tntwolt

is it worth the trouble to replace with silverstars? there seems to be more than one type. stock ones seem to be okay up here in central PA

BlackknighT

Not worth the yearly replacement....

quick66ss1

I wont do it. I put them in my 07 Tahoe and only got 13,000 before one died. I replaced it and one week later the other went. The Tahoe lights were a real pain to swap but no where near as bad as the HHR. If they were easy to get to then the additional light output is nice but they just dont last long enough to shell out the extra $$.

nacademus

I used to run Silverstars all the time, but they would consistently blow. I went through about 3 pairs and had enough. I emailed Osram Sylvania and they were going to reimburse/replace them for me, but I would have had to ship the blown set with a receipt or UPC to them for proof.


Here is their response email.
***********************************************
Kevin, thank you for taking the time to contact us and sharing your experience. We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused to you, our valued consumer.

The life of any halogen bulb varies based on vehicle type, vehicle voltage, amount of time the bulb is on, road conditions, proper installation, and correct application. The average life of SilverStar® headlights are approximately one year. If the bulbs do not meet your expectations, we will replace them within a year of purchase when obtained through an authorized US retailer.

With our SYLVANIA SilverStar® products, the primary goal is to offer the brightest, whitest light. Research has shown SilverStar® headlights improve driver visibility and reaction time. However, since our SilverStar® headlights are up to 35% brighter and our SilverStar® ULTRA headlights are up to 50% brighter than standard halogen, they may have a shorter life span compared to our other products.

Additionally, vehicle electrical systems are designed to operate around 12 volts DC and halogen bulbs are designed and rated to perform at a nominal 12.8 volts DC to achieve optimal performance. However, some vehicles are running higher at 14 and 15 volts in order to accommodate the increase in power needed to run electronics being used on vehicles. The result is shortened bulb life because an increase in voltage of as little as 5% can cut a bulb's life in half. This is true for standard OEM bulbs and particularly, high performance halogen bulbs. Unfortunately, no adjustments can be made to the voltage since this is a function of the alternator output and electrical architecture of the vehicle.

We offer a wide variety of products to satisfy customer needs including brightness, durability, color options and increased visibility.

Please remit the following for each purchase along with a copy of this e-mail:

þ Failed lamp (s) or
þ UPC from the package and
þ Receipt copy

OSRAM SYLVANIA
Attn: Consumer Care Specialist
275 West Main Street
Hillsboro, NH 03244

We'll then process two sets of any SYLVANIA halogen product you like. We can do this for multiple vehicles if you choose just provide the year/make and model of each and specify what replacement product you'd like.

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...uctComparison/

We hope this helps restore your faith in SYLVANIA.
***********************************************
Keep your UPC and receipt, for when they blow. I mean, sure, sometimes these things happen, but literally happened to me 3 times. THREE TIMES in one year alone. No other bulb ever gave me a problem. I think maybe the filaments are weaker/thinner or something to output more light, therefore making them more fragile to voltage variations.

They state specifically that they are only projected to last a year. Its your call.



I stress what I have emboldened.

solman98

Silverstars are no different than any other bulb, the key is to not get them dirty on installation. I've got a set in the wifes that are going on 6 years now.

They key on the HHR is to get the splash shield pulled back enough to get in there. 3 screws and 4 pullpins if I remember correctly.

bk94si

Not on my HHR but I just put them in a couple of other vehicles. I knew that they would not last as long but had no idea the lifespan was that bad. When they blow I guess I won't get them again.

nacademus

Mine blew all within 2 years, 5 bulbs. One. then replaced and had a spare, then OTHER side blew, and the cycle continued until I gave up on the last one and got some cheap standard bulbs.... which haven't blown and have been on the car for 3 years so far.

asanti

I'm going on 1 yr with my Silverstar headlights with no problems knock on wood. On my foglights that were installed at the same time though, one blew and right now just like nacademus said Osram Sylvania is replacing it for me. The light output on the Silverstars is terrific IMO.

Later
Allex

nacademus

It is good output, for a halogen. But, the $50 and $60 price point for that output and nearly assured duty cycle of ~1 year compared to an HID kit at $15 less than the Silverstars made more sense to me.

I LITERALLY spent over $150 on Silverstar lamps. The output is BARELY better than regular halogens, its just in a slightly higher color temp range. My $30 4300K HID kits BLOW THE SILVERSTARS AWAY! And. I have had a kit in use for nearly 3 years now on my motorcycle-without issue, even considering the voltage oscillations that the generator makes.

asanti

I agree that HID'S > Silverstars > regular Halogens. My only thing is I won't put them in a stock housing and would prefer a retrofit. Some here will call me an HID snob, but I get flashed by oncoming drivers often w/ the Silverstars as it is, (YES they're aimed correctly and I'm lowered on Pedders)! I'd HATE to see what would happen if I put HID's in mine. If they work great for you then that's all that matters.

BTW I sent my defective foglight bulbs to them on Friday and got an email from one of their customer service reps today (a real email, not some roboscript) stating they they were FedExing me a new set which would arrive on Wednesday. Great customer service from the folks at Silverstar.

Later
Allex