AdMax98

Since I've had my car, I've gone through 4 sets of fog lights. If I have my fogs on every time I put my headlights on, they seem to burn out in about a months time. I've managed to make this current pair last for about 3 months since I rarely turned them on. Im just curious what would make them burn out in this short of time? Once, it even cracked the casing of the bulb, and Im positive that the correct bulbs were being used. Im guessing maybe there is a power problem somewhere and too much is going to my fogs? How can I fix this?
Thanks alot!

Freedog

One of the biggest reasons for this is dirt, oils, or some other kind of contamination getting on the bulbs. You're not supposed to ever touch a halogen light bulb. I've heard of people cleaning bulbs with alcohol before powering them up for the first time to remove contaminates. I would also check to make sure there is nothing getting into the fog light housing like water.

AdMax98

Ok, but would the bulb still last as long as a month before it burns out, if this was the case?

MAX95RUS

Are you using OEM fog lights? Overheating may be your problem.

AdMax98

No, theyre aftermarket ones from a rice store. But they are the correct model #. Do our cars NEED to use OEM fogs? I remember when I bought my car, the passenger side was burnt out, just like how all the other ones have been since then, and that first one was OEM.

Edit: Actually now that I think of it, a couple of them could have been on the drivers side too...but it was always just 1 that burnt out.

Freedog

The life of your bulbs could very well depend on the level and type of contamination left on the bulb and/or if there is a leak in the fog light housing, how often it rains, how often you wash your car, if you go through any puddles, etc.

amixam98

iTrader: (25)

I went through two pairs of aftermarket bulbs until I said forget it. Not worth it. Put my OEM bulbs back in and it's working fine.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

I bet he's using 80 Watt aftermarket bulbs. Way to much heat for that small housing. That's why they only last a few months.

Use a 55 Watt H3 bulb. There's plenty to chose from in that power range. DO NOT use 80 Watt H3 bulbs in our fog light housings. They'll just cook.

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

55W aftermarket rice bulbs never lasted for more than 2 months in my car.

tmkforever

Its really important to not touch the bulbs when you're installing them...use a rag or something else to touch them so you don't get oil on the glass. If you do get oil on them clean them with alcohol or else hot spots will form and they will burn out quickly. That's probably why the one bulb you had cracked. Other than that, use only quality bulbs from reputable companies.

AdMax98

Hmm, Guess I'll try a set of OEM bulbs then. Thanks for all the input.

AdMax98

Yeah I dont think I took too much caution when putting them in...I'll remember for next time