OK I will try to get it in sometime soon - not gonna wait for other issues to arise if it is a faulty alternator thing.

 

Let us know how you make out OK.

 

goetylsd-

Even if you don't touch the new bulbs. Maybe someone packaging them or whatever may have. I always wipe all bulbs with an alcohol pad before install..

The Auto Parts can test your voltage output & let you know if it is excessive.

They do that FREE... Least that can get you started..

 

Excellent call sleeper, its always a prudent idea to clean the bulbs with an alcohol swab/wipe before installing them. My wife is Diabetic so there is always a surplus of alcohol wipes around here.

 

Thanks 843, can't assume anything imo..

 

Sleeper-

That's not a bad idea. I always make sure that I don't touch the bulb, as I have heard that can shorten the bulb life, but I have not wiped them before. Something to remember for the next time. Nice to know about the auto parts store doing it for free. I know they can test your battery and check for CEL codes, but I was not aware they could test the voltage/alternator. Good info

 

Advance Auto certainly can, I've had it done..

 

I just went through this with my girlfriends car. I put 5 bulbs in last year. Find an Advance(test your voltage) and pick up some better bulbs. If you buy the higher level Sylvania lights they come with a 1 year warranty. $40 a set and they are much brighter. The Advance tech told me they have been burning out quickly for many vehicles and if you save your receipt they will take care of the warranty.

 

Seems like, if it was a voltage problem, he would be burning out more than just the headlights. I second sleepers suggestion to wipe the new bulbs with alcohol before installing. Certainly can't hurt and it may solve the problem.

 

Just a guess on my part BUT, I would think, if you are putting out excess voltage/wattage/amperage, there would be indications of that on the bulb and on the bulb receptacle.

SIDE NOTE>>>>I remember, a while back, we had a discussion on kind of this topic. People were experiencing melting bulb receptacles (plastic).

I do know a friend installed bulbs with increased wattage, from stock, and he experienced the melted bulb receptacle. He installed ceramic aftermarket receptacles which cured his problem.

goetysld..... are you only having this problem with aftermarket bubs. If you have the stock OEM's, I would reinstall those and see what type of longevity you have.

But you know, I have had my Hella's (in anotherr thread I mistakenly said PIAA) in for 5 years and not had a problem.