Bulb out on DRL
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This does not surprise me in the slightest! In fact, amazing its lasted that long even!
VW have used a twin filament bulb which, apart from the cap, is identical to the old stop/tail lights of old (ref 380 or 382 if I remember correctly). With those the 21w filamentwould blow and the whole bulb turn 'black' (a sure sign of overheating) and that was with the bulb being lit for short periods at a time (only when the brakes were applied).
Functioning as a DRL, it's on all the time the engine is running (21w in daylight, 5w at nighttime) - so no surprise its lasted only 12 months. Why have VW not used an LED for the DRLs?
So definitely, NO case to make a claim against the garage. I am expecting to be able to change mine myself- and that reminds me, thank you, that I must go to Halfords to buy a couple of replacement bulbs to have in readiness.
Edited by: PeterWestSussex
VW have used a twin filament bulb which, apart from the cap, is identical to the old stop/tail lights of old (ref 380 or 382 if I remember correctly). With those the 21w filamentwould blow and the whole bulb turn 'black' (a sure sign of overheating) and that was with the bulb being lit for short periods at a time (only when the brakes were applied).
Functioning as a DRL, it's on all the time the engine is running (21w in daylight, 5w at nighttime) - so no surprise its lasted only 12 months. Why have VW not used an LED for the DRLs?
So definitely, NO case to make a claim against the garage. I am expecting to be able to change mine myself- and that reminds me, thank you, that I must go to Halfords to buy a couple of replacement bulbs to have in readiness.
Edited by: PeterWestSussex
Most members have change the DRL bulbs to these...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MTEC-W21-5w-T20-DUAL-FILAMENT-SIDE-DRL-7443-SUPER-WHITE-HID-EFFECT-BULBS-Pair-/400385373634
No point going back to shout at your dealer as bulbs are not covered by the warranty.
It's a easy job to do yourself.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MTEC-W21-5w-T20-DUAL-FILAMENT-SIDE-DRL-7443-SUPER-WHITE-HID-EFFECT-BULBS-Pair-/400385373634
No point going back to shout at your dealer as bulbs are not covered by the warranty.
It's a easy job to do yourself.
No, DRL's are not a legal requirement yet so not illegal to have one blown (although it would bug me and get replaced ASAP), they are a T20 fitment capless bulb so make sure that you buy the twin filament type.
It should be easy to fit for yourself, and if you buy a twin pack then you have a spare for when the other one blows
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Edit
Should really have checked before posting (I left the motor trade before DRL's appeared) the requirement is for ALL lights to be in good working order, although DRL's are not specifically mentioned, they are included in this.
On the other side of the coin your chances of being spotted and pulled over for it are tiny.
Edited by: Stonesie
It should be easy to fit for yourself, and if you buy a twin pack then you have a spare for when the other one blows
Edit
Should really have checked before posting (I left the motor trade before DRL's appeared) the requirement is for ALL lights to be in good working order, although DRL's are not specifically mentioned, they are included in this.
On the other side of the coin your chances of being spotted and pulled over for it are tiny.
Edited by: Stonesie
I think you will find it is a legal requirement - if the car is a certain registration (Feb 2011 I think) you must have DRL fitted (by law), and like any other bulbs - if it is fitted to the vehicle, then it must be operational.........
see http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/daytime-running-lights.html
see http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/safety/daytime-running-lights.html
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Very. Fitting a replacement will take you 30 seconds.EABowden said:I noticed my mum's was out on the driver's side yesterday and mine has gone this morning. I am getting more and more fed up with this car. Is it simple to change myself?<span ="Apple-tab-span" style="white-spacere"></span>
Sometimes bulbs blow, it's no biggie. The DRls/sidelights are very inexpensive to replace, just make sure you buy the right one.
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