Long-distance trip soon. Should I replace headlight bulbs?

[RT Cruiser]

I've been doing a lot of maintenance the past two weeks (spark plugs, front/rear diff oil, xfer case oil, engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid flush/rotors/pads, coolant flush/thermostat/hoses, serpentine belt, etc.). This is in preparation for a trip from CO to MO in a week. We've only had the cruiser since late June and I want to make sure she's as fit as possible based on my availability.

Would it be wise to replace the high and low beam bulbs? If I should replace them, for now I'm going to do the standard oem-equivalent halogen bulbs. I don't want to pay more for an increase in brightness but a shorter bulb life. With my prior Subaru Outback, I never knew when a bulb was going to fail.

Also, after looking at my owner's manual and what some manufacturers recommend, I'm confused. For example, the low beam is a 9006 H11 and the high is a 9005 HB3. Should the replacement have these exact numbers? I've seen 9006s and 9005s with different letters and numbers following.

 

[bloc]

I wouldn’t bother with the bulbs as PM. If one burns out it’s easy enough to find something at just about any auto parts store. Even Walmart most likely.

That said as long as you get the 9005/6 right it will bolt in. HB3 Or H11 or whatever can have different plug angles.

 

[Sandroad]

These bulbs are not Subaru bulbs! No worry on the bulbs. What year and miles and if close to 100k have you checked the radiator?

 

[Markuson]

Like @bloc said, I wouldn’t replace them as PM...but Spares are super easy to keep handy in the truck.

-Years ago in my 100 series, I had TWO bulb failures within a few hours of each other, in total Utah boonies at night on the curvy, cattle area somewhere around Capital Reef. Was glad I had spares handy.

Easy storage spot on 200:
Bubble-wrap them together and just wedge the bubble wrap bundle into the “hole” to the left of the jack mount (it’s a useless void that’s formed by body metal)...like a little cubby that’s never used...so why not?

Even now in my 200 I keep a high and a low in my truck. Would be appreciated in a group of 200’s if someone burns one.

 

[RT Cruiser]

These bulbs are not Subaru bulbs! No worry on the bulbs. What year and miles and if close to 100k have you checked the radiator?

2008 225,000. We picked it up in late June. After the dealer and prior owner, we are the 3rd owner. The radiator seems to be in good order. Besides some exposure to the "liquid death" (as a mechanic in Iowa called it), it's in great condition. Further, the exposure caused some rust underneath which I'll have to address next summer.

 

[Sandroad]

2008 225,000. We picked it up in late June. After the dealer and prior owner, we are the 3rd owner. The radiator seems to be in good order. Besides some exposure to the "liquid death" (as a mechanic in Iowa called it), it's in great condition. Further, the exposure caused some rust underneath which I'll have to address next summer.

If the radiator has never been replaced, check carefully for hairline cracks around the raised square place on the top.

 

[CJ3Flyer]

On the topic of bulbs... While home, pre-trip, I might loosen the bulbs, possibly even put a drop of something slick and re-snug.

What would suck is to roll into the Walmart to replace a headlamp while on the trip to discover it’s too tight and think “boy, I wish I had ‘x’ that is sitting in my toolbox at home”.

I suggest that based on age and minor exposure to to liquid death.

 

[bloc]

I’ve never had trouble removing toyota bulbs, and personally I don’t want anything that can attract dust/dirt to my headlight assembly.

Connectors can generally be loosened easily by pushing in before pressing the release tab then pulling.

 

[mep1811]

I would only replace the bulbs if you were planning to upgrade the bulbs.

 

[ckkone]

You are overthinking things and spending too much time on internet forums. Just gas and go and have fun.

 

[RT Cruiser]

@Sandroad Tks for the advice. No hairline cracks but I'll keep an eye on it. Good to know.

@bloc Makes sense. Indeed I was overthinking this.

@Markuson Your story got me thinking that it'll be easy to pick up spares before we leave. After all, I don't want to deal with a light failure in the middle of nowhere Kansas. Tks for giving away the secret hiding spot because I'll need it because my toddler son loves to pop bubble wrap and his favorite method is to stomp on it . It'll be a quick death for those spares!

@bloc @CJ3Flyer @mep1811 Didn't want to leave you guys out! Thank you. I'll probably pick up some spares and swap 'em out before I leave then keep the current ones as spares. And yes, @ckkone I was totally overthinking this. When I have my Cruiser in top shape I'll use my time wisely by exploring the CO 4x4 roads .

 

[liv2bike]

FWIW I just replaced all my bulbs. For low beams I kept it simple and just got Sylvania off the shelf from Auto Zone. I forget which ones but the light is definitely whiter and cleaner. Made a difference esp. on all our rural 2 lane here in Idaho. Was definitely worth $50.