Topic: Burnt out lights: Poor Quality Indication?

[blotter]

Anytime I’ve seen a new car driving around with a burnt out headlight or tail light it’s made me question the quality and future reliability of that make.  We’ve all seen it.
Am I being overly critical or does anyone else think that way as well?

[Fobroader]

Not really, Ive had bulbs that didnt work out of the package or lasted a few days......saying that, most of the lightbulbs on the Mitsu and on my Altima were never touched.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

It depends. Bulbs burn out and some people are very slow to replace them.

Having said that, voltage regulation seems to be a perpetual issue with VWs. Blown bulbs are a symptom.

[johngenx]

Bulb replacement can be a huge PITA if they're not easily accessible or easily sourced.  I can't stand driving with a bulb out as it makes me appear negligent in caring for my car.

[Schmengie]

I see high-end German cars with burned-out headlights all the time. Those vehicles aren't noteworthy for their reliability so I don't think it's a coincidence. It does make me wonder why their owners don't just get them fixed. It's not like they can't afford it after all.

I've only had to replace a burned-out taillight bulb in the Versa so far.

[PJungnitsch]

Exactly, German engineers are often willing to trade off reliability for higher performance. Guessing they bump up the regulator settings to brighten the lights.

[blotter]

German cars are a good example.

I've recently seen a brand new Fiat and Grand Cherokee with a burnt out headlight.

On new cars it also made me wonder why people don't get them changed because it should be covered under the bumper to bumper warranty?   

[random006]

Some cars, like mine, use their low beams as DRLs.  The system might not support dual wattage or subsequent replacement bulbs might not have the extra filament / wiring.  Either way, it makes for a shortened bulb life.

[Northernridge]

If anything, a burnt out light is reflection of the vehicle owner. Seems silly to consider it a indicator for quality

[rrocket]

If it's a VW, this is known as "normal".

[Snowman]

If anything, a burnt out light is reflection of the vehicle owner. Seems silly to consider it a indicator for quality

Exactly, I have seen many other brands with burnt out lights...including Lexus.

[blotter]

If anything, a burnt out light is reflection of the vehicle owner. Seems silly to consider it a indicator for quality

Exactly, I have seen many other brands with burnt out lights...including Lexus.

I don't disagree and sometimes wonder if those people even know it's out.... but, I hardly expect a 6 month old car to burn a light out.   

[blur911]

If anything, a burnt out light is reflection of the vehicle owner. Seems silly to consider it a indicator for quality

Exactly, I have seen many other brands with burnt out lights...including Lexus.

Our Outback was pretty bad, usually replaced low beam in the headlights every year, a friend with a Legacy complained of the same.   My Audi's were usually pretty good, but no DRL's.  Cayenne has a slightly flickery HID when cold, but I have a spare that came with it.

[rrocket]

If anything, a burnt out light is reflection of the vehicle owner. Seems silly to consider it a indicator for quality

Exactly, I have seen many other brands with burnt out lights...including Lexus.

I don't disagree and sometimes wonder if those people even know it's out.... but, I hardly expect a 6 month old car to burn a light out.

But it happens so often in VWs, they can't keep up. "I just changed that bulb 2 weeks ago! "

[my2cents]

It's spreading.

Bosch causes Apple check engine light

http://gizmodo.com/the-iphone-5s-motion-sensors-are-totally-screwed-up-1440286727

Since the iPhone 5S landed in the hands of new owners a few weeks ago, there have been reports
that on-board sensors like the gyroscope, compass, and accelerometer haven't been working properly
on some devices.
We've confirmed the new iPhone's failings on our own. It's not just off. It's embarrassing.

[Snowman]

It's spreading.

Bosch causes Apple check engine light

http://gizmodo.com/the-iphone-5s-motion-sensors-are-totally-screwed-up-1440286727

Since the iPhone 5S landed in the hands of new owners a few weeks ago, there have been reports
that on-board sensors like the gyroscope, compass, and accelerometer haven't been working properly
on some devices.
We've confirmed the new iPhone's failings on our own. It's not just off. It's embarrassing.

Yikes! fail

[wing]

I've recently seen a brand new Fiat and Grand Cherokee with a burnt out headlight.

They didn't have their blinkers on did they?

[X-Traction]

Owners of Suzuki Grand Vitaras are finding the oem H7 bulbs last 5-6 years, but non-oem replacements are lasting 4-6 months.  (Changing them takes only a couple of minutes once you get the hang of it.)  GV owners in countries that don't require DRL's don't seem to have this problem.  Long-life or vibration-resistant H7's are available and I'll try them next time.

One thing that looks really dumb is people who drive with their fog lights on when they don't need them, just to show everyone they have fog lights, and one of their fog lights is burnt out.  Double dumb.

[blotter]

They didn't have their blinkers on did they?

nope... i know, they go out when the turn signal is on.
 

[aquadorhj]

Exactly, German engineers are often willing to trade off reliability for higher performance. Guessing they bump up the regulator settings to brighten the lights.

i don't know for sure, but i don't think german cars bump voltage to make lights brighter.   

my previous 03 Jetta and current 07 Rabbit both use low beam as DRL.  it's not that bright.   on Rabbits, the beam pattern is way better so it helps, but the lights on jetta just plain sucked.

and jetta's light went out every year. 

surprisingly, Rabbit's lights last a while, (only VW i know of that hasn't had tail lamps changed at all so far.).



but to OP's point, yes i agree when brand new car's has lights out, it doesn't give me good impression of the make of the car.  annoyances with the owner is more significant if the car is POS in general.