Should I buy a Silverstar bulb--answered

[Dave_Mark]

Here's what Osram Sylvania has to say about its line of Silverstar bulbs

Quote

Applicants herein appreciated that if lamp capsules of the type known as the 9005 Sylvania Silverstar Ultra [...] were inserted into a conventional projection-type headlamp system, the coatings on these lamp capsules (if they could even produce a street-legal beam satisfying NHTSA standards) would be detrimental to performance, due to the manner in which the central, rear region of the ellipsoidal projection-type reflector forms the hotspot.

In other words: Osram Sylvania knows that the 9005 Silverstar Ultra bulb doesn't perform well in many headlamps, and [censored], it might not even satisfy minimum legal standards in your headlamp!

 

[4WD]

Once I found out how difficult it was to change bulbs on my 2014 Fusion … did a bit of research and just put in Phillips Crystal Vision Ultra … big improvement over stock and supposed to outlast SS.

 

[jeepman3071]

I ran Silverstars for a few years, they are way over priced for how long they last. I also highly recommend not installing them in a vehicle where the bulbs are difficult to change because of their short lifespan. I've been running Philips Xtreme vision with much better results in my car, and my Jeep I converted from sealed beam halogens to LEDs for the price of a few silverstar bulbs.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Originally Posted by 4WD

Once I found out how difficult it was to change bulbs on my 2014 Fusion … did a bit of research and just put in Phillips Crystal Vision Ultra … big improvement over stock and supposed to outlast SS.

Thanks 4WD. Just ordered a set for the old 98 Accord; still has the original bulbs and they are pretty dim. I gave the car to a single Mom. Now the car is perfect!

 

[mclasser]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk

Originally Posted by 4WD

Once I found out how difficult it was to change bulbs on my 2014 Fusion … did a bit of research and just put in Phillips Crystal Vision Ultra … big improvement over stock and supposed to outlast SS.

Thanks 4WD. Just ordered a set for the old 98 Accord; still has the original bulbs and they are pretty dim. I gave the car to a single Mom. Now the car is perfect!

I did the 9012 mod in my Accord. Made a marked difference in light output. As far as Silverstars - I had surprisingly good luck with them. They were still going strong after 2 yrs but became noticeably dimmer.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Originally Posted by mclasser

I did the 9012 mod in my Accord. Made a marked difference in light output.

What is the 9012 mode? Just a different bulb or is it more involved? Thanks in advance.