I want to buy some brighter headlight bulbs for my 2008 Prius, and I just want to make sure I buy the right thing. Are these the right size bulbs? Sylvania 9003/H4 SilverStar Ultra Twin Pack If not, could you tell me what size I need? I don't have HID or fog lights. Would I only need two bulbs for the front of the car, or are the high and low beams separate? Thanks!
Yes, those are the right size. The twin pak is enough (each bulb is both low and high beam). BTW, let us know how you make out with those bulbs, especially longevity. A bunch of us here have been exploring brighter bulbs. A few of us here have the Philips X-Treme Power bulbs, which are extremely bright (brightest bulbs available), but their longevity is a big question mark.
Bear in mind, Silver stars have a short life. Maybe about 1 year with moderate use, and for me, as short as 3 months using them as DRL and night. PIAA has a wide selection, but I am only now gathering opinions on those.
Also, for a good written and visual primer on DIY replacement of headlights, check out this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...38842-how-change-headlamp-headlight-bulb.html
Thanks for the quick replies. I don't plan to use them as DRLs, and I don't really do much night driving. I've been looking at brighter bulbs, and the two that came up were from Philips and Sylvania. Although both seem to have short life spans, it looks like that's just a trade-off with going for a brighter bulb.
I installed the bulbs today in about thirty minutes. Installation wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. If I can remember to post back here, I'll give my experience with the bulbs' longevity.
Hi Bryan, as Boo said, do let us know about longevity and maybe even how the bulbs look (cause Sylvania claims the Ultras are whiter and brighter than the regular Silverstars). I had two sets of Silverstars and both blew out under a year (05-06 and 06-07) so last fall I gave up and switched to Phillips X-Treme Power. They're a LOT brighter than the regular Silverstars (which just looked nice and white) and they're slightly whiter than the fogs but if the fogs are off, you can't tell as they're still yellow. For me, I'd rather have bright over white.
just as a recommendation, i would try a set of PIAA headlights bulb in either their Super White or Plasma White colors IMO the silverstars are NOT bright enough and the color is blah the PIAA gives a look and light closer to HID systems PLUS...PIAA has great warranty on their bulbs link: PIAA
The best replacement bulbs as far as brightness versus life are the "Hi-Vis", "Hi-Output" or "xtravision" bulbs that have higher performance but no blue or other tinting-filters that reduces the total light output just to change the color. The color is not what helps you see, it is total light output and correct beam pattern. Also, these bulbs, because they do not have to be tweaked (i.e. running at much higher temperatures) to comply with the minimum federally required light output, will last much longer than any of the "blue" bulbs.
^sorry best i could recommend if used them numerous times pre-aftermarket HID, now if any car i own doesnt have HIDs i make it a point to install the aftermarket ones with good quality and warranty such as mculloch but still PIAAs work awesome
I haven't been out driving at night since I installed the bulbs, but from what little driving I did, the increased visibility was good and I also thought that the white light was very nice. The light wasn't really blue at all, so I don't know if Sylvania made that claim or not.
I've run Silverstars on other vehicles (without DRL's) and they only last about a year. While they are a little bit brighter, their just wasn't justified for me and I don't plan on using them anymore. I started buying the alternate brand, but I forget the name. Eagle visions? They are notably cheaper than the Silverstars but seem to be about the same overall. They should be on the shelves of Walmart right next to the Silverstars.
