Sylvania Silver Star Ultra; Advantages/disadvatages/worth it or not

I got a 50% off coupon for Sylvania Silver Star Ultra headlight bulbs. The decision to buy is swinging in the balance. Either for my wifes car, or for my truck? Never owned 'em before. What are the +'s, and what are the -'s? Are they worth all the trouble? Will I see any additional light/better lighting?

 

Silverstar Ultra longevity will most likely be much less than the stock bulbs. I think the Silverstar Ultra low beams are rated at ~250 hrs (versus ~800 hrs on the stock bulbs). That's ballpark. The Silverstar Ultra high beams are rated ~50 hours (if I remember correctly). I've read a lot about headlight bulbs. You'll see reviews covering the entire spectrum, both good and bad.

The most common negative complaint about the Ultras is "they burned out in less than a year". The most common positive remark is "much brighter than stock". Again, you'll see reviews on both sides of the fence. There's not a right answer- different bulbs for different folks, depending on your priorities.

But in a nutshell, yeah you'll probably like them better than stock bulbs. They are whiter and brighter but will not last as long. If you don't mind the install, and won't mind replacing them in 10, 12, or 14 months, you'll be happy. You'll probably have to remove the battery and the wiper fluid tank in order to install the bulbs (unless your hands are super small). Trust me, remove them first and it'll be much less frustrating, especially if it's your first time on a taco (that was the case on my 2014, anyway).

If you want a bulb that's gonna last you 5 years, choose something else.

 

Never had an issue with Ultras. Talked about it so much actually it's kind of old and I don't want to repeat it again.

50% off makes them about half as expensive. So try if you want.

 

The option I lay out here is drastically better than silverstars (as in no comparison in the slightest):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.398066/

Read this page for much better options than sylvania silverstars (not to be confused with Osram silverstars):
http://store.candlepower.com/osnibr.html

 

I already made the change (yesterday) I now understand what you mean about the battery and washer jug....I have HUGE hands by anyone's standards. It was cold (for this time of the year) and I didn't have gloves with me. And I did the bulb swap in the parts store parking lot. No, it was not much fun. Getting the rubber boot out was the frustrating part.

HAven't had the opportunity to drive in the dark just yet. They are brighter. I can tell that even in broad daylight. Ended up making the change for $26 and change. We'll see....

 

Ha yeah I tried the first time without pulling the tank and battery. Got the boots off but the wire clips ended up falling off and got lost down below. Finally pulled the tank and battery to try to find the clips. For some reason they were a huge pain to try to get them to stay back in. If they aren't in just right, the bulbs will wiggle a bit and that's not good, as a couple degrees off is huge at a distance for oncoming drivers.

Glad you got em swapped. You'll enjoy them.

 

My Silver Star Ultra's burned-out in less than a year. The brightness also diminished over time. Sylvania had a no-hassle warranty and sent me new replacements, but same thing happened with them. I guess there was some type of class action lawsuit because I got an $11.00 check from Sylvania a few months ago. Now I just stick with standard halogen replacements. Anything whiter & brighter has shorter lifespan.

 

True story. Been using aftermarket 9003 or H4 bulbs since 1999. Despite the short life I do like to try out different bulbs.

I just installed SilverStar Ultras in my Tacoma last August. These replaced Piaa Super Plasma GT bulbs, which themselves lasted 11 months before one of them blew out. The Ultras have whiter and more usable light compared to the Piaas. The beam footprint is bigger than stock, and from what I remember about the stock lights, the Ultras are whiter. I'm also assuming the Ultras will have a short life. The stock bulbs in Tacomas are more than adequate for seeing at night, all those people saying they can't see are probably subconsciously trying to find validation in wanting HIDs/LEDs.

 

My OEM bulbs were almost 5 years old. I had a chance to get new bulbs at a reasonable price. I did that. Now we'll see how they do. I didn't have any complaints with OEM. The only time (so far) that I've been out when lights are needed....That was early this morning....in pea soup fog....No advantage there.....

 

These bulbs suck in 2011 Tacoma