In need of replacing my headlamp bulbs, and I have been looking at the Sylvania Silverstar Utras. But I have heard they don't have a long life, and are only moderately better than the stock. This is for a 2006 MegaCab 1500 Laramie. Any opinions?

 

I switched my stock bulbs out for the sylvania zxe's. Whiter & brighter than the stock bulbs. I like them so far, have had them in for 2 weeks.

 

The brighter bulbs have a significantly shorter life than the standard cheapy bulbs. They even have a bulb life chart on the back of the Silverstar package.

That being said, I've had Silverstar ultras in for about 3 months. Supposed to last a year and a bit, as far as I know. But the are a lot brighter than the bargain bulbs.

 

PIAA bulbs work like magic i put them in my parents 11 ram work great

 

I like PIAA bulbs too... downside is they can be pricey and don't last as long as other bulbs.

Then there is also Phillips European Bulbs that are AWESOME but they are hard to find and very expensive.

You can contact this guy for some advice if you want, the guy is an ultimate GURU when it comes to automotive lighting:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/

If you want a significantly brighter bulb there is always HIR but they only come in certain styles...

There are threads all over the internet about HID Alternatives, but there will always be trade-offs....

May I ask why you are so opposed to HIDs?

 

I don't want HID because the headlights were not designed for them. The OEM's in my opinion have plenty of light for me. I was just wondering if anyone had extended experience in upgrades from OEM halogens. Mine are 6 years old and still working. I have heard good things about the Ultras as far as brightness, but bad things about longevity.

 

Whichever you decide make sure you keep any grease from either you hands or from installation off the bulb it will shorten the life of any halogen… so I have read. .I have tried all the available bulbs and cant seem to get much over a year out of them,,,,, were the factory bulbs lasted me 5 years..
I wonder if they make them to burn out as job security.. like they do regular house bulbs..

 

the PIAAs are on 2 years now

 

Leaning towards the PIAA's at this point. Just read 100 or so reviews on them, and the consensus seems to be that they are the best upgrade for the money. Still worried about longevity, but it may not be as big an issue, as I don't do a ton of night driving. Thanks for the input!!