The car lighting system is very diverse and requires different light bulbs to perform different functions. When looking for an ideal bulb for a particular section, let’s say the braking light, you have to look at specifications like brightness. The 3057 and 3157 light bulbs are among the common ones in the automotive industry and may confuse many people as they are used interchangeably. In a bid to understand their differences, we bring you the 3057 vs. 3157 debate to give you a better understanding of each.
3057 vs. 3157 Bulb Comparison Table
A comparison of the main features of the two bulbs will offer you the differences and similarities pin-pointed. Here it is.
| Features | 3057 Bulb | 3157 Bulb |
| Bulb Type | Dual-filament | Dual-filament |
| Voltage | 12 volts | 12.8 volts |
| Wattage | 26.88 watts | 26.88 watts |
| Illumination | Not that brightness as 3157 bulb | Provides a brighter light output, making it suitable for increased visibility. |
| Usage Time | It is not meant for use as daytime lights. | Can be effectively used as daytime running bulbs, ensuring safety during daylight hours. |
| Lifespan | Typically it has a lifespan of around 1200-5000 hours with usage. | Boasts a longer lifespan, estimated to be around 2,000-10,000 hours with regular use. |
| Compatibility | Commonly used in older vehicles | Used in the latest vehicles |
| Efficiency | It is more power efficient compared to the 3057 bulb using energy. | Utilizes more power compared to 3057 bulbs, ensuring a robust and luminous performance. |
| Cost | It represents a pricier option when compared to the 3057 bulb. | Comes at a lower cost compared to 3057 bulbs, providing a budget-friendly lighting option. |
| Usability | It is not intended for “always on” use, which can impact its performance and longevity. | It can remain turned on for longer periods, suitable for applications requiring prolonged illumination. |
| Suitable as | The back part of the vehicle | Frontal part (as headlights or foglights) |
| Heat Sensitivity | Due to its design, it is prone to heat damage. May require careful handling to prevent issues. | It can be mounted closer to hot components of the car, such as the engine bay and exhaust system, without compromising performance or risking damage. |
| Base Type | BAY15d(Offset Bayonet) | W2.5*16d(Offset Bayonet) |
What Is The 3057 Bulb Used For?
The 3057 bulb is compatible with many car light types, where it is ideal as a backup light bulb, brake light bulb, parking light bulb, taillight, and turn signal lighting. While not that dim, it has a low intensity, which makes it great for the rear part of the vehicle, compared to the frontal area for headlights and fog lights. The bulb has a relatively long life of 1200 to 5000 hours, and coupled with its intensity; it is great for city roads.
While it has significant use in automobiles, you can come across 3057 in other areas such as marine technology, aircraft, and railroad equipment. There are several 3057 bulbs in the market, and you should have your eyes on the best if you want the best lighting capability. The SYLVANIA 3057 long-life bulbs are a great example, with much work put into them, giving them road shock and vibrations withstanding capabilities. It translates to lengthy life, further boosted by a hardy filament and an excellent gas mixture.
Read Also: H4 Vs. 9003: What’s the Difference?
What Is The 3157 Bulb Used For?
The 3157 bulb is similar to the 3057 variety when looking at its functionality, where you can use it for the brake light, taillights, parking lights, and the turns signal light. The main difference is that you can also use 3157 for the daytime running light. This bulb is brighter than the other variety and has a long life of 2000 to 10000 hours.
The best 3157 light bulb guarantees you the best service and ensures you are abiding by traffic laws in your state or jurisdiction. There are several brands of these C-6 dual filament bulbs that you can buy, including the Philips 3157 longer-life bulb. It offers twice the life of standard bulbs and offers reliable performance due to the sturdy filament and gas mixture. Its durability is one factor that you will enjoy doing away with constant replacements that can affect your finances.
Differences between the 3057 and the 3157 Bulb
The peak of the debate between the two light bulbs comes to play when you look at their differences. A difference you can note is the brightness, where the 3157 bulb is brighter. It has a candle power of 32/3 compared to the 3057’s 32/2. They also vary in electricity consumption, where the 3157 seems to use more energy at 26.9 watts. This is not far from the other bulb, which consumes 26.88 watts.
Another area of variance is the application. You can use either of the bulbs for car lights like taillights, brake lights, parking, turn signal, and backup light. However, only the 3157 can work with the daytime running light bulb. They vary in length, whereas the 3157 is shorter at 1.25 inches.
The two bulbs also differ when you look at their life, with the 3157 being more durable, with a life of 2000 to 10000 hours, longer than the 3057’s 1200 to 5000 hours. The 3157 bulb is incandescent, and the other is a halogen light.
So, 3057 vs. 3157, which is the best? When looking at the difference between the two light bulbs, you can get the best depending on your preferences. The 3157 seems the best as you can use it in various applications, it has a long life and also produces more light. The 3057 is also bright, but not to the extent of the other light. It has a low wattage, which you might see as a hint at low car battery power consumption. However, the two do not differ much, with a variation of roughly 1 unit.
Brightness
Brightness is an essential factor to look at when getting a light bulb, where it should provide enough illumination to ensure all road users’ safety. When looking at this attribute, the 3157 bulb is the brighter of the two, with a candle power rating of 32/3, compared to the 3057’s 32/2. The 3157 also produces more light using the same current as 3057. It is for its brightness that it is most probably used in daytime running lights. Both the two light bulbs have a decently lengthy life, with the 3057 having a life range from 1200 to 5000 hours.
The 3157 is more durable and lasts between 2,000 to 10,000 hours, meaning it is very durable. The bulbs are great for city lights, especially when used for brake lights or taillights. Bulb technology is another area to look at to understand bulbs. You can get both halogen and incandescent varieties for both two bulb types. The halogen variety is the most efficient, as it consumes little energy but produces more light. They are also long-lasting. You should also note that the 3157 consumes more current than the 3057, with a wattage of 26.9/8.3, compared to the latter with 26.88/6.72.
Lifespan
The lifespan of automotive bulbs, such as the 3057 and 3157, can be influenced by various factors. Prominently factors include usage conditions, frequency of use, manufacturing quality, and design. While specific lifespans can vary, here is a general idea:
Typically the lifespan of a 3057 bulb ranges, from 1200 to 5000 hours when used regularly. On the hand, a 3157 bulb is expected to last around 2000 to 10,000 hours with usage.
Size
As earlier hinted, sometimes, you can use the two bulbs interchangeably as they have a similar plastic DF base. However, there might be some variations when you look at their sizes. The sizing looks at their diameter and length. The two are miniature bulbs and have an S-8 shape. The difference comes in their length, where the 3157 seems smaller at 1.25 inches, compared to the 3057’s 2.09 inches. They have a similar diameter of 1 inch. With a similar wedge DF base, you can use them in place of the other, as they can fit into their respective sockets.
Full specs
As a mechanic seeking to understand the debate between the two bulbs, you should understand their full specs. Despite their similarities, they have several differences that make them different from each other. Let us look at some of the specs of each of the two bulbs.
The 3057 specs
The 3057 has a clear bulb finish and uses halogen technology. It has a plastic wedge DF base, a similar one to the 3157’s. It has a voltage rating of 12.8/14.0 volts and a wattage of 26.88, which is quite lower than that of the other bulb. You cannot overlook its brightness, which is an essential point that differentiates the two bulbs. The 3057 has a candle power of 32/2, a lower value compared to the 3157.
The 3157 Specs
The 3157 also sports a clear bulb finish with an S-8 shape and has a double filament like the other bulb. It also has a plastic wedge base, one of the reasons you can use it in place of the 3057 bulbs. Whereas the former is a halogen bulb, the latter is an incandescent bulb. However, you should understand that halogen bulbs fall under the incandescent bulb class; the main difference is that they feature an envelope of inert gases and a halogen such as iodine. Another similar spec that the 3157 shares with the 3057 are that it is clear.
Related Tropics
Can A 3157 Bulb Replace A 3057?
When looking at the 3057 bulb compatibility to the 3157, they can act as each other’s replacements. The defining factor is that they have the same plastic wedge base; hence, their interchangeable use. However, do not replace the 3157 with the 3057 in daytime running light.
Can I Use The 3157 Instead Of the 4057?
There is also the 3057 vs. 3157 vs. 4157 debate, bringing along these three types of bulbs. The 3157 can work in place of the 4057 as they have the same wedge base, likewise to the 3057. You can use the three bulbs in place of the other, though some retailers may advise you to stick to 4057 due to wattage differences. What about the 3057 vs. 4057, the two have the same wedge shape, meaning you can use either in the place of the other, though the 4057 produces more illumination.
Are 3157 And 4157 Bulbs Interchangeable?
You can use the 3157 in place of the 4157 and vice versa, as they have the same wedge base. The two have an equal light production capability, with the only difference being that the 4157 has a lengthier life compared to the 3157.
What Is The Difference Between 3156 And 3157 Bulbs?
The 3156 and 3157 bulbs use one base and do not have much of a difference, only that the latter is the dual filament option to the former. However, you can use them interchangeably without much of a variation in performance.
In the same vein, you should also weigh in on 3457 vs. 3157. They are perfect replacements for each other, though the 3457 bulb produces more light than the 3157 at a candlepower value of 40.
What Is The Difference Between 3057 And 3057k?
The K in 3057k denotes Krypton, an inert gas added to the bulb to improve its life. The result is that this version of 3057 is more long-lasting than the standard type. The light output remains constant, at a candlepower of 32/2. There can also be the LL letters after the digits, which means long life. This concept also applies when you look at 3157k vs. 3157 light bulbs.
Final Thoughts
The 3057 vs. 3157 arguments finally come to a conclusion, where we now understand their similarities and differences. The two are suitable for rear lightings such as taillights and brake lights. Despite being compatible in areas of use, they differ when looking at brightness and longevity. With this article, you know which is which, as well as know the meaning behind their abbreviations. For example, if it is a K, it means it has kryptonite, and LL means it is a life bulb. Get the right bulb for your car, and have a safe driving experience.
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