car question . . . anyone know why my headlight bulbs keep blowing?

must have had about 10 in over the last year!

 

It will be because you keep switching them on...........

.........give it 7 days without switching them on and then see what happens

 

Could be...

Faulty voltage regulator causing high than nornal voltage - I think it is usually built into the alternator, but a proper mechanic will be able to test

Or

Loose or rusty connections aroung the bulb holder or wires leading to it. Vibration causes continuous making and breaking of contact, causing current surges which eventually blow the bulb. Make sure they are all clean and tight.

Is it both bulbs or always the same one? If both, may be over voltage, if one, maybe bad connection on that bulb.

There's a decent auto-electrical guy on the Grange Lane Industrial Estate, can't remember the name though.

 

Water getting into headlight?

 

RE: Could be...

well drivers side must have gone at least 8 times and passenger side twice.</p>

my dad just mentioned it could be the alternator, but the garage i take it to keep blaming faulty bulbs, which i thinks a load of /poo </p>

 

nar i dont think it could be down to that to be honest.

 

Is it awkward to change them?

I wonder if you are smudging grease or seat from your fingers onto the bulb. This can cause premature failure I've found

 

Sounds daft.....but fuse?

Do you have the correct amp fuse for the headlights?

 

it sounds like a bad earth

 

Wot car is it?

 

What make/model of car?

I've got a Seat and Im on my 3rd set of headlight bulbs, I read that earlier VW Golfs (on which it's based) had a problem that cause headlight bulbs to blow.

I reckon it's just new cars that are *****! In about 20 years of owning a car I never had to change a headlight bulb, last 2 cars I've bought brand new and they go within a year!

 

Like redtail says, could be bad earth

That's what I meant when I said could be due to rust or dirt. Make sure ALL the contacts, including push on connectors etc, are spotless and bright and shiny, with no rust, grease or muck. Then fit it all back together. If they still keep blowing I would then suspect the alternator, but since it is 8-2 in favour of one side it points to a bad earth as far as I can tell. Depends on how old the car is - should not be a problem on a fairly new motor.

By the way just read the above it sounds like I'm a mechanic - nothing could be further from the truth.

 

Honda Civic (Type R)

took it to local garage everytime its gone and theyve sorted it out. im glad i dont do it because its a right pain in the arse to do. it usually takes them about 20 mins to do 1 bulb. the last time i went they said it had plentyof grease on it and that it wasn't the fuse causing it.