This is applicable to all makes but I have personal experience with Fiat.
Case Example: Fiat 500X DRL Bulb Holder
I've had one of these melted and the other on it's way.
Basically the hold is plastic/composite. Traditional bulb + contact as usual but the bulb -ve/ground contact is only over 180 degrees of the bulb electrical body.
Now the bulb base heat only has 50% of the surface area to conduct heat away. In addition unlike the +ve sprung loaded contact the -ve contact is just a 180 degree surface with no similar metal opposing contact.
I've seen reports in the 500X forum of rear lighting units suffering similar burn outs.
Taking the bulb holder 50% reduce contact area I doubt that has saved more than 1 pence on unit cost but even a 5 pence is this a really longer term valuable cost reduction?
Yes many millions of 5p reductions add up but per car this is a DRL surcharge cost of 10p in a £15000+ car.
More importantly component failures cost the manufacturer real costs. For high failure units (that could have been avoided) they have to purchase and stock more spares at least for 10 years. Then distribution costs, etc.
Just all food for thought!
Case Example: Fiat 500X DRL Bulb Holder
I've had one of these melted and the other on it's way.
Basically the hold is plastic/composite. Traditional bulb + contact as usual but the bulb -ve/ground contact is only over 180 degrees of the bulb electrical body.
Now the bulb base heat only has 50% of the surface area to conduct heat away. In addition unlike the +ve sprung loaded contact the -ve contact is just a 180 degree surface with no similar metal opposing contact.
I've seen reports in the 500X forum of rear lighting units suffering similar burn outs.
Taking the bulb holder 50% reduce contact area I doubt that has saved more than 1 pence on unit cost but even a 5 pence is this a really longer term valuable cost reduction?
Yes many millions of 5p reductions add up but per car this is a DRL surcharge cost of 10p in a £15000+ car.
More importantly component failures cost the manufacturer real costs. For high failure units (that could have been avoided) they have to purchase and stock more spares at least for 10 years. Then distribution costs, etc.
Just all food for thought!