55w -or- 80w fog lamp replacement bulbs

[00void]

hey everyone…

i'm thinking of getting yellow fogs for 4G 4runner… now, stock, they come w/ a 55w bulb, but i'd like to get the 80w as i'm sure they'll be brighter, but are there any risks? ie, the bulb burning out quicker, heating higher than normal, warranty issues if damage is done, etc. anyway, any suggestions/ opinions would be greatly appreciated.

oh, and i plan on buying from SPP Lighting:
http://www.supremepowerparts.com/category/spr/9006.html

 

[Border411]

I already posted pictures about a discussion I started regarding yellow fog light bulbs. Check out the link in my signature for pictures. The 80W havent done anything to the wiring or bulb housing.

 

[00void]

I already posted pictures about a discussion I started regarding yellow fog light bulbs. Check out the link in my signature for pictures. The 80W havent done anything to the wiring or bulb housing.

i saw the thread (and pics, which look cool), but didn't see anything about 'possible dangers' hence my reasoning for starting this thread…

 

[greasefingers]

There is a Body Control Module, to be aware of, but since Border411 has not experienced any issues, then go for it. I would imagine that the BCM would only be jeopardized if one was making several changes to the original electrical loads of the system.

 

[bryancos]

Just be sure to check your wiring and the lamp housing for any signs of heat damage... I've seen some cheap aftermarket bulbs run so hot they melted the plastic coating on some of the wiring. Usually it's not a problem, but better to be safe than sorry as those fog lamp housings and wiring harnesses aren't cheap if you have to replace one.

As for bulb replacement, it depends on usage. I just replaced a silverstar bulb in one of my headlights... it lasted 22 mos... slightly better than the average 18 mos most folks have reported before theirs burned out.

 

[jaemc]

Higher wattage bulbs

When it comes to bulbs the wattage affects the heat the bulb produces. The higher the wattage the more heat you are going to have. The two issues you would want to check would be the wiring and the lamps. The wiring would need to be set up to handle the extra wattage draw, and the lamps need to dissipate the extra heat. Either of these could cause issues in the future. The most common problems I hear about are with damaged wiring, melted connectors, damaged reflectors, and if the lenses are plastic melted lenses.

Also when it comes to bulb life this is also directly affected by wattage. For example a 55 watt H3 bulb has a rated life of 200 hours. A H3 110 watt bulb would have 100 hours of life. So for twice the wattage you'll get half the life.

These are just averages, so a cheap aftermarket bulb could blow our earlier, or a bulb being used in a lamp not set up for the higher wattage could also blow out early.

Jason

 

[RichP]

I would also add, the length of time you drive with the lights on could have an effect on this.

While the 80w fog light might be fine with my 1 hour commute...what happens when I am on a trip and have the lights for 4+ hours???

Just be sure to check your wiring and the lamp housing for any signs of heat damage... I've seen some cheap aftermarket bulbs run so hot they melted the plastic coating on some of the wiring. Usually it's not a problem, but better to be safe than sorry as those fog lamp housings and wiring harnesses aren't cheap if you have to replace one.

As for bulb replacement, it depends on usage. I just replaced a silverstar bulb in one of my headlights... it lasted 22 mos... slightly better than the average 18 mos most folks have reported before theirs burned out.

 

[jaemc]

bulb life

This shouldn't have an effect on it too much, in fact it is in some cases it would be better for the bulbs total life in terms of hours. Because halogen bulbs burn so hot turning them on and off is hard on them, so the total hours of life would be longer if you timed it with one being left on constantly and the other turned off and on regularly.
This isn't to say that someone would use their lights for 200 straigt hours, or that they shouldn't turn them off. Just more of an FYI.
Also if the bulb were a higher wattage bulb run for a long time this could tend to cause damage. Just as running an engine with only a little oil in it. At first it will be fine, but eventually the heat could get so high that some sort of damage is going to happen.

Jason