So I ran a search on this and went through about 6 pages of search results...

I bought my HHR back in 2007.

Its a 2006 LS model and came with its original factory installed head lights, which lasted until around mid 2013 when I finally had to replace them..

I replaced them with $30 pack of Sylvania Silverstars from Walmart; that died after a year of use, in 2014...

So I replaced those, with another set of Silverstars, that again died after a year of use, in 2015...

So, I decided to try the Ultra's...

Now one of them has gone out just this weekend...

So wtf, and excuse my use that... but seriously, wtf? Why can't they make these replacement light bulbs to last longer? I mean its embarrassing that the FACTORY installed lights lasted SEVEN YEARS, and I can't even get barely a years worth out of replacements.

No, I don't touch the bulb when I install them... I'm pretty sure the fixture is airtight and water is not getting inside and so far as I can tell the wiring seems fine.

I searched other stores and these Sylvania's seem to be the only option and whats more is that each of the different options (Silverstars, Ultra's, xZe's) all cost $20 more at the auto part stores then they do at Walmart... so ok I'm buying a $50 pair of light bulbs for $30 from Walmart and I'm presuming I am going to be doomed to do this every year?

But, I would expect for the price, these lights would last a heck of a lot longer then a year!

So what gives?

 

Silverstar and Ultra are hotter than the stock lights. Look at the back of the packages for the longevity chart; they admit you are wasting money. I got a class action settlement check from 2 sets I bought before they put the charts on.

 

Any recommendations then, on a bulb that will last longer then 1 year?

Or are we cursed to suffer this for the rest of our HHR's life?

I mean granted to be fair, $20 - $30 from Walmart once a year really isn't that bad, but still... it IS a head light, so I would expect it to last a lot longer.

 

I've been tempted to try one of the HID conversion kits - they're almost plug-n-play nowadays and not very expensive. Kensun is the only brand I heard of (recommended by an auto parts guy at NAPA) but I'm sure there are lots out there.

 

Generally the cheaper the longer. You are paying for brightness/color.

Yellow would last longer than blue etc.

 

If you change to HID or LED's ensure you get a set with Hi Lo feature

 

Remember BladeRunner?

 

Thanks guys.

I guess I don't need to bother with the Ultra's again then, so I'll probably just go back to the Silverstars... cause I don't like the "yellow" of the cheaper ones even though they'll last longer. I drive in some areas at night where I feel more comfortable having a slightly whiter light with a slightly wider beam.

Oh, and RJ?

Beagles rock!

 

I had PIAA's in my HHR for almost 10 years.....when I sold it.

 

If you are looking for a wider/brighter beam maybe go with aftermarket headlight housings..... Even with cheap, OEM headlight bulbs they seem MUCH brighter and seems to cover somewhat of a larger area with my aftermarket Depo housings... Or maybe its just me being crazy.