3057 vs 3157 [Difference Between 3057 and 3157 Bulbs] • Clutch Geeks

The most common light bulbs used in vehicles are the 3057 and 3157. However, knowing how they differ and which one you may need to replace can be confusing. What is the difference between 3057 vs 3157 light bulbs?

The 3057 and 3157 bulbs differ mostly in their dim filaments rather than their bright filaments. Both bulbs have bright filaments with a 32 candle power rating. The 3157’s dim filament, on the other hand, is 3cp higher. The dim filament of the 3057 bulb is only 2cp.

When your vehicle or truck’s parking lights are turned on, the 3157 bulb shines a little brighter than the 3057 bulb.

Aside from these distinctions, these light bulbs are quite similar. In the table below, you’ll find the specifications for each bulb:

	Philips 3057 Bulb B2	Philips 3157 Bulb B2
Candle Power	32/2	32/3
Equivalent Sylvania/Osram	3057	3157
Energy Used	26.88/6.72W	26.9/8.3W
Equivalent GE	3057	3157
Uses	Parking light bulb, Taillight bulb, Backup light bulb, Turn signal light bulb, and Brake light bulb	Day time running light bulb, Brake light bulb, Taillight bulb, Turn signal light bulb, Parking light bulb, and Backup light bulb
Price (for 2 bulbs)	$5.29 – $7.99	$4.99 – $5.22

The 3057 and 3157 bulbs have wedge D.F. bases and are dual filament bulbs. This means they can be used as a taillight bulb, turn signal light bulb, parking light bulb, brake light bulb, or backup light bulb. In other words, they are interchangeable. Many people choose the 3157 bulbs for daytime running lights since they are brighter than the 3057.

Read on to understand more about the differences between 3057 and 3157 bulbs. If your truck or car has a burnt bulb, you’ll be able to tell which of these two bulbs you need to replace it with.

3057 vs 3157 – What Are the Differences Between the 3057 and 3157 Bulb?

Do the numbers 3057 and 3157 have any meaning? Yes, they do. Their ANSI codes are represented by these numbers. The American National Standard Institute is abbreviated as ANSI. The lamp’s power and mounting type are indicated by the bulb number.

When it’s time to replace a bulb in your vehicle, the ANSI code will guide you to the correct replacement. Because they share the same circuitry, the 3057 and 3157 bulbs can be used reversibly. So, they can be used interchangeably. However, there are certain distinctions, or else they would not have different ANSI codes. The following are some of the most significant differences between them:

1. Brightness

Their brightness is one major difference that can be seen with the naked eye. The light produced by the 3157 is brighter than that of the 3057. While using the same voltage as 3057, the 3157 bulb produces more current. The filaments of these bulbs are metal wires that light up and heat up inside their glass shells.

2. Size

Because the 3057 and 3157 have the same dimensions, they are the same size. Both of these bulbs have a one-inch diameter and are 2.1″ long.

3. Durability or Life Span

The 3157 has a longer average rated service life than the 3057. So, the 3157 is more long-lasting. The life of a bulb, on the other hand, often depends on how the driver uses it in his vehicle.

And according to some studies, the life span of both the 3057 and 3157 bulbs ranges from 1200 to 5000 hours. Because of this wide range, bulb life greatly depends on the condition of the vehicle and how the bulb is utilized.

4. Energy Use

The 3157 bulb has a higher wattage or energy consumption than the 3057 bulb. This means that with the same voltage, the 3157 draws more current. So, between the 3057 vs 3157 bulbs, the 3157 emits brighter light because it draws more current than the 3057.

5. Cost

Depending on the brand, two 3157 bulbs may cost anywhere from $4.99 to $5.22. And two 3057 bulbs may cost anywhere from $5.29 to $7.99 for well-known brands.

I organized the differences between the 3057 and 3157 bulbs in the table below to help you get a better idea of how they differ:

Specification	Philips 3057 bulb B2	Philips 3157 bulb B2
Candle Power	32/2	32/3
Equivalent Sylvania/Osram	3057	3157
Energy Used	26.88/6.72W	26.9/8.3W
Equivalent GE	3057	3157
Uses	Parking light bulb, Taillight bulb, Backup light bulb, Turn signal light bulb, and Brake light bulb	Day time running light bulb, Brake light bulb, Taillight bulb, Turn signal light bulb, Parking light bulb, and Backup light bulb
Cost (2 pcs.)	$5.29 – $7.99	$4.99 – $5.22

3057 vs 3157 Similarities

Some similarities also exist between the 3057 and 3157 bulbs, and they include:

1. Dual Filament

The C-6 class and dual filament are the same in both the 3057 and 3157 bulbs.

2. Shapes

The S8 bulb shape is shared by both the 3057 and 3157 bulbs.

3. Voltage

Both of these light bulbs operate at the same voltage of 12.8/14.

4. Size

For both 3057 and 3157 bulbs, the dimensions are the same.

5. Mounting Wedge

The D.F. mounting wedge on both of these lights is the same.

The table below compares the similar features of 3057 and 3157 bulbs:

Specification	Philips 3057 Bulb B2	Philips 3157 Bulb B2
Bulb Technology	Incandescent	Incandescent
Shape of Bulb	S-8	S-8
Bulb Finish	Clear	Clear
Base	Wedge D.F.	Wedge D.F.
Volts	12.8/14V	12.8/14V
Class and Filament	C-6 dual filament	C-6 dual filament
Average Rated Life	1200 – 5000 hrs.	1200 – 5000 hrs.
Diameter	1″
Length	2.1″

Specs and Features of the 3057 Bulb

Industrial automotive lamps are what the 3057 bulbs are classed as. They can, however, be found in aircraft, railroad equipment, maritime equipment, and a wide range of industrial instruments. It’s also known as a miniature bulb. The base of this light is made of a plastic wedge.

It can produce 2.1/0.48 amperes of electricity when used as a car light, utilizing 12.8/14.0 volts. The 3057 bulbs are certified to last between 1,200 and 5,000 hours on average. These bulbs are suitable for city vehicles.

Taillights, turn signal lights, parking lights, brake lights, and city car backup lights all use it as a lamp. However, it is rarely used for daytime running lights. Also, the Sylvania 3057 Incandescent Bulb – Long Life is one of the most popular lamps in this category.

The manufacturer says that 3057 bulbs last twice as long. This bulb, according to Sylvania, is built for longer life, better safety, and lower maintenance.

This bulb is simple to set up. Its great qualities include the ability to extend bulb life in various car lighting applications. All miniature 3057 bulbs are built to withstand a lot of vibration and impact on the road.

Each bulb has a strong filament and a proprietary gas mixture to help it last longer. The bulbs are sold in sets of two. You may replace the two lamps on both sides of your vehicle with just one set.

These bulbs are ideal for replacing car lights. They’re all legal to use on the road. However, you should be aware that these lights will get dimmer over time. These bulbs, on the other hand, are widely available. When you need to change a lamp, they are always available.

Again, the 3057 bulbs can be used in a variety of applications. Parking light bulbs, taillight bulbs, back-up light bulbs, turn signal light bulbs, and brake light bulbs are all options.

The differences and similarities between 3057 and 3157 bulbs have been discussed. Now, let’s have a look at the features of the 3157 bulb to see which one is better between the 3057 vs 3157 bulb.

Features and Specs of the 3157 Bulb

The 3157 bulb is comparable to the 3057 bulb; however, it offers some advantages. It’s a miniature dual filament bulb designed for use in automobiles. A plastic wedge D.F. base is also used in this bulb. Its uses are actually the same as those of the 3057, with the exception that it is the recommended bulb for daytime running lights. This is not the case for the 3057.

The 3157 bulbs have a current rating of 2.1/5.93 amperes. The voltage is the same as 3057. However, this bulb can last longer in terms of average rated hours. This bulb’s light intensity is also brighter due to its small size.

The Sylvania 3157 Long Life Mini Bulb is an example of this type of bulb. It’s a good replacement for your car’s lighting system’s broken bulbs. This bulb is simple to install and produces superb white light.

Because these bulbs are designed to endure high levels of vibration and road impact, you can expect them to last longer. And because of its sturdy filament construction and specific gas mixture, you will be able to use them for a long time.

If these bulbs have a long lifespan, you will save a lot of money. You won’t have to change your car lights regularly. These bulbs emit white light and are simple to set up. They’re also available in two-bulb packages.

On a 2013 Ford Focus model, the Sylvania 3157 Long Life bulbs can be used as rear brake lights or rear taillights. It can be used in other vehicles, makes, and models, as well as for various applications.

Because of the technology available, this bulb is suitable for brake lights, taillights, and backlights. In some cases, they can also be used in headlights. It’s simple to install, and once it’s up and running, it uses less energy than other light bulbs in its class.

The following are the notable features of the Sylvania 3157 bulb:

Lasts longer than most conventional bulbs
Withstands road vibration and shock
Available in sets of 2 per package
It’s manufactured by a respected OEM automotive lighting company
Has a proprietary gas mixture and wire filament, increasing its longevity
Satisfies industry standards for performance
Improved life span

Are 3057 and 3157 Bulbs Interchangeable?

The bulbs 3057 and 3157 can be swapped out. They can be mounted in the same holder because they have the same Wedge D.F. fittings. Both bulbs can be utilized in most car lighting system applications. However, for daytime running light applications, 3157 is preferable.

It’s best to read your car manual when installing these bulbs. Suppose it says to use 3057 – use 3057 and vice versa. Check with your local traffic management authority to see what they have to say about this.

Incandescent and LED Bulbs

In automotive lighting systems, two types of bulbs are now used: incandescent bulbs and LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. In comparison to incandescent bulbs, LEDs are said to be more efficient. They have a long service life rating as well. And they also consume less energy.

But there’s a catch: they cost more than incandescent bulbs. Philips has created LEDs in the 3057 and 3157 sizes. LED versions of the 3057 and 3157 are also available from some well-known brands.

If you have LED bulbs installed in your car and need to replace them, you can utilize them as long as the specs and wedges are the same. However, if your vehicle uses incandescent bulbs, you must first check with your local traffic management authority to see if you can switch to LEDs.

Conclusion – Differences Between 3157 vs 3057 Bulbs

The 3157 bulb is somewhat brighter than the 3057 bulb when the parking lights are turned on. Their bright filaments are so similar that you won’t detect the difference.

Their distinctions become more noticeable in their dim filaments. The bright filaments in each bulb are 32 cp. The dim filament of the 3057 bulb is 2cp. The 3157’s dim filament, on the other hand, is 3cp higher.

You’ll know which bulb you need to change now that you know how these two bulbs differ.