SYLVANIA Product FAQs
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Automotive Lighting FAQ
Over time things wear down - tires, brakes and headlights too. It's important to replace your headlight bulbs as a regular part of your regular maintenance before they go dim. As headlight experts, we know that your car's headlight bulbs can lose up to 50 feet of visibility before burnout.
Actual bulb testing using a Goniometer to measure beam patterns, using multiple bulb types and headlamp designs, confirms there is a decrease of downroad distance visibility by up to 50 feet before burnout.
We always suggest replacing headlights in pairs for a couple of reasons. Typically, headlight bulbs are the same age, so when it's time to replace one, its time to replace both. Headlights can lose up to 50 feet of visilbility before burnout, so if you replace only one bulb, you're likely to end up with one bright headlight and one dimmer one which can impact your downroad visibility and your field of view while driving.
Headlight bulbs wear down over time, just as your tires, wipers and brakes do too. Replacement should be part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine to ensure maximum visibility on the road during the darkest months of the year.
Properly aimed headlights provide optimal visibility and eliminate dangerous glare for other drivers on the road. Click here to watch this video for helpful information on how to aim your headlights.
Our Lamp Replacement Guide is a great place to start! We receive the information for our Lamp Replacement Guide straight from vehicle manufacturers. We always suggest consulting your vehicle's owner manual and checking the bulb currently installed before installing a new bulb.
Click here to find your part number!
We recommend SYLVANIA SilverStar® Ultra halogen bulbs, offering a whiter light for more clarity and the most downroad visibility, when compared to SYLVANIA Basic.
Sometimes vehicle manufacturers make parts changes in the middle of production. Unfortunately, those changes are not always made available to us. We always suggest consulting your vehicle's owner manual or checking the bulb that is currently installed to verify part numbers. If you have further questions, please call our Customer Service team at: 800-729-3777, M-F 9am - 5pm EST.
SYLVANIA defines clarity as the combination of downroad, sideroad, and white light. Increased clarity is achieved from brighter downroad, greater sideroad, and whiter light, and can improve contrast and object visibility such as street signs and road hazards.
Whiter light can improve contrast and object visibility such as street signs and road hazards. It can also help with peripheral visibility. More information on the study of headlights can be found here. These are reports created by the Light Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
OSRAM Sylvania performs extensive laboratory testing on all the bulb types we manufacture. The bulbs are tested in a controlled environment to SAE and USCAR testing standards. Rated life is the expected minimum average life as determined by large scale lab testing over long production periods. Individual lifetimes may vary based on application, ambient conditions, vehicle voltage, and vehicle usage.
An average driver will use their low beam headlights 100 hours per year. The value can be found here, a report created by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
Brighter bulbs are designed for better downroad and sideroad performance.
Halogen Bulb FAQ
A halogen lamp is a high pressure capsule utilizing halogen gas to improve life and performance. It is typically used for forward lighting applications.
How it works? -The halogen bulbs tungsten filament is heated up to the point that the tungsten actually evaporates and the tungsten molecules then cling to the halogen molecule. When lit, the halogen bulb actually burns brighter than the incandescent bulb. Once the halogen bulb is turned off, the filament cools and the tungsten molecules return to it. The halogen inside the capsule helps to increase the filament’s lifespan.
OSRAM Sylvania designs our lamps to operate within tolerances defined by the NHTSA specification for each product type. We use a series of tests to ensure we are providing federally compliant product of the highest quality. Distance and lumen performance are dependent on the design of the headlamp, electrical system of the vehicle, and condition of the optic. The OEM car makers and their tier one suppliers design the optics of the headlamp which heavily contribute to the performance of the lamp. While we cannot provide performance specifications for each product type we offer under a particular bulb type (i.e. – H11, 9006, 9145, etc.), our high performance products (i.e.- SilverStar Ultra, SilverStar zXe, etc.) tend to be the higher range of the allowable tolerances.
We offer a wide variety of products to satisfy customer needs for brightness, whiteness, clarity and budget. Please check out our product pages for more information about our products. If you still have questions, our Customer Service team is here to help. Please fill out our General Inquiries form or give us a call at 1-800-729-3777, M-F9am-5pm EST.
We are drivers too, and certainly agree these types of bulbs are bothersome and distracting. Sylvania's products should not cause any glare issues when installed correctly. All of our bulbs are designed to operate within the same tolerances that are expected from the NHTSA specification for each bulb. We actively work with NHTSA to craft regulations that prevent unsafe lighting set ups and to identify non-compliant bulbs or set ups. All of our products meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 standards for safe, legal, on-road operation and should not be bothersome to oncoming traffic unless they are improperly installed or incorrectly aimed.
Whiter light boosts contrast which enhances reflectivity of street marketing and road signs while improving visibility of objects in and along the road.
Your vehicle’s electrical system is designed for a fixed power draw, so by design, we cannot draw more power out of the vehicle. As the global leader in Automotive Lighting, SYLVANIA has developed state-of-the-art components that deliver a higher performance without drawing additional power from the vehicle. This performance increase comes at the expense of a shorter lifetime when compared to OEM basic bulbs.
It's important to understand that with any high performance product, there are trade offs. In the case of bulbs, a brighter product will result in a shorter overall life. We are constantly innovating to ensure even our highest performing bulbs have an impressive lifespan. By using a premium Xenon gas mixture and filling to a higher pressure - we extend the life of our higher performing bulbs. By applying our proprietary blue coating, every SilverStar Ultra filters out some light waves to create a whiter light and provides more clarity to improve contrast and object visibility. The bulb is then laser ablated to allow more light down the road.
While our BASIC bulbs are economical and long-lasting - it's our high-performance bulbs that are brighter and whiter, allowing for farther down the road visbiility and create better contrast for whatever is in front of you.
LED Bulb FAQ
SYLVANIA LED products have been designed to be a safe, universal replacement for automotive applications. Current automotive federal law prohibits replacing halogen lamps with LEDs for low and high beam headlight applications. We currently support the use of LED replacement bulbs in automotive fog light applications.
SYLVANIA LED Ultra Fog and Powersport bulbs are our brightest LED bulbs with most clarity, designed to replicate the crisp, cool-white color of noon daylight for exceptional visibility. Built with aviation-grade aluminum, they are lightweight, durable, and resistant to water and dust, featuring a maximum lifespan and backed by a lifetime limited warranty. In comparison, our SYLVANIA LED Fog and Powersport Lights deliver clarity and performance and backed by a two-year limited warranty, giving you both enhanced visibility and added peace of mind. All SYLVANIA LEDs bulbs are supported by over a century of SYLVANIA’s lighting expertise, and US-based customer service.
Some LED miniature and auxiliary light bulb products are marked as “off-road use only” because they have not been tested in all vehicle applications. This does not mean the bulb will under-perform. In many instances, it will out-perform a traditional incandescent bulb. We cannot, however, guarantee some LED bulbs that are marked "off-road use only" will meet regulations in all applications.
We agree that there are some headlights on the road with glare. Glare can be caused by a number of factors including improperly aimed headlights, aged-hazy headlight lenses, non-compliant unsafe upgrades, or a combination of all the above. SYLVANIA LED bulbs are an acceptable retrofit for a Fog light application designed to OEM standards and are not federally regulated. SYLVANIA products go through quality testing and are designed to eliminate dangerous glare when installed properly by focusing light where you need it on the road rather than in the eyes of oncoming traffic.
Our LED's are not rated for submersion in water - learn more about Sylvania ZEVO LEDs
SYLVANIA LEDs are manufactured with bright, long-lasting SMD LEDs and come with a 12 month warranty from the date of purchase. ZEVO® LEDs offer brighter, sharper light that can improve performance for interior and exterior applications. ZEVO LEDs are a universal fit, with no polarity restrictions. Some LED bulbs (like SYLVANIA LEDs) need to be inserted only one way into a socket. ZEVO LEDs are compatible either way. Plus, ZEVO LEDs have a Limited Lifetime Warranty (warranty registration required).
The color spectrum of an incandescent bulb is different than color spectrum of a white LED. This impacts the color LED you should purchase, but the easy general rule is that the bulb should match the color of the lens that covers the bulb.
Clear Lens: Depending on the application, either a white or an amber bulb can be used behind a clear lens.
Red Lens: Always choose a red LED bulb behind a red lens. If you place a white LED behind a red tail/brake lens, there will be too much orange/yellow and the light will appear pink/orange.
Amber Lens: Always choose an amber LED bulb behind an amber lens. If you place a white LED behind an amber lens, the light will appear greenish.
We offer LED replacements bulbs for most automotive applications, including interior lights, license plate, directionals, brake lights and fog lights. Occasionally, replacing traditional miniature incandescent bulbs with advanced technology LED bulbs can trigger dashboard warning lights or unexpected hyperflash. These can usually be corrected quickly and easily with the addition of a load equalizer or flasher module. For LED Fog and Powersport applications, a load equalizer or canbus error eliminator can help to resolve the issue. Click to get information on our SYLVANIA Load Equalizer.
Some vehicle computers are programmed to "look" for a standard incandescent bulb, by sending out a low voltage pulse. It's not enough current to light the bulb, but it is enough to tell the computer a bulb is installed. When you install a an LED bulb, the low voltage pulse can sometimes be strong enough to trigger the bulb to blink. Installing a SYLVANIA Load Equalizer will usually resolve this issue.
Some vehicle computers are programmed to "look" for a standard, incandescent bulb. When you install an LED bulb, the computer thinks that no bulb is present and triggers the dashboard warning light. Installing a SYLVANIA Load Equalizer will usually resolve this issue.
Installing a SYLVANIA Load Equalizer is easy and straightforward. It clamps right on to the existing wiring. There is no need to cut or splice wires. Click here for our instructional videos
First, this will not cause damage to the LED bulb or your vehicle. Second, a SYLVANIA Load Equalizer will usually prevent this from happening. Many modern vehicles use "electronic" switches instead of mechanical contact switches. Electronic switches often "leak" a tiny amount of electrical current that passes through the LED bulb and causes it to glow, even when it's off. The amount of current is so tiny that it cannot cause an incandescent bulb to glow when the car is off.
SYLVANIA LED products are optimized for heat management and bulb performance. Some higher performance LED bulbs require use of active cooling and have been designed with a fan when necessary.
Some vehicles have a different type of bulb socket design called a "CK Socket", which can cause cause some LEDs to behave this way. SYLVANIA ZEVO LEDs are engineered to work with this style of socket.
Incandescent lamps originally installed in OEM light fixtures have standardized bases and these bases are shared among different lamp types and numbers. These lamp bases are designed with standardized electrical connections to make sure they are compatible with the mating connectors in the fixtures. The various incandescent lamp numbers may share a common base but could have differences of rated life, output, color, etc. “Also fits” means the LED lamp should fit and operate within the intended light fixture.
As an OEM lighting manufacturer and LED chip manufacturer with 100+ years of lighting expertise and innovation, SYLVANIA understands automotive lighting and tests all products according to industry standards to ensure optimal performance. We stand by our quality materials and engineering, backing all LED replacement bulbs with an industry-leading warranty and us-based customer service team.
Headlight Restoration Kit FAQ
Yes, an additional UV Block Coat can be added if the car has not been driven or exposed to water or moisture. The UV Block Coat can be applied directly to the headlight lens without the use of the activator. Reapply after touching a small corner of the headlight lens ensuring it is tack free. If you live in an area where the weather is very humid, the moisture in the air can effect the application when the clear coat is applied. Make sure you're applying in an area without humidity.
Our award-winning Headlight Restoration Kit easy to use. There are just 3 simple steps. The results are incredible and include a lifetime warranty. Click here for our instructional videos.
Yes. Sylvania's Headlight Essentials Kit which includes our proprietary UV Block Clear Coat is available for purchase at SYLVANIA and at any of our Authorized Retailers. Click here for more information.
If you've just completed all of the restoration steps, we suggest waiting a few days for the UV Block Clear Coat to fully cure before trying the following.
Using 2000 grit sandpaper, begin by lightly sanding the entire lens surface with even, circular motions. Next, rinse lens thoroughly with clean water, making sure to remove dust and lose particles. Dry lens completely with a lint-free towel. Finally, re-apply an even coat of UV Block Clear Coat across entire lens. This should give you excellent, long-lasting results.
Our Headlight Restoration Kit comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-729-3777, M-F 9am - 5pm EST and we will gladly send you another kit. If you haven't already, please complete our Warranty Registration before calling.
Off Road Lighting FAQ
SYLVANIA off road lights are manufactured in a durable aluminum body designed for optimal heat removal, handles rough off-road environments and resists corrosion. All lenses are made from an impact-resistant polycarbonate.
Our Rugged series is the most robust - boasting a 100% waterproof rating and can handle extreme off-road experiences.
No, the wiring harnesses are needed to operate the lightbars and pods but do not come with the product. SYLVANIA sells several different harnesses and brackets that are compatible with our LED light bars and pods. Compatible mounting accessories are listed on each product page for your convenience.
Yes, SYLVANIA sells several different harnesses and brackets that are compatible with our LED light bars and pods. Compatible mounting accessories are listed on each product page for your convenience. If there are further questions, please reach out to our Customer Service team at: 800-729-3777, M-F 9am - 5pm EST.
Compatible mounting accessories are listed on each product page for your convenience. If there are further questions, please reach out to our Customer Service team at: 800-729-3777, M-F 9am - 5pm EST.
Flood beams are best for usage in lower speed applications that benefit from increased side road visibility.
Spot beams are best for usage in higher speed applications that benefit from increased down road visibility.
Yes! SYLVANIA LED light bars and pods can be used on any type of vehicle - including cars, trucks, SUV's, boats, ATV/UTV's, Snowmobiles, motorcycles, dirt bikes and other applications
Flood beams are best for usage in lower speed applications that benefit from increased side road visibility.
Spot beams are best for usage in higher speed applications that benefit from increased down road visibility.
SYLVANIA light bar and light pod assemblies are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty. For more information, please visit our Warranty information page here.
SYVLANIA off road LED light bars and pods are regulated for off-road use only, they are not intended to be used on the roadways. Please check your state legislation for local laws.
Our Rugged Series boasts an IP69 rating, meaning they're fully waterproof and can handle extreme off-road experiences. Our Ultra Series and Slim Series lightbars are IP67k rated, water resistant up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.
Yes, SYLVANIA sells several different brackets that are compatible with our LED light bars and pods. Compatible mounting accessories are listed on each product page for your convenience. If there are further questions, please reach out to our Customer Service team at:
Tire Care FAQ
Most vehicles require that the ignition be in the “accessories” or “on” position to power the DC plug.
Our Plus, Pro and Rapid Models have LED work lights on them to allow you to see better
Our Basic and Plus tire inflators have a 9.8ft power cable, the Pro has a 10.8ft cable and the Rapid has an 11.5ft cable
Yes, each power inflator comes with a set of accessories for multi-use such as bike tires, balls and other inflatables.