I have a 2004 coming up on 9 years old and so far have only had to replace one taillight bulb. I have a couple questions about headlight bulbs.

1) Do they lose brightness as they age?
2) If not, does anyone consider replacing headlights as preventive maintenance?

I don't know how long they typically last. Our driving is probably 80-90% daytime. I may just buy a pair and put them in the glove box in case one goes out when we are out of town.

1) YES
2) NOT ME (I feel like wasting $ if I do that)

 

Two suggestions -

1. I have read that bulbs have slightly diminished brightness as they age but I am not a bulb expert. I did replace my OEM bulbs with a set of premium bulbs the first year we got it (its was used and 3 years old at the time). Think there were silverstars or something like that. Cost was maybe 20-30 bucks for the pair. And I put one of the old bulbs into my emergency kit. There is lots of info avail on premium bulb pros and cons on the web and amazon reviews.
2. If you don;t want to buy new set of bulbs, it may be a good idea to buy 1 el cheapo walmart bulb to keep in the glove in case a HL bulb goes out when out on the road - cheap insurance.


http://www.bestcovery.com/best-replacement-headlights

 

:lol: those "el cheapo" Walmart bulbs are the basic Sylvania bulbs, which is what most manufactures use (either that or a basic Phillips bulb). Just an FYI for those "premium" bulbs, they don't last. If you do a lot of night driving they will burn out in a year. They usually have a colored film over the glass to change the color, well that also robs the lumen output. Those higher end bulbs are generally for show (for a hid-like appearance). If you want output, check out the Sylvania Xtravisions. They aren't their most expensive bulb, but they have the higher output filament from the Silver-star Ultra's without the lumen robbing film. Otherwise get the standard ones at Walmart, its what the manufacturer uses.

 

Otherwise get the standard ones at Walmart, its what the manufacturer uses.

That looks like the best bet. No way I'm going to pay $30 or $40 for a pair of bulbs that will likely only last a couple years. Thanks.

 

My bulbs are still factory, was built in '06 and I drive with my headlights on day and night, bulbs have changed intensity that I can pick. i have had the car nearly 2 years now. I will go OEM as they appear to be the best and similar to a style of bulb that is very hard to get but very efficient and bright, and for the life of me i can not remember who makes it but the style was something like hird or irhd. BTW its not HID related.

 

So are the headlight bulbs 9005 or 9006? I'm confused!?

 

Both.

 

Vehicle lighting preventative maintenance = When one lamp burns out, replace both since they have the same amount of time on the filaments.

Left/right for headlight, brake lights, backup lights, parking lights.
Front/rear pair for turn signals.

 

Hi, just a note:
The clear headlight lens becomes hazy over time. If you have a 2004 then they are probably clouded. You will be amazed at the brightness and clarity after swapping in new headlight assemblies. I know I was. I replaced the pair on my 2003 last year for a $ong. Available via Amazon. Pair was $76 including *bulbs and shipping.

*Hi + low + marker, six bulbs total.

Haya......

BTW- not all that tough installing new headlight assemblies. Takes 20-30 min.

 

05Moose, thanks a lot that chart was very helpful.
I received my new headlight assemblies from Amazon. TYC brand. The passenger side came with sockets and bulbs but the drivers side had neither.... the description on Amazon said no bulbs, so I guess it was a bonus!
I removed the grill and freed up the bumper cover. Took the original headlight assemblies out.

Then installed the new and all is well. Wife is happy!

 

http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Highla...sembly/dp/B0024NSMAG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Above is the link to Amazon for the 2003 headlights.

Below is the write up I posted on the "Questions and Answers" section of that same listing.

2001-2007 Highlander. Actually after reading the instructions on the web and looking at youtube I found it easier than I had expected. I found you do not need to fully remove the grille or bumper. Just peal back the fender liners and remove the bolt at each end of the bumper cover. Then remove the four plastic pins along the top of the grille. Spread the ends of the bumper cover and tilt the whole works forward a few inches. You may need to loosen the six screws along the bottom of the bumper cover if it is too stiff to tilt. Mine was not. The headlight assemblies can then be removed. Take out the two screws from the backets on top then pry up slightly on the brackets to free them. Now sharply pull the assembly forward. It is held in place by a clip and a pin. Rotate the headlight slightly and lift it free. Remove the bulbs. Reassemble in reverse order. Tip: The ends of the bumper cover want to press in against the fenders so some masking tape at these points to protect the paint is probably a good idea. Took me about 20 minutes total.

Note: on later models there is a screw behind the grille that needs to be removed too.

 

Replace the 9006 bulb with HIR 9012s. They fit right into the 9006s socket. I have them on my 2006 Highlander, light output is way brighter than any 9006 sylvania or philips. They last a very long time, been using them since summer 2012. Light output hasn't dimmed a bit. To learn more http://store.candlepower.com/mohirbuba.html