MSE check your headlights day

Lorian

On my drive home last night I estimate around 5% off all the cars I passed had a faulty bulb in one of their headlights.

We could have 6,000 members with faulty lights, are you one?

Go take a look!

And to keep it an MSE exercise, I'm sure someone will say where the cheapest place for replacement bulbs is. The last ones I bought were from Tesco, much cheaper than halfords....

anewman

Last ones I bought were from Lidl, pair of Tesla branded bulbs for £2.99 with choice of blue (presume it's just whiter than yellowy white) and +50% brighter. Unfortunately this was one of their specials so chance of finding any now is remote. Although I think their deals tend to come then go then come around again later.

Wilkinsons currently has one or two bulb types half price but can't remember the types. I think they're just sidelight bulbs or something.

The current headlight bulbs I am using are Phillips x-treme power +80% brighter, at a price of about £20 off Ebay. I can't say they're all that amazingly better than standard bulbs, but there is a noticeable difference. They definitely don't dazzle other drivers though. Can't say they're worth the £20. I think Osram now has a +90% bulb, so the competitors are playing catch up. These bulbs are road legal as they are E marked and standard 55/60watt bulbs. Bulbs with wattages higher than these are technically illegal to use on the road, although in practice, in cars with separate full beam and dipped bulbs many people use high wattage bulbs in the full beams as they aren't going to be dazzling anyone with them anyway, and they give a better view of the road ahead.

I'm mostly concerned at the number of cars I have seen with either only the middle brake light working, or worse none at all.

Many people may be aware of this, but in case you're not, if two bulbs go at once, chances are a fuse has blown so it is probably easier to check that first.

In any case it is probably best to familiarise yourself with how to change the bulbs and fuses, and to carry a comprehensive set of spare bulbs and fuses with appropriate tools in the car (they may even fit inside your spare wheel if your jack doesn't live there).

goldspanners

cheapest isnt always the best,you will find yourself changing them more regular if you buy the cheaper bulbs

anewman wrote: »

The current headlight bulbs I am using are Phillips x-treme power +80% brighter, at a price of about £20 off Ebay. I can't say they're all that amazingly better than standard bulbs, but there is a noticeable difference. They definitely don't dazzle other drivers though. Can't say they're worth the £20. I think Osram now has a +90% bulb, so the competitors are playing catch up.

did you know that philips also make osram bulbs,so they arent really competition,just another marketing gimmick.

anewman

goldspanners wrote: »

did you know that philips also make osram bulbs,so they arent really competition,just another marketing gimmick.

Interesting Guess it's the same as all the additives that say they boost BHP, MPG etc etc, look at the tiny lettering and they're all made by the same company. Same stuff in loads of different bottles on the shelf to saturate the market.

goldspanners

anewman wrote: »

Interesting Guess it's the same as all the additives that say they boost BHP, MPG etc etc, look at the tiny lettering and they're all made by the same company. Same stuff in loads of different bottles on the shelf to saturate the market.

possibly? not too sure.i know the STP smoke reducing stuff works for a few weeks (especially in old capris!)
i only know about the bulbs as i used to repair machines regularly in a philips factory,where they made both osram and philips bulbs.
on a similar note i worked in a biscuit factory that did something similar with digestive biscuits,the exact same biscuits were coming off the line,some into waitrose packs and some into asda smart price pack,i was shocked by that one as i would expect the waitrose ones would probably 3 times more expensive than the asda ones at least!
the more factories i go in to the more common a practice this is becoming.
i think its disgusting.

anewman

goldspanners wrote: »

the more factories i go in to the more common a practice this is becoming.
i think its disgusting.

I think there's a thread somewhere about things that are made in one batch and go in different packaging, so like you say, smart price biscuits as good as waitrose. On a worse note a friend who worked at a Co-op store told me he was asked to remove the manufacturer's BOGOF stickers from goods. So co-op received goods for free and sold them at full price.

Sorry, guess this should be in a "how mfr's and shops screw the public" thread not headlight bulbs Guess it's still relevant though. Perhaps the message is go for decent brand, but not marketing hype. I have heard of poundland ones popping after a few weeks so they probably aren't even worth a quid really.

oldagetraveller

Sound advice. Not just your headlights, why not check all the lights at the same time including brake and numberplate? There are many vehicles around with more than just a defective headlight.
You've only got to see all those 16s, BMWs, Volvos and Mercedes Benz with defective indicators to realise that.:p
This should be done on a regular basis, not just MOT time or during a service.
Tyre condition and pressures should also be checked regularly not just for safety, but economy. Also check underbonnet levels at the same time.

anewman

Whenever I reverse at my house there's usually a car in which I can check the reflection of my reversing lights and brakes to check they're all there, so no need to get someone else to look.

Jonesya

I think the title should be changed to 'MSE check your car day' - while you're out checking the lights lift the bonnet as well and check the oil, coolant and brake fluid. Check tyre pressures as well - under-inflated tyres can reduce efficiency and increase wear.

Stephen_Leak

Its the time of year - the worst example i've seen recently was one "low level" and all "high level" brake light bulbs not working.

I only keep records for headlight & front foglight bulbs and these show Wilkinsons as best for H7 headlight bulbs at £4.75 back in September 2006. I did wonder how long they would last, but I obviously haven't had to replace one since then.