OEM bulb lifespan reached...

[sciphi]

I think I found the lifespan of the OEM bulbs on my Buick. At approximately 12 years of moderate use, it's not a bad run for them. I've replaced all the brake lights, the rear marker lights, and both front side marker lights. They all died within a few months of each other. The side marker lights died within a week of each other. Thinking about it, the only bulbs I haven't replaced are the interior lights and the front turn signal bulbs.

Many of the hard to reach bulbs were replaced with long-life replacements. Hopefully those will be good for another 12 years.

 

[beast3300]

That's excellent. I had a 91 Ciera that I only replaced 2 brake bulbs, 1 marker light in 8 years of ownership. My daily driver Regal has only ate 2 brake bulbs in almost 4 years of ownership.

Unusual, I wonder how many people have similar experiences.

 

[The Critic]

Original headlight bulbs and DRL bulbs on my '96 SL2. However, my parents rarely used the headlight bulbs so I'm sure that helped a lot.

Replaced both brake light bulbs several years ago. All other bulbs are still original.

 

[opus1]

My '99 Malibu went 9 years on the OEM headlights. Last spring, the licence plate bulb went. And that's it.

I put new headlights in the Dakota in the fall mainly because I got tired of waiting.

The Ranger is on all original bulbs, but in all fairness, Dad had a problem with vision at night so he didn't drive after dark if he could help it, and I don't drive it much at night myself.

 

[demarpaint]

I have an 88 Ford E-150 and haven't replaced a bulb yet. Come to think of it the battery was 10 years old 10/8/10.

 

[sciphi]

The auto-lights feature kicks on the lights at anything hinting at darkness. Right now it kicks the full headlights on at 8:15 AM and 4:45 PM since it's dark enough for the system to come on.

 

[rslifkin]

I just replaced my driver's side headlight bulb in the Jeep a couple weeks ago. It was original, standard Sylvania bulb. I replaced it with the same. The passenger side is still original, but that one's a PITA to swap, as the battery has to come out.

I've replaced 1 turn signal bulb since I bought the Jeep. Other than those, I don't know what bulbs, if any, have been replaced.

For the most part, OEM bulbs seem to last a long time.

 

[wtd]

My 98 chevy truck that I bought new, is still on its original headlight bulbs and these bulbs are also used as daytime running lights so these lights are on everytime the truck is running. I think I've only replaced a couple of other bulbs in the last twelve and a half years.

Wayne

 

[sciphi]

More OE bulbs burned out today. One of the brake lights I hadn't replaced went out tonight. And a radio light burned out.

Either all the bulbs in my car were from the same lot that are reaching their lifespans, or there's a high-voltage condition frying bulbs in my car. Knowing my car, it's likely the latter.

 

[JetStar]

A little off topic here. Is it just me or what. It seems like I'm seeing more newer cars with bulbs burned out. My first thought is that the manufacturers are going with the cheapest bulbs they can buy, made in guess where.

 

[rslifkin]

I agree. I've been seeing a ton of new cars with a headlight or other lights out.

 

[Silk]

I was always surprised when doing rear bulbs on late '70's Mercedes to see original German bulbs in there,over 25 years old.A few of months ago I spent a week working for a Mercedes shop that works on only pre 1990 Mercedes - he doesn't have new bulbs in stock,just pulls bulbs out of vehicles in his wrecking yard,they last longer than any new bulb he puts in.