3156 vs 3157 Bulbs | What’s The Difference?

In this write-up, I will be taking a appear at the main variations among 3156 and 3157 bulbs.

When it comes to the variations among these two bulbs, they are very subtle but do in reality make each and every bulb suited for various makes use of.

Specifically, 3157 bulbs function dual filaments and provide brighter light output. Furthermore, 3156 bulbs have fewer colour choices and only a single level of brightness compared to two on 3157 bulbs.

If you are not positive which bulb is greatest for your demands, we have tested and evaluated the vast majority of choices for each and can support you make a a lot more informed getting selection.

Keep reading for a lot more info on the variations among 3156 and 3157 bulbs.

3156 and 3157 Bulbs Compared

Filaments

At a glance, the largest distinction you will see among 3156 and 3157 bulbs is the quantity of filaments. 3156 bulbs function a single filament whereas 3157 bulbs have two.

This enables 3157 bulbs to have slightly brighter, a lot more visible light output that tends to make for a safer and a lot more simply noticeable appear although driving at evening.

Use circumstances

3156 bulbs, due to the fact of their inferior filaments, can only be utilized as turn signals or reversing lights. On the other hand, 3157 bulbs are brighter and a lot more suited to a wider variety of use circumstances such as in brake lights, turn signals, and even operating lights which are visible throughout the day.

Brightness

If you are searching for the brighter bulb of the two, 3157 bulbs are the clear option. They draw a lot more energy than 3156 bulbs and have an added filament which enables them to produce crisp, clear, and vibrant light.

In practice even though, the distinction in brightness among 3156 and 3157 bulbs is only actually discernible if you are the variety of particular person who walks about with a lumen meter in their back pocket (and a sensitive a single at that!)

One benefit 3157 bulbs have more than 3156 bulbs nevertheless, is the reality that they can be configured for two levels of brightness. That signifies you can use them in a wider variety of applications than 3156 bulbs which only have a single level of brightness.

Wiring

One a lot more distinction that tends to make these bulbs exclusive is their wiring. 3156 bulbs only have two wires as a result enabling only a single level of brightness. 3157 bulbs on the other hand have 4 wires which facilitate two various levels of brightness.

Colour choices

If you are searching for a lot more range in the colour of these bulbs, 3157 is the way to go. 3156 bulbs have fewer colour choices, whereas 3157 bulbs have a lot more colour choices with greater reproduction and clarity.

Compatibility

Finally, if your automobile makes use of a 3157 bulb, and you accidentally bought a 3156 bulb, you are in for a bit of disappointment. That is due to the fact although 3157 bulbs can be retro fitted into a 3156 socket, the reverse is not achievable.

What are 3156 bulbs utilized for?

1. Turn signals: 3156 bulbs are typically utilized in the vehicle’s turn signal indicators due to their brightness and clear illumination, enhancing visibility to other drivers when a turn or lane adjust is becoming signaled.
2. Brake lights: Due to their higher intensity, 3156 bulbs can also be located in brake light applications exactly where it is critical that the light is vibrant and quickly noticeable.
3. Reverse lights: The 3156 bulb’s brightness tends to make it a very good match for reverse or backup lights, which are crucial for visibility when a car is backing up.

What are 3157 bulbs utilized for?

1. Brake and Tail Lights: The dual-filament design and style enables the 3157 bulb to serve as each a brake light and a tail light. One filament operates at reduce brightness for the tail light, although the other filament brightens when the brake is applied.
2. Turn Signals: Similarly, the dual-filament configuration enables the bulb to function as a operating light when driving, and then flash at a greater brightness when the turn signal is activated.
3. Daytime Running Lights (DRL): In some autos, 3157 bulbs are utilized for Daytime Running Lights due to their capability to operate at two various brightness levels.
4. Parking Lights: These are the lights you normally use when parking your car in public areas throughout the evening, and 3157 bulbs are typically utilized in these applications as nicely.

Conclusion

So to sum up, 3157 bulbs are brighter, with a lot more colour choices, and greater visibility than 3156 bulbs. Not to mention, they assistance two various levels of brightness and can be utilized in a wider variety of applications.

While it is achievable to match 3157 bulbs into 3156 sockets with some elbow grease, it does not operate the other way about.

And to be completely sincere, we do not advocate going out of your way to place 3157 bulbs into 3156 compatible sockets. Yes, you do get slightly greater illumination and visibility, but we can report from very first hand testing that the juice just is not worth the squeeze.

In reality, we advocate employing whichever bulb your car’s manufacturer recommends for optimal functionality and reliability.