so my nc2 is going through dip beam bulbs at a rate of 1 every 2 months or so and a friend recommended I try either a high-quality bulb or a main dealer Mazda bulb!
I’ve been using the 200% brighter halfords bulbs I’ve also tried the night breaker bulbs from mx5 parts but they only lasted 6 months
so can anyone recommend a really good high-quality bright bulb that will last more than a couple of months, please
I should mention that the car came with the original bulbs in that had lasted 8 years and I’ve made no alterations to the electrical system so I’m sure its low quality bulbs that are the issue
Just a quick suggestion - check the voltage over the battery with the engine running.
If it is more than 14v it could indicate the regulator in the alternator is on the way out.
The high voltage could also be toasting the headlight bulbs.
Brighter means they also have a much shorter life. Compare the bulb specifications.
However if there is also vibration then it can be an extremely short life.
Example. My old Triumph 650 used to eat headlights for breakfast when the lamp was in the nacelle at the top of the forks, but when lamp was moved to a fairing, the problem went away. Damage the fairing, lamp temporarily back in the nacelle, and the problem returned in only a few days and persisted until the fairing returned. My watch was also shaken to bits inside.
Pick a premium branded Long Life bulb if you are having issues.
Just an opinion.
I do have these in mine, but not a lot of night time use.
But they are very good.
I agree with CBRDEANO the higher the voltage the less life of the bulb. So make sure your car is not producing over 14V when the engine is running.
I have Osram Night Breakers in my NC for the last 2 years, its a daily driver and had no problems. I my ford fiesta, on the other hand, they only lasted a year. Ive changed the fiesta ones for the Philips whitevision which have been in for 2 years. They are much brighter than original equipment So in theory the philips will last a lot longer and be brighter.
thanks, guys, I had to put an 18-pound bulb in from Halfords as I needed to have lights and couldn’t wait for postage on an order.
I did try the local parts places but all they had was more cheap bulbs.
i will now order some good high-quality bulbs and once they are here I will get the car booked in and have them changed.
i also need to have the driver’s side, sidelight bulb replaced in the headlamp and while I am at it I need to get some new trim plugs to hold the arch liners!
does anywhere do a trim plug kit for the arch liners btw?
i know mx5 parts does trim plugs but they don’t seem to do kits for particular areas
If you haven’t already done so consider using LED side bulbs, I replaced mine with LED (canbus error free type) and they make a huge difference (sometimes use them as running lights).
i have considered LED bulbs but TBH I don’t know much about the whole led v normal bulbs thing.
i suppose I should really go read up on the subject!
if I do go led, I will try one in the interior light first!
speaking of the interior light, the one that’s in there atm is the second one I’ve put in!
so I’ve gone through 4 or 5 pairs of dip beams and 2 interior lights in not even 2 years
Hmm maybe I should get that voltage checked after all!
).