Short Life of Headlamps / Improving Grounding

[LaszloT]

Blew another low beam headlamp last night, and it'll be the 2nd set in as many years. :(

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrGXMp70eGVO-4GHgTXJkm31G8GvF5sYrb8kdBT-PBUY0eEm0L

http://i.imgur.com/ATHCUev.jpg

Same bulbs as a Subaru part according to my mechanic, so I'm wondering if grounding is the issue.

http://i.imgur.com/cMJNZPV.jpg

Is there a way to improve the grounding, or have you other suggestions to prolong the life of the headlight bulbs?

[JoeT]

Silverstars don't last, I personally stopped using them since they last only about 1.5 years max. Use cloth gloves (uncontaminated) when installing the bulbs, fingerprints and halogen bulbs don't get along well, for some reason. Use GE bulbs, they will probably last about 4 or 5 years.

[STeveD]

No, I don't think that's the same as the original 2004 dealer bulb. Don't use Silverstars. I would get 1.5 to 3 months max out of a Silverstar with coilovers and metal camber plates. Vibration is what kills them.

Silverstars are guaranteed for one year, so keep the receipt and you can keep returning them during the year.

I solved the vibration issue by going HID and aiming the headlights kind of low.

[wparsons]

I've got cheap HID's in my car ($60 with ballasts, plug and play wiring, etc), going on about 1.5 years with zero issues.