3057 and 3157 bulbs look exactly the same on the outside, but are they interchangeable? And more importantly, why would you choose one over the other? Here’s what you need to know!
Have you ever wondered about the different types of light bulbs in your car? Or maybe you want to get some that are brighter and more durable than those you already have.
Sure, you may already know that light bulbs come in several sizes and shapes, each being suitable for different purposes and applications. However, after heading over to your local parts store or searching the Internet, you might have realized things that, when it comes to buying replacement light bulbs, things are not as simple — there are tons of different light outputs, colors, styles, etc.
Ok, ok; I admit, it’s not that complicated. Still, it might be confusing if it’s your first time shopping for replacements. If this is your case and you landed here because you aren’t sure whether you should go for 3057 or 3157 light bulbs, we have all the answers below.
I hope it helps!
What is a 3057 Bulb, and What is it Used for?
Among all the automotive bulbs on the market, the 3057 type is one of the most common models. Car manufacturers use them for various applications, ranging from parking and brake lights to turn indicators and fog lamps, but you can also find them on boats, ATVs, and heavy-duty machinery.
One of its most distinctive features is the ability to produce two different brightness levels, thanks to the double filaments. This allows manufacturers to create lights with multiple functions, such as brake and parking lights within the same housing.
What is a 3157 Bulb, and What is it Used for?
Both 3157 and 3057 bulbs have a similar field of application, adding to the confusion. They both have twin filaments and are almost identical from the outside. However, when in low-intensity mode, the 3157s are noticeably brighter.
Thanks to this feature, they are also suitable as daytime running lights — 3057 are simply not powerful enough for that. On the other hand, since they are much brighter, they aren’t so well-suited as rear parking lights as they could be confused with brake lights (well they can be, but let’s just say carmakers simply don’t usually go for those; tuners do frequently though).
Difference Between 3057 vs. 3157 Bulbs
Format
When comparing the two models, it is rather hard to see any apparent differences — both have an identical shape, a miniature S-8 bulb, two filaments, and a plastic wedge-shaped DF base. Moreover, both types also come in incandescent, halogen, and LED variants.
At this point, the only thing we can do is to turn our attention to their ID codes. These numerical designations are ANSI codes, an acronym for American National Standards Institute. As boring as it sounds, this holds the key to understanding the significant difference between these two very similar bulbs.
The last two digits tell about the shape of the bulb and its base, which are identical. There is no difference with the first digit, representing the amount of light the “high” filament produces. This brings us to the only difference between the two: the “low” filament and its corresponding second digit, letting us know that 3157s are brighter than 3057s.
That’s it.
Lifespan
Among all the features that describe a particular light bulb, the expected lifespan is the least accurate. Determining how long a bulb will last depends on a range of factors, including the exact application and driving habits. Also, a bulbs’ average lifespan may vary between manufacturers, depending on the materials used and the quality level.
Still, a 3157 bulb usually lasts longer than a 3057 used in the same application. In general, 3057 bulbs will last anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 hours, while 3157 bulbs may reach up to 10,000 hours.
Illumination and Wattage
As mentioned above, both bulb models have a dual filament configuration, allowing them to generate two different light outputs, effectively combining two bulbs into one. A typical example is a parking light that doubles as a brake light, a feature many modern cars have.
To explain the difference using raw numbers, we’ll use a measurement called Candle Power, or CP. Both light bulbs’ “high” filament produces 32 CP and consumes roughly 27 watts. As you might have guessed, the real difference is with the “low” filament. Here, an average 3057 bulb will produce two CP and use 7 watts in the process, while a 3157 would consume 9 watts but produce 3 CP. Of course, 1 extra CP might not seem much, but that also means that 3157 bulbs are 50% brighter than 3057s — it actually makes a big difference.
Find car repair manuals for any vehicle here!
Are 3057 vs. 3157 Bulbs Interchangeable?
Obviously, since both light bulbs are basically the same things with different outputs, switching between the two models is a straightforward job that requires no modifications.
There are, however, one or two things to consider before upgrading from 3057 bulbs to their brighter variants. Firstly, 3157 bulbs use consume more power in “low” mode, meaning they generate a bit more heat. This may be an issue in specific applications, as taillights can get quite hot even with stock bulbs.
There is also the risk of run-ins with the law, as some police officers may conclude that such lights are too bright (or they might think your brake light switch is busted when it was really just your brighter-than-OEM parking lights that were on).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between 3057 and 3157 bulbs?
3057 and 3157 bulbs are both identical in shape and size. It is only after fitting the bulb to your car that you may notice the difference — and even then, both will produce roughly the same amount of light in “high” mode. Still, 3157s will be significantly brighter when running in “low” mode, making them suitable to be used as daytime running lights.
When in doubt, you can always confirm which type you have in hand by looking at the ID code usually printed on the plastic base.
Which bulb is brighter than a 3157?
To answer this question, we will have to refer to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and their coding system once more. Here, the first two digits in a bulb’s code tell how much light each filament produces. As obvious as it may sound, the higher these values are, the more powerful the bulb is.
Still, the most alternatives are 4114 and 4157 bulbs, which are significantly more powerful in “high” mode.
How many watts is a 3057 bulb?
One of the most distinctive features of 3057 bulbs is their dual filament, a configuration allowing them to produce two different light outputs. Therefore, 3057 bulbs have two separate power ratings, each representing the “high” and “low” modes. Although the actual power consumption may vary between manufacturers, it should stay within certain limits. As a general rule, a 3057 bulb will use 32 watts in “high” mode and approximately 7 watts in “low” mode.
3057 vs. 3157: which is cheaper?
It’s important to keep in mind that the price of a light bulb depends on several factors. Among them, the manufacturer seems to contribute the most, with some brands simply being more expensive than others. In most cases, it also reflects on the product’s quality, although it’s not always the case.
Regardless, despite being the brighter of the two, 3157 bulbs are usually 10% cheaper. However, at less than $10 a pair, it won’t make much of a difference.
Last Words
In simpler terms, 3057 and 3157 light bulbs are quite similar — like, a lot. Not only do they share the same shape and size, but their field of application is almost identical, as well. The only significant difference between the two is the brightness of their “low” mode, with 3157 bulbs being almost twice as powerful, making them suitable for daytime running lights, while 3057 bulbs are only suitable for taillights and parking.
But yes, in most cases, you can easily switch them up — they’ll both do just fine.
