Getting perturbed with the headlights in my 09LS. No matter what brand bulb I put in they die in about 6 months. I always replace both bulbs when I replace. It's not even the same side that burns out (wiring/socket). What am I missing?

 

Is it just the filament that is burning out or is the glass part of the bulb that is cracking ?
If it's the glass cracking, make sure you're not touching the bulb with a bare hand. Oils from your hand can create a "hot spot" on the glass and cause it to fail.

 

If it's the filament, it could be from vibration. Are the twisted into the hole securely, is everything bolted down good.

 

Are you using the "high-performance" bulbs like Sylvania etc., or a "normal" bulb as such? They typically do not have a great reputaion at all for long life. So I stay away from them totally.

I think I have only replaced one headlight bulb since 2006 and close to 300,000 km. Brake lights have each been replaced twice over the years.

 

Also check the ground wires a loose or corroded ground can cause premature failure of the filaments

 

No cracks in the glass of the bulb. The filament has burned out each time. I've used Wagner truview, Wagner night defense, Philips crystal vison ultra, Wagner bright light X2 as I was able to return and get a replacement. Hmm that's 5 sets of headlights in the past three years. Any suggestions as I'm heading to parts store to pick up parts for my trailblazer and will grab bulbs while there.

 

It looks to me like the ones you have been using as replacements are of the so-called "high performance" type. I don't think any of the high performance ones are known for having a long life - even Osram/Phillips/Sylvania all pretty much have a bad review on the life of the bulb (compared to OEM).

Seems one either sticks with OEM style bulbs for longer life but a little poorer lighting, or spend the $'s on the high performance ones that give better light, but just don't last as long.

 

Those all sound kinda like high power(very bright) bulbs.

The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.
From Blade Runner.

I put in standard bulbs, NAPA 9008, about 2 years ago. No problems at all with them.

 

Agreed - and a lot of the off-brand high perf bulbs are even worse..... much worse. Been there done that.

 

In fact, there was a class action suit that I got a couple of dollars from.


Look on the back of the package for life expectancy. Bright ones I have used lated a year or less.