to touch glass. Use a tissue

    • wowbigdeal on 22/07/2023 - 13:01

      Just an FYI regarding the emax bright white. If you read the small print on the packaging they are designed for off road driving as they are (IIRC) 100w ultra bright. It's possible to get a ticket or to not get a wof.

      • 2cheap on 22/07/2023 - 13:13

        Thanks. IIRC I was tempted by brighter models but just went nice and standard and they have worked well.

  • kiwical on 22/07/2023 - 20:35
    +1

    I agree with Ebzmyst. If I'm counting right you have blown 4 bulbs in the space of less than a year.
    You need to look at something other than the bulbs I'd say…….

    • thesla on 22/07/2023 - 22:11

      Put it like that: I will ask my garage. Thanks you for your advises !
      I have now the confidence that brand should not matter much and even the cheapest one should last longer than 1 year.

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