Forum Discussion

pexford's avatar
pexford
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014

Sylvania Ultra Headlights...beware!

Took the advice of Trailer Life's Bruce Smith's article to upgrade my 2009 Silverado 1500's lights. I'm "of an age" where I need all the help I can get at night driving. Spent the $45 low beam and $45 High Beam plus $70 (as he warned some GM units are not simple). After $160, the Hi beams are just a little better than OEM's. The Low beams suck! the "cut off" is waay lower than the OEM's...now only about 200'. Any moose here in NH that steps in front of me will likely drop 60,000 ticks on my front seat. That $70 replacement back to OEM low beam has me thinking. 60,000 ticks? $70? Really wish Bruce did a little more homework! Peter
Tow Vehicles
  • Bill___Kate's avatar
    Bill___Kate
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    I bet there is a Sylvania headlight advertisement in Trailer Life ...

    Much better to go onto Amazon or someplace and look at reviews ....
  • wmoses's avatar
    wmoses
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    I had the Ultras in my truck until one blew the I replaced them with the stock bulbs while the new ones came in. In my experience they were whiter and brighter than the stock bulbs and went farther down the road. They also had a wider beam. All round better than stock. Only downsides - cost and they blow faster than the stock bulbs.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Feb 20, 2014
    I'm in the same group as wmoses. The were brighter on my '04 Chevy. But they do burn out a lot faster.
  • tsetsaf's avatar
    tsetsaf
    Explorer III
    Feb 20, 2014
    I have found that the Xtravision versions provide the most light for the dollar. The Silverstars burn out too quick.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Feb 20, 2014
    tsetsaf wrote:
    I have found that the Xtravision versions provide the most light for the dollar. The Silverstars burn out too quick.


    Thanks, 01 Ram headlights basically suck, but I also drive with my lights on all the time, short bulb life is not for me!!
  • ExxWhy's avatar
    ExxWhy
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    If the cutoff is too low, then a quick adjustment of the aiming screws might get you back to where you want to be.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    ExxWhy wrote:
    If the cutoff is too low, then a quick adjustment of the aiming screws might get you back to where you want to be.
    eggzactly.. And that's true technically with any lamp considering the tolerances. I've been running the Silverstars and Xtravisions for several years, and the difference is significant. Amazon or eBay has them WAY cheaper than the local store.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Feb 20, 2014
    My X headlamps suck. What i'm going to do is install a good set of driving lights. Either Hella's or similar. Maybe even a good set of LED driving lights!
  • Lowsuv's avatar
    Lowsuv
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    my experience is that i gained nothing from the Silverstars other than a color change .
    2002 gmc duramax
    i am currently running one silverstar and one normal on low beams only
    the silverstar are no further out in distance .
    the silverstar have a shorter service life than conventional
    when the other silverstar burns out , i will not buy another .
    i live in bend at 4100' asl .
    the closest interstate is 140 miles away
    i have the opportunity to drive relatively deserted 2 lane US highways frequently at night .
  • TECMike's avatar
    TECMike
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    Been using Sylvania Silverstars in our 2002 F-250 for two years now. They have not burned out and have made a significant difference in me and my wife's ability to see and drive at night.

    Guess the headlight assemblies are different in all makes and models of trucks. Each person must make their own choices as to what works for them and their ability to see at night.

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