Variant on Headlight Question

I have an '02 Elantra.

I have learned that the O.E.M. headlights on Hyundais and Kias will not last
all that long, usually less than two years (no problems with other bulbs to
date other than the low beam headlights).

When one of the Elantra's headlights burned out (again) some months back, I
replaced them with the "brighter" bulbs, because their performance was weak
at night - I think they were the GE brand.

Indeed, the performance improved markedly, and having driven my other
vehicle right in front of the Elantra a few times at night, did not feel
that the "blindness" factor for oncoming cars was much different than with
ordinary headlights.

But now the first of those has burned out after only a few months. Is this
what I can expect from some "after-market" headlights? And considering they
are not one of the "9000" capsules, but rather are the H7, which is far less
common, is there a source where I can get these bulbs in at least a decent
brightness, which will last longer than a few months??

Or did I just pick up the wrong package of bulbs at the store???

Tom Wenndt

 

It seems to be par for the course. My old Excel used to eat bulbs and my
Elantra does too. I cured the Excel problem by installing PIAA bulbs,
which lasted for several years and were still good when I took them out
before selling the car. I just installed a pair in the Elantra, so we'll
see if I get the same performance. PIAA bulbs are much brighter and
whiter than the stock bulbs, but they're expensive. They were $59.99 on
Ebay ("buy it now" price) with free shipping from Rte9parts.

 

my 03 Elantra has had one hi/low burn out now have 33000 miles on it and
the headlights stay on when the engine is on. I replaced it with regular
light bulb...have bought high power headlights for my 06 Sonata but
haven't installed them yet. stock lights on it seem VERY bright but got a
bargain on the H-7's

 

Although my headlights do not "stay on" when running, I always run with my
headlights on. Just a practice I got into living on the Canadian border for
a few years.

I know that shortens bulb life, but still, I got less than six months out of
the Sylvania Silver Stars. Good bulbs, though.

Maybe I will try one more set, and see if I just got the wrong package.

BTW, the PIAA's look most promising, but by far most expensive, too. But a
curiosity, to say the least.

Thank you everyone.

Tom Wenndt

 

That seems to be about the average, depending on the brand of bulb.
just installed SilverStar H7's when one of my Eurolights burned ou
after approximately two years of use. I run with my low beams on day o
night so for the average driver they probably would have lasted longer.


You may have gotten a bad bulb. It happened to me with a "new" pack o
Eurolites a few years ago. One bulb burned out after only a few months
The dealer replaced the pair with new ones and I ended up getting nearl
two years of day and night use from that pair. If the bulbs get any oi
or contamination on the glass it can shorten the life.

A word of warning. Buy only name-brand bulbs and stay away from thos
cheap "no-name" bulbs being sold on eBay. I bought one pair severa
years ago and they were the worst piece of crap I've ever seen. The
fell apart after they shorted out and melted my headlight connectors
Another cheap pair I bought exploded in the headlamp housing after
year of use