2357 Vs 1157 Bulbs: Key Difference, Which One is Best??
2357 Vs 1157 Bulbs are also two common automobile bulbs popularly used as turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights. Both bulbs may appear to be the same but they have a lot of key differences, which makes them different from each other.
If you’re looking to buy either of these bulbs then you are at the right place. Here, we have written an in-depth article about the 1157 vs 2357 bulbs. Once you have read it, I can bet you don’t have to go anywhere else.
What’s a 2357 Bulb?
A 2357 bulb is a dual-filament automotive light bulb that is commonly used as brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals. The two filaments allow the bulb to serve dual functions, with one filament being brighter (typically for the brake light or turn signal) and the other being dimmer (usually for the tail light) thus making it a perfect choice as a brake as well as tail light.
What’s an 1157 Bulb?
Just like the 2357 bulb, the 1157 bulb is also a dual-filament light bulb that is mostly used as brake lights, and tail lights. It’s widely used as a standard in older vehicles and can often be found in various automotive lighting applications.
But nowadays it’s gradually being replaced by more energy-efficient LED alternatives.
Comparison of 2357 and 1157 Bulb (Table)
| Feature | 2357 Bulb | 1157 Bulb |
|---|---|---|
| Base type | BAY15d | BAY15d |
| Voltage | 12V | 12V |
| Wattage | 27/8W | 32/3W |
| Typical use | Tail light, brake light, turn signal | Tail light, brake light, turn signal |
| Number of filaments | Dual filament | Dual filament |
| Primary filament | 27W | 32W |
| Secondary filament | 8W | 3W |
| Average lifespan | 400 hours | 1,200 hours |
| Brightness | Brighter | Slightly less bright |
| Interchangeability | Can often replace 1157 | Can often replace 2357 |
| Brightness | 40 Candlepower (MSCP) | 32 Candlepower (MSCP) |
| Lifespan | Shorter due to higher brightness | Longer lifespan |
2357 and 1157 Bulbs Comparison
Price
It’s one of the most important aspects when you are looking to buy any of these bulbs. Being the brighter one, 2357 is priced at a bit lower than the 1157 bulbs thereby it’s a perfect choice for anyone who are tight on budget.
To be True, 1157 is also affordable but not as much the 2357. If you want a better life span then go ahead with the 1157 as they are the perfect choice in terms of lifespan.
Heat Dissipation
In terms of heat dissipation, the 2357 bulb is a clear cut winner. They have an excellent heat diffusion feature that avoids the damage done by heat like the melting of plastic and mounting socket. It allows the bulb to be used for a wider range of locations on your vehicle.
While the 1157 bulbs especially the halogen bulb produce a lot of heat when used for long hours. If continued for longer usage they distort the plastic mountingd, lens, and tail lights.
Brightness
Upon comparing both the 2357 and 1157, 2357 is generally more brighter than the 1157. Talking about the facts, 2357 bulbs have a 40 Mean Spherical Candlepower (MSCP) rating compared to 32 MSCP of 1157 bulbs.
Lifespan
As mentioned earlier, 2357 bulbs are more brighter which in turn reduces their lifespan when compared with the 1157 bulb.
In the case of regular usage, the higher wattage filament of the 2357 bulb lasts around 400 hours while that of the 1157 bulb is around 1200 hours. The low filament of both bulbs have a similar lifespan of 5000 hours.
So, if you want a bulb that lasts long then, 1157 is no doubt an excellent choice for your need.
Durability
Both the 2357 and 1157 bulbs have similar physical construction and both of them have dual filament with a BAY15d base as their socket. But when it comes to their average life span the 1157 bulbs are far ahead compared with the 2357 bulbs. But when compared to the aspect of heat dissipation, 1157 bulbs are not a good choice over the 2357 bulbs.
So, both bulbs have their own pros and cons, now it is up to you which one you want to use for your vehicle.
Can you use 2357 instead of 1157?
Yes, in many cases you can use a 2357 bulb instead of an 1157 bulb. However, there are some important things that you really need to keep in mind. Both 2357 and 1157 bulbs have the same BAY15d base, so physical compatibility is not really an issue.
However, the difference arises in terms of heat dissipation and the average life span of the bulbs. The 1157 bulb has a better lifespan when compared with the 2357 bulb. In terms of heat dissipation, the case is exactly the opposite 2357 bulbs are a better choice compared to the 1157 bulbs.
If you still want to replace them, then surely you can do that but keep in mind, the heat dissipation as it can potentially damage or distort the socket when not taken into account.
Are 2357 and 1157 bulbs interchangeable?
The 2357 and 1157 bulbs are often considered interchangeable but remember that they are not identical which may cause some issues with your vehicle. These are the few important aspects that you need to keep in mind.
- Both bulbs use the same BAY15d base, so surely they will fit in the same socket and also they both operate on the 12V, whihc makes them compatible in terms of electrical system voltage. However, there is a significant difference when it comes to their wattage consumption so be mindful of that.
- Both 1157 and 2357 bulbs have a practical difference in terms of brightness which might affect visibility and safety, particularly if used for the brake lights.
- The difference is wattage consumption leads to different heat generation which means that it can potentially affect bulb lifespan or surrounding components and might have to face issues like melting of plastic components, socket damage, and a lot more.
- The upcoming modern vehicles might detect the difference in power draw and could potentially trigger a warning light in the dashboard which may cause you to stress if you don’t what it means.
In conclusion, both the 2357 and 1157 bulbs are often interchangeable in a pinch, but they’re not identical. The differences in wattage mean they’re not perfect substitutes(replacements) for each other. For optimal performance and compliance, it’s best to use the bulb type specified for your vehicle whenever possible and the rest is up to you.
