I. Introduction
The lights of your vehicle play a very important role; they show you the way ahead when you are driving at night in the town or outside the town on a freeway.
It communicates and conveys to the vehicles behind you when you are braking or when you are taking a turn towards left or right.
3057 and 3157 are popular miniature automotive bulbs used in passenger cars and other vehicles. In this article, we are going to look into their specification and discuss their differences so you can easily choose the right one for your needs.
II. Differences between 3057 bulb and 3157 bulb
3057 bulb: 3057 is a miniature dual filament automotive bulb used for your vehicle back-up light, brake light, parking light, tail light, turn signal light, etc. This has a plastic wedge D.F. base.
3157 bulb: Like 3057, 3157 is a miniature dual filament automotive bulb used for your vehicle back-up light, brake light, parking light, tail light, turn signal light, day time running light, etc. This also has a plastic wedge D.F. base.
| TABLE-1 | |||
| Similarities between 3057 bulb and 3157 bulb | |||
| No | Bulb model number→ | 3057 bulb B2 (Philips) | 3157 bulb B2 (Philips) |
| Specification↓ | |||
| 1 | Volts | 12.8/14 | 12.8/14 |
| 2 | Base | Wedge D.F. | Wedge D.F. |
| 3 | Bulb shape | S-8 | S-8 |
| 4 | Bulb finish | Clear | Clear |
| 5 | Bulb technology | Incandescent | Incandescent |
| 6 | Average rated life | 1200-5000 hours | 1200-5000 hours |
| 7 | Class and filament | C-6 dual filament | C-6 dual filament |
| 8 | Length | 2.1 inches | 2.1 inches |
| 9 | Diameter | 1 inch | 1 inch |
| TABLE-2 | |||
| Differences between 3057 bulb and 3157 bulb | |||
| No | Bulb model number→ | 3057 bulb B2 (Philips) | 3157 bulb B2 (Philips) |
| Specification↓ | |||
| 1 | Energy used | 26.88/6.72 watts | 26.9/8.3 watts |
| 2 | Candle power | 32/2 | 32/3 |
| 3 | Equivalent: GE | 3057 | 3157 |
| 4 | Equivalent: Osram Sylvania | 3057 | 3157 |
| 5 | Applications | Back-up light bulb Brake light bulb Parking light bulb Taillight bulb Turn signal light bulb |
Back-up light bulb Brake light bulb Day time running light bulb Parking light bulb Taillight bulb Turn signal light bulb |
Table-1 lists the similarities between 3057 and 3157 bulbs. The important similarities are (i) both have S8 bulb shape with C-6 class and dual filament (ii) they run on the same voltage 12.8/14 (iii) they have the same mounting (wedge D.F.) and (iv) both have the same physical size (2.1ʺ * 1ʺ).
Table-2 lists the differences between 3057 and 3157 bulbs. The important differences are (i) energy used by 3157 is 26.9/8.3 watts whereas its 26.88/6.72 watts for 3057 (ii) candle power for 3157 is 32/3 and the same for 3057 is 32/2.
Being dual filament bulbs with wedge D.F. base, 3057 and 3157 are interchangeable for applications like the back-up light bulb, brake light bulb, parking light bulb, tail light bulb, and turn signal light bulb. However, 3157 bulb is brighter than 3057 bulbs and, hence, it is preferred as day time running light bulb as well.
III. There are many questions about 3057 and 3157, let us consider some of the questions.
| 1 | Are 3057 and 3157 bulbs interchangeable? |
| Yes, both 3057 and 3157 have Wedge D.F. type of mounting and can fit in the same holder. You can use 3057 or 3157 for the back-up light bulb, brake light bulb, parking light bulb, tail light bulb, and turn signal light bulb. However, for day time running bulb, 3157 is preferred.
Caution: It is always safe to follow your vehicle manual. If your vehicle manual says 3057 or 3157, please follow the same. Also, please see what your local traffic rules say on this. |
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| 2 | What are the differences between 3057 and 3157 bulbs? |
| 3157 uses more energy (watts) than 3057 and hence 3157 draws more current at the same voltage. Due to more current, 3157 gives brighter light than 3057. Apart from this, there are no other differences. | |
| 3 | What are 3057 bulbs used for? |
| You can use 3057 bulbs as the back-up light bulb, brake light bulb, parking light bulb, tail light bulb and turn signal light bulb, etc. However, 3057 is not preferred for the daylight running bulb. | |
| 4 | What are 3157 bulbs used for? |
| You can use 3157 bulbs as the back-up light bulb, brake light bulb, parking light bulb, tail light bulb, turn signal light bulb, and daylight running bulb, etc. | |
| 5 | What is the life of 3057 and 3157 bulbs? |
| Based on the specification of 3057 and 3157, their life ranges from 1200-5000 hours, and the wide range indicates that a lot depends on how you use and the condition of your vehicle. | |
| 6 | What do the number 3057 and 3157 indicate? |
| The number 3057 or 3157 is called ANSI (American National Standard Institute) code. This number (ANSI code) indicates the type of mounting for the lamp and its power, etc. Whenever you want to replace your vehicle bulb, ANSI code helps you to do it. |
IV. LED Bulbs
LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs and they have a very long rated life. LED bulbs consume less than half of the energy when compared to incandescent bulbs; however, LED bulbs will cost you more.
LED bulbs of size 3057 and 3157 are available in standard brands like Philips.
If your vehicle has LED lights installed by the manufacturer, you can go for direct replacement.
However, if your vehicle is fitted with incandescent bulbs, you have to verify your local traffic rules and regulations regarding changing over to LED.
V. Conclusion
Bulbs play a very important role in your vehicle; they guide you on the road during the night and keep you safe by communicating with other vehicles on the road.
