I just got an '01 stratus r/t coupe. I wanted to replace the headlights because I thought they weren't that bright versus what I was used to and they weren't as white as I was used to. I had Sylvania SilverStars in my last car. So I picked up a pair for the Stratus and come to find it already had the same bulbs in them. They're not more than a year and a half old, they were dated Sept. 05.

My question is, do these bulbs dim over time? Should I put the new ones in anyway or save myself 40 bucks and return them?

 

Yes they do get dimmer with time. The gases do escape because glass is a composite structure and the gas molecules are small enough to leak through the bonds. Also, over time the wires corrode and start to carry more resistance. In MY opnion, I'd go with H.I.D.s I love the way they illuminate the road. But Silverstars are ok.

 

You mean get a H.I.D. kit instead?

 

Yes, you can only get true HID's with a kit. I also have the Silverstars and have been impressed with them since buying them. I don't look forward to them fading...[:@]