I've learned the hard way: Sylvania Silver Star headlights basically suck.
Following the previously mentioned headlight fiasco I dug into some solid facts regarding Sylvania's Silver Star headlights. In short, H1-ST bulbs have a lifespan of - take a deep breath - 135 hours. Seeing as how our low beams also function as our DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), it's no wonder they failed so quickly.
We are basically forced into using Halogen or Xenon bulbs. This is fine, really, as both are far less expensive than Sylvania Silver Stars. A set of two H1-ST bulbs cost just under $40. A set of two Xenon H1s (non-HID) set us back $12 after shipping.
We should be seeing a lifespan of about 1200-1400 hours on our low beams, minimum. This should solve the problem!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
April Update
The cars have been working great, so there isn't much to say. I have not yet had an opportunity to install an inline coolant heater for the VW, which I regret... But winter is basically over, so there is presently not much advantage to install one.
Today I replaced another low-beam on the VW, and am wondering if the light going out was merely a fluke or if it is a sign of a larger problem. I had replaced both low-beams in January. I did notice the headlight fixture doesn't seem to be fully sealed, so moisture may be an issue.
I also replaced the under-body cover for the VW today. For this it was necessary to purchase ramps to drive the car onto. It was $40 for a set that can handle 6000lbs directly (3000lbs per ramp). During the replacement process I had noticed one of the plastic pieces the under-body cover attaches to was cracked badly, so my friend Gary patched it up by riveting a piece of aluminum sheeting across the cracked portion.
I am glad to have the under-body cover replaced, as the previous cover was barely hanging in place and made awful flapping noises at interstate speeds or when driving into a strong headwind.
The Audi rarely gets taken out these days, mainly because I don't really have anywhere to go.
If I had the opportunity to scrap the Audi in favor of a Mercedes-Benz 300D/300SD/300SDL in very good condition, or if I had the scratch to afford a 2001-2003 VW New Beetle RSi ($58k, as only 250 of them exist) I would in a heartbeat. That's not to say I dislike the Audi. On the contrary, I love it. It's just that the other two would be so much more fun!
I've made it my goal for the year to test-drive an Audi R8 TDI. On a closed track.
Today I replaced another low-beam on the VW, and am wondering if the light going out was merely a fluke or if it is a sign of a larger problem. I had replaced both low-beams in January. I did notice the headlight fixture doesn't seem to be fully sealed, so moisture may be an issue.
I also replaced the under-body cover for the VW today. For this it was necessary to purchase ramps to drive the car onto. It was $40 for a set that can handle 6000lbs directly (3000lbs per ramp). During the replacement process I had noticed one of the plastic pieces the under-body cover attaches to was cracked badly, so my friend Gary patched it up by riveting a piece of aluminum sheeting across the cracked portion.
I am glad to have the under-body cover replaced, as the previous cover was barely hanging in place and made awful flapping noises at interstate speeds or when driving into a strong headwind.
The Audi rarely gets taken out these days, mainly because I don't really have anywhere to go.
If I had the opportunity to scrap the Audi in favor of a Mercedes-Benz 300D/300SD/300SDL in very good condition, or if I had the scratch to afford a 2001-2003 VW New Beetle RSi ($58k, as only 250 of them exist) I would in a heartbeat. That's not to say I dislike the Audi. On the contrary, I love it. It's just that the other two would be so much more fun!
I've made it my goal for the year to test-drive an Audi R8 TDI. On a closed track.
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