3457 vs. 3157: Which bulb should i use?

(Last Updated On: March 14, 2024)

Light bulbs 3457 and 3157 are predominantly used for brake and turn signal lights. Despite their similar uses, they are not identical. Comprehending the distinctions between 3457 and 3157 light bulbs will guide your decision on when to opt for one kind over the other.

This article looks at the attributes of these two bulb types, including their similarities and differences. I’ll also tell you the best uses for each, their performance, and whether they are entirely interchangeable. 

Keep reading to find the best options for each bulb type in the two categories.

What is a 3457 bulb?

A 3457 bulb is a miniature, industrial, automotive light bulb designed to fit in the external housing of your vehicle’s lights. This bulb is a standard replacement for your car’s brake lights, turn signal lights, taillights, parking lights, and daytime running lights.  

3457 bulbs use a C6/C6 dual-filament, meaning you can use one for both the tail and brake light. This is because one filament will work for the brake light and the other for the tail light.

In addition, a 3457 bulb has an S-8 shape which is a straight side and is 1.25 inches in diameter. What’s more, a 3457 lamp works at 12.8 volts, but it can also run at 14 volts. As for the wattage, it generally draws 28.5 watts of energy.

Again, 3457 is typically bright since it is rated at 503 lumens or 40 candlepower. That’s why it is capable of working as daytime running lights. It can also handle more heat thanks to its higher heat plastic base. Nonetheless, its ability to withstand heat cuts its lifespan to only 500 hours. 

What is a 3157 bulb?

A 3157 bulb also falls under the miniature industrial, automotive lamp category. This is because it functions as an indicator lamp. To this end, it is suitable for parking lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, brake lights, and many others. With a rating of 402 lumens, 3157 bulbs can also be daytime running lights. 

3157 bulbs do not have a higher heat DF base, so they cannot handle lots of heat. However, they have an impressive lifespan of up to 10,000 hours. This bulb operates at 12.8 volts, but it can also run at 14 volts. In addition, it has a dual C6 filament so that it can be used for both taillights and brake lights. 

A 3157 bulb is also an S-8 with a clear bulb finish and measures 1.25 inches in diameter. You can get 3157 bulbs in halogen, incandescent, and LED varieties. 

3457 vs. 3157: The similarities 

By looking at the two bulbs, you can tell they look similar in many ways. Their size, shape, and applications are some features that these bulbs share. Here’s a detailed look at the similarities between 3457 and 3157 bulbs.

Application

3457 and 3157 bulbs can function for the same purpose. These include daytime running lights, turn signal lights, brake lights, reversing lights, and side marker lights. However, if you switch to 3457 from 3157 for reverse and daytime running lights, you will notice that the 3457 is brighter. While you can use both for daytime running lights, I’d recommend choosing 3457 for this purpose. 

Size

Both 3457 and 3157 are similar in size since they have a 1.25-inch diameter and an S-8 shape. They also have a DF base, so you can use them interchangeably because one will fit in the socket of the other. 

Filament 

3457 and 3157 bulbs have a C-6 dual filament. They can serve the purpose of tail lights and brake lights, so there is no need to use two separate bulbs for each circuit. 

Voltage

Again 3457 and 3157 bulbs are rated at 12.8/14 volts. They can run 12.8 to 14 volts in the car’s electrical system. 

Color 

The color of these bulbs depends on their type and color temperature. If you buy halogen variants, they will have a color temperature of 3000K, which is a warm yellow light. 

An incandescent 3157 bulb can have a color temperature between 2700K and 6500K. This means it will be warm yellow or cool white with a blue hue. On the other hand, LED 3157 and 3457 bulbs usually have a color temperature between 4300K (natural) to 6500K (cool white). 

These bulbs are also red and amber for specific use as turn signal lights or brake lights. 

Read more: What is the best color temperature for your headlights?

Price

Both 3457 and 3157 lights fall under the same price range. It depends on the type, technology, and durability. Cheap LED 3157 and 3457 will set you back around $5 to $7, while high-end models can be as much as $50. 

3457 Vs. 3157: The differences 

They may look similar and have the same applications, but there’s more to these bulbs than meets the eye. Below are the features that set the 3457 and 3157 bulbs apart.

Quick comparison chart 

Brightness 

The 3457 bulb is brighter than the 3157 since it produces more current even though both use the same voltage. That’s why the brightness of 3457 is 40 candlepower and around 503 lumens, while 3157 produces 32 candlepower and 402 lumens. Both bulbs are visible in the fog or rain, but 3457 is better as daytime running lights in inclement weather.

Again, you can use both bulbs as city lights when you install them for the taillights or brake lights. Of the two bulbs, I’d recommend the 3457 lamps since you can use them in bad weather as well as during the day.

Wattage 

One of the primary differences between the two bulb types is the wattage. 3457 comes in at 29 watts, while 3157 draws 27 watts. 3457 uses comparably more energy bringing a difference in the brightness and visibility to drivers. Moreover, 3157 bulbs produce 2.1/0.59 ampere current while 3457 produces 2.23/0.59 ampere current.

Again, 3457 wins as a better bulb since it uses less energy, but it produces more brightness than the 3157 bulbs.

Lifespan 

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature between these two bulb types is their lifespan. 3157 bulbs can last up to 10,000 hours, but 3457 are rated to last for only 500 hours. Still, the durability will depend on the bulb usage and vehicle condition.

Here, you’re better off with a 3157 lamp since you won’t be replacing it every year, unlike 3457 bulbs.

Heat resistance 

3457 lights feature a more heat-resistant base compared to 3157 bulbs. That’s why even their LED variants can be installed at the front because they have a lower risk of burning out when they are close to the engine.

Now, for daylight running lights whose wires will not melt, you’re better off with 3457 bulbs. However, this comes with a shorter lifespan than using them on the vehicle’s rear.

Will i interchange these bulbs?

3457 and 3157 light bulbs are fully interchangeable. They feature a similar wedge DF fitting for installing most car lighting systems. You can mount either of them in the same holder since they are interchangeable. They fit well in their sockets, so they can interchange since they have the same circuitry. 

Top recommendations of 3457 and 3157 bulbs

Best 3457/3157 brake light bulbs 

1. iBrightstar Newest 9-30V Super Bright Low Power 3157

These Xenon white bulbs by iBrightstar have 54 SMD 3014 and 3 SMD 3030 LED chips. These chips offer a high lumen output while being energy efficient. For this reason, you’ll be able to use these bulbs not only as brake lights but also as backup reverse lights, parking lights, taillights, and daytime running lights. 

When used as turn signal lights, you will need to add a flash relay or resistor to prevent hyper flashing. Otherwise, these bulbs are ready for your light stock housing. Thanks to their non-polarity design, these light bulbs are compatible with standard and CK/SRCK sockets. 

Since these are LEDs, you will find that they are up to 300% brighter than your typical halogen bulbs. Even so, they exceed the typical lifespan of 10,000 hours, and you can have them running for up to 30,000 hours. 

2. AUXITO 2600 Lumens 3157 LED Bulb 

AUXITO offers these brake lights in the same shape and design as the halogen bulbs that come with your vehicle. These light bulbs can fit both 3157 and 3457 sockets. They are also compatible with 3156, 3056, 3057, 4157, 3047, and 4057 sockets. 

With the help of 54 4014-SMD LED chips, these lamps boast a lifespan of 20,000 hours. What’s more, each bulb emits 1300 lumens of a very bright white light. In addition, they illuminate over 360 degrees which beats halogen and incandescent bulbs.

You’ll like that you can use AUXITO 3157 LED bulbs for various applications. They work as brake lights, tail lights, daytime running lights, and turn signal lights. Again, when used as tail signal lights, you’ll need a resistor or flash relay to avoid an error code or hyper flash issue. 

3. AUXITO 3157 LED Bulb Red 

High-power red LED brake lights are critical on any vehicle. The AUXITO 3157 LED bulbs come in red and offer super brightness thanks to their 2000 lumens per lamp rating. The brilliant red color is ideal for brake lights, but they are also suitable for stop and tail lights. 

Another feature that I like is the ultra-modern LED chips which make the bulbs brighter than halogens by 300%. In addition, they shine over 360 degrees while casting an unmistakable shine that alerts all drivers regardless of the weather or time of day. 

The state-of-the-art intelligent IC driver protects the bulbs over a wide voltage range. To this end, you can expect a long lifespan from this model. Not to mention, they feature a hidden hollow design to prevent overheating. 

Best 3457/3157 Turn Signal Light Bulbs 

1. LUYED 2 x 900 Lumens Super Bright  

Give your car a modern and updated look with the LUYED super bright LED lights. The white color temperature makes them look better than stock halogen lamps. You’ll like that although they are bright, they are not too bright to blind other drivers. 

These lamps will plug right into your stock lights housing. When installing them as turn signal lights, they will still need 50W 60-ohm resistors. Nevertheless, you won’t need a resistor for other amber blinkers on the rear. Each bulb has 78 LEDs to create 360 degrees of illumination. Plus, they are energy efficient and can last a decent time.  

2. Yorkim 3157 LED Bulb Amber 

Yorkim 3157 bulbs are your go-to for bright turn signals. They are already an amber color but brighter than OEM halogen bulbs. Made for a guaranteed fit, these LED lights directly replace front and rear turn signal bulbs. The non-polarity design means you need to plug them into 3157, 3457, 3057, and other standard sockets. 

These turn signal lights combine 3030 chipsets and an HD projector that enhances visibility. They glow nicely in the dark and are also bright enough for daytime running lights. So, go ahead and make your car look more stylish. 

3. Alla Lighting 3157 LED Bulbs Super Bright 

Upgrade your OEM incandescents with the Alla lighting 3157 LED bulbs. These are great for turn signal lamps, tail lights, backup reverse lights, brake lights, third brake lights (center high-mounted stop lamps), or daytime running lights.

These bulbs are CK compatible and come with a T25 wedge dual filament. For most vehicles, these will be a direct fitment. However, some vehicles may have an error message requiring you to use a flash relay. Each bulb produces 1000 lumens which are more than enough for night use and excellent for daytime use. 

A built-in intelligent IC controller provides better light performance and ensures accuracy when switching from one light to another. The IC also controls the working current and helps to improve the lifespan. 

Conclusion 

So, are you ready to invest in the best 3157 and 3457 LED bulbs? These top choices are the best stock lights replacement you need. My finest recommendation for brake lights is the iBrightstar Newest 9-30V Super Bright Low Power brand. This model is highly adaptable and comes with fantastic illumination. 

My top choice for turn signal lights is the LUYED 2 x 900 Lumens Super Bright 3014. It is compatible with CK and standard sockets, so it’s ready to go in your vehicle. Now, you can take your car to the next level with these 3457/3157 LED bulbs. 

Read more: 5000K Vs. 6000K Vs. 8000K: Which bulb suits you best?