Both Low Beams Died... twice now.

[Vaggeto]

Hi there,2003 Base Vibe here, 106k miles.I had my stock headlights go out around 1.5 years ago now.I replaced them with these Sylvania Silverstar Ultras (http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-9003-SU- ... B0012ETJ1O)About 10-11 months later, only the low beams went out on these Silverstar Ultras. I thought it was weird and checked with a multimeter and verified they were getting power to the low beams. I changed both bulbs with Silverstar Ultras again and they both worked.Now about 5-6 months later, I've got the same issue. Both low beams out. I haven't checked with a mutlimeter, but I'm guessing a replacement will work again.My question: Is there anything that I'm doing or might be working incorrectly that could cause these low beams to burn out at the same time? I'm going to replace these under warranty because of how expensive the bulbs were, but I'm not sure if it would save me hassle to move to a different, more reliable brand. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[bluneon]

aftermarket 'higher output' halogen bulbs actually have a shorter lifespan than regular stock halogens. it is even stated on the package the bulbs come in.for brighter headlights on a standard 12v system, something has to give. that's the compromise.how yellow are is the headlight lens?

[keithvibe]

silverstar life span is very short.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by Vaggeto »I replaced them with these Sylvania Silverstar Ultras There's yer problem. The light output on $ilver$tars were great but they suck at life. Both fogs blew the same time on mine and I averaged 6 months between headlights. Back to ordinary halogens it was as I couldn't afford to keep replacing them.Quote »My question: Is there anything that I'm doing or might be working incorrectly that could cause these low beams to burn out at the same time?As long as you're not touching the glass or banging them around when trying to install, you're probably not doing anything wrong. Could always be a voltage spike that killed them both but that's rather unlikely.Welcome btw!

[Water boy]

If this was my car I would do the Big 3 before anything else. It helps with electrical issues.

[Vaggeto]

Thanks for the replies! Typically things don't predictably die before the warranty period. In this case that's 12 months so I'll just do that for now. Any other recommendations for a cooler color that is pretty bright but lasts longer?Also, what's the Big 3?Lastly, thanks for welcoming me. I've read here a few times in the past and just recently started doing more maintenance things and it's a great resource!

[Water boy]

Quote, originally posted by Vaggeto »Thanks for the replies! Typically things don't predictably die before the warranty period. In this case that's 12 months so I'll just do that for now. Any other recommendations for a cooler color that is pretty bright but lasts longer?Also, what's the Big 3?Lastly, thanks for welcoming me. I've read here a few times in the past and just recently started doing more maintenance things and it's a great resource!Google is your friend

[Vaggeto]

Oops... I did that right after posting and found out it was a very common term.I might have to do that. I don't have any type of aftermarket system, and have no plans for it really, but I do have the Moon & Tunes option.What AWG would you recommend for my 03 vibe?The main time I notice my headlights dim is when the ABS kicks in.Thanks!