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We've had to replace the headlight bulbs 4 times in the last 2 years in our MK7 GTI. Is this normal? It's just the H7s that keep blowing. The H1s are the originals.

My Corrado hasn't blown a bulb in like, 7 years, so this seems odd to me ?

Is it just a H7 trait, or some oddity with the Polo's electrics?

Cheers

I've never had a problem or seen a post on here about issues with the headlights mate.

my dad had the same problem on a Rover once, it kept blowing headlight bulbs all the time, had it checked out at the garage but they could not find a problem, never found out why, could be down to poor wiring maybe?!?!

What type of Bulbs are they. You should try getting a reliable brand so you have warantee on them, you never know continues blowing of bulbs could damage the electrics. Try going for some Phillips or Osrams. I also heard mTec are good too!

have you got a set of non standard front lights fitted by any chance, if so, thats your issue, cleap lights with cheap wiring, cheap for a reason

either that, or you alternator isnt providing a very well regulated feed and is over powering the headlights, therefore causing it to blow. Get a multimeter on your battery and rev up to 2500-3500 and see what the volts read. Should realistically be no higher than 14.2

Thanks guys

The headlights are completely stock and the bulbs so far have just been cheapy Halfords own brand type things, although I did try a dealer bulb once and that also blew.

I was wondering about the Alternator as the headlights do dim very noticably at night when steering lock to lock. The polo has an electric PAS pump IIRC? I'll stick a meter on it later and see what voltage we're getting.

Next time one blows I'll try a decent brand then, but I think it might just be one of those things we'll have to live with!

Cheers

pas is belt driven but will put strain on the alternator.

Multimeter it up - 13.8 to 14.2 under those revs. Turn as much on as you can ie wipers, fan heater, headlights, rear window heat etc then measure again and see what its kicking out.

Thanks for the tips.

Oddly enough the bulbs haven't blown since. Oh well, one of those things I guess.