I'm replacing two different types of bulbs - one of which is rated 12v 10w and the other is rated 12v 5w and I'm a little confused about what rating bulbs I can use as replacements. Do both values have to be exactly the same in the replacement bulbs or can one / the other / both be higher or lower than the original bulb's rating?
2007-09-20 06:57:09 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
has to be 12 volt, 10w is brighter than 5w....match them up, if outside....inside youll see the difference, dont like it change it..........
2007-09-20 07:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by DennistheMenace 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good source is the car's owners manual. There is usually a section with maintenance info. I would recommend replacing these bulbs with the same specs,or as close as possible. The 12V represents the twelve volt system used in cars. The 'W' is the wattage. There should be a part number printed on the bulb, but sometimes it is worn off due to age.
If you can, bring these to an auto parts store (Napa, etc.). Tell them you need to replace them. Knowing the year, make and model will help them in replacing the lights.
2007-09-20 14:31:08 · answer #2 · answered by Steve M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There should be some numbers (i.e. 631, 1157, 694, etc) stamped on the plastic or metal base of the bulb. This is the bulb number, take this number, or even better, the burnt out bulb, to an auto parts store, they should be able to match up the bulbs in no time.
2007-09-20 14:33:43 · answer #3 · answered by mustang63b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in you vehicle's owners manual or repair manual. There should be a listing of bulb numbers for each bulb. Simply make sure you replace the bulb with the same number.
2007-09-20 15:18:05 · answer #4 · answered by kontrolfreak66 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wattage of the bulb dictates which light it should be used for; e.ge a tail light or front parking light; interior lights can be from 2 to 5 watts. It's all in the car's owner manual. If you don't have one I advise you to get one ASAP. Depending on the age of the car you can either go to a franchised dealer or get on to the Net and find a company which prints and sells out of date workshop manuals for most of the popular makes. You need the manual for other reasons...too many to list so I recommend you start looking for one to suit your car (make AND model) ASAP! Good luck
2007-09-23 16:14:11 · answer #5 · answered by The Ancient Brit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be sure,in case the bulb has been wrongly changed in the past,go to the auto spares and ask for a specific bulb to location as in headlamp bulb for a make and model .They have listings and will be correct
2007-09-20 17:25:45 · answer #6 · answered by charlie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12V INDICATES 12 VOLTS REQUIRED TO LIGHT IT UP TO THE WATTAGE IT'S RATED AT AND 10 WATTS INDICATES THE POWER CONSUMED OR PRODUCED PER HOUR OF USAGE. AS TO WHETHER IT HAS TO BE AN EXACT REPLACEMENT I WOULD STICK TO THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS.
2007-09-24 14:00:27 · answer #7 · answered by Loren S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋