I've got a car with two blown brake light bulbs (6v) and a dodgy brake light switch. I've sorted the switch but I don't have any 6v bulbs, and nowhere round here has any (the bloke at Halfords swore blind that no cars have 6v elecrtics because 'It won't have enough power to start the engine' ) I've thought about bike shops, but I also don't know the code number for the bulbs, they are 6v 15w. Now, my dunce question is this, can I use a 12v bulb instead?

Russell,
if they're got the same base as indicator & brake light bulbs on 12 volt cars, I'd reckon that it's a 21 watt bulb you need.

A 12v/21w bulb will be far too dim when fed with 6 volts...

These any good?
Dunno how much they charge for postage, though.
< http://www.startright.co.uk/index.php?m ... s_id=11864 >


ken.

If the fitting's the same try 007LED (google it) I run LED break/fog/side lights, they draw less power and are very bright... I'm guessing their brightness wouldn't be affected by voltage... but then I know nothing about electrics either

If you get stuck Russel, 6 volt bulbs are still available out here. 12 volt ones will fit in the holders but won't shine much.

If you give a bulb half the voltage it was designed for it will only give out quarter of it's rated wattage. A 12v/21w bulb will make an adequate substitute for a 6v/5w, but to replace a 6v/15w you would need a 12v/60w.

6v/15w should be available from good bike shops, such as this http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo/5260 ... Two-Wheels they also have them in 18w and 21w. I'd be surprised if they're not available on ebay. That fitting, the same as all indicator bulbs seems to be a BA15s.