You know that moment when your light bulb alarm goes off and you have no idea what type of light bulb you need to replace it with? After a brief google search, you were left with two choices for a replacement bulb: either open the headlight or taillight and see what’s written on the light bulb, or have the car rendered worthless until you acquire a new one. Two models: 3057 and 3157. What, therefore, is the distinction between the two?
Daytime running lights and reverse lights are better served with 3157 bulbs. The only difference between the 3057 and 3157 bulbs is that the 3057 has a longer filament.
Differences Between 3057 and 3157 Bulbs
For those of you who want more information than what I’ve already given, I’ll go over the technical specifications and distinctions between the 3057 and 3157 light bulbs.
Application
It is possible to use both the 3057 and 3157 for the same purpose:
Changing your daytime running and reverse light bulb from 3057 to 3157, on the other hand, will result in noticeably brighter illumination. Daytime running lights can be utilized with either light, however 3157 is the preferred option.
The LED versions of the 3057 and 3157 should only be used as brake or reverse lights because of their high heat output.
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Durability
There is only a small variation in wattage between the two light bulbs, therefore they should last the same amount of time.
The light source has the greatest impact on the lamp’s life expectancy. Incandescent lights have a lifespan of up to 10,000 hours, while halogen bulbs have a lifespan of 1,200 to 5, 000. More than half a million hours of operation are possible with LED lights, making them the most long-lasting option.
There is a common misperception that 3157 bulbs are incandescent, whereas 3057 bulbs are halogen. This is not the case. The truth is that halogen and incandescent bulbs can also be LEDs. Light bulbs that use the same technology don’t have to last longer than those that don’t.
The Amazon Product Advertising API was used to get the prices displayed here.
As of the date/time specified, prices and availability are subject to change. The pricing and availability information listed on [relevant Amazon Site(s)] at the time of purchase will apply to this product.
Fitment
The 3057 and 3157 light bulbs have the same plastic wedge base, therefore there are no visible variations between them.
A 3157 can be used in place of a 3057 if that’s what your vehicle is already running on. In spite of this, the computer may indicate an error, even when the lamp works well.
The Amazon Product Advertising API was used to get the prices displayed here.
As of the date/time specified, prices and availability are subject to change. The pricing and availability information listed on [relevant Amazon Site(s)] at the time of purchase will apply to this product.
Specs
Branding and durability should be the only notable differences between the 3057 and 3157’s overall specs across all manufacturers.
To make the comparison meaningful, I’ll be utilizing light bulbs from the same manufacturer and class of bulbs. My choice is Sylvania Long Life Miniature Bulbs because of its reputation for quality and low cost.
You could be saying something like that.
But wait, they’re exactly the same!
To my own dismay, I discovered that these particular light bulbs have the same same specification after consulting a number of different sources. If Sylvania opted to round up the difference in wattage, or if they’re genuinely selling the same product under two distinct labels, I don’t know for sure what the problem is.
Their products, on the other hand, are sold as having identical specifications, promoting the notion that 3057 and 3157 light bulbs are interchangeable.
FAQs
Is the 3157 bulb the same as 3157K?
Use of Krypton gas results in a stronger light output than ordinary 3157 bulbs. They’re not exactly the same, but you can use them interchangeably if you prefer.
What is the difference between 3157 and 3757 bulbs?
The 3757 has a different base than the 3157, making it incompatible with vehicles that use the 3157. The 3757 has the same specifications as the 3157. Simply put, the 3157 and 3757 light bulbs are incompatible.
Summary
If you don’t need to replace your daytime running lights, you can use 3057 and 3157 bulbs interchangeably. When replacing bulbs, always do so in pairs, not only to avoid a mismatch between 3057 and 3157 bulbs, but also because they gradually dim over time. Please let me know if I’ve missed anything. Use VehicleFreak as a dependable source of knowledge for all things automotive!
