Potential Problem Caused by Going to Higher Wattage Headlight Bulbs

Published 06/02/2015

Question:

Hi my mate changed his 55w bulbs for 85w in his vw golf. They have been changed for about two months. He switched his lights on this morning and they wont come on. We were wondering if the light switch has burned out or maybe the relay.

asked by: Charles S

Expert Reply:

When you go to a higher wattage headlight bulb than what was stock on a vehicle like what your mate did you can end up causing a few problems. The bulb will create much more heat which can melt the housing of the light as well as damage the wiring of the light circuit since it will be drawing more amperage. It is possible that you burned out a light switch or a relay, but the first place I would check is the fuse for the headlights.

Also, typically 85 watt bulbs aren't street legal as they are too bright.

expert reply by: Jameson C