Consumer Reports tests headlight bulbs

[NSU]

This month's issue of CR includes an article on the "whiter, brighter" replacement halogen bulbs we all know. Their testing showed that the bulbs do emit up to 19% more light and are whiter than standard and OEM halogen bulbs.

However, CR found that none of these bulbs made any improvement at all on their headlight testing course, as illumination of the road is primarily a function of the reflector design, not the bulb.

They declined to rank them, as there were no standout performers. They recommend to shop by price.

The upshot: if you want to see farther you will need auxiliary lights or a projector.

[northernlights]

Useful info, thanks.

[Mugwug]

Link to the article?

[NSU]

Sorry, I get the print edition and didn't even think to look if they'd also posted the story online:

Halogen Headlight Bulbs | Test - Consumer Reports

[RMN]

But the whiter it is,we see less right?

[Soulbreeze]

Originally Posted by NSU

However, CR found that none of these bulbs made any improvement at all on their headlight testing course, as illumination of the road is primarily a function of the reflector design, not the bulb.

~~
They said they had no effect on distance. I think it's more of a personal thing, but I can make out details and objects better with the whiter lights.
~~

[bungie4]

Theirs also a price/life trade off. Every premium bulb I've bought has failed in 3 to 5 months without exception. Yet No-name Halogens run for years and are a fraction of the price.

So, now I run the cheapies along side my Hella Micro-D HID's when I need some really serious light.

[BeltwayBandit]

Originally Posted by bungie4

Theirs also a price/life trade off. Every premium bulb I've bought has failed in 3 to 5 months without exception. Yet No-name Halogens run for years and are a fraction of the price.

I have had good bulb life with GE Nighthawks, about two years vs. 3 - 5 months for SilverStars.