If you're looking for the best H7 bulbs to match your car's bulb type, you've come to the right place. Due to their variety, purchasing can be quite challenging. After analyzing the market offer for H7 car lamps, we were able to select the 5 best models of 2019. Osram Night Breaker Unlimited, which is characterized by high quality, was at the TOP of our list. This lamp produces a bright light and its beam range is very far. The H7 low beam kit is available in one package, giving us the opportunity to replace the bulbs in both headlights of our car at once.
If the H7 Osram Night Breaker Unlimited low beam lamp does not meet your expectations, you should pay attention to the Philips X-treme Vision 12972XV product. This is a light bulb that consumers appreciate not only for its attractive price, but also for its quality. Reviews about this lamp H7 12v 55w are only positive! This is the best H7 12 volt low beam bulb - it produces a bright but eye-pleasing light that perfectly illuminates the road while driving. In addition, it also has certificates confirming its quality. This H7 light bulb will definitely meet your expectations.
How to choose a good low beam lamp H7
The effectiveness of your car's headlights comes from the bulbs themselves. The amount of light emitted during movement depends on them. H7 lamps are becoming increasingly popular, cheaper and more efficient. In our guide, we present the most important questions related to purchasing the product, so you can find the ideal model among the best H7 lamps currently available on the market. After reading the article, no one will have any problems choosing the best H7 light bulb 2019.
The H7 lamp is becoming increasingly popular due to its affordability and power. The H7 lamp type is only 3 cm long and has a 55 W filament. This ensures that the road and side of the road are perfectly illuminated when the vehicle is moving. Even if you already have incandescent bulbs in your car's headlights, it's worth buying spare ones to keep in your car at all times, just in case. This means that in the event of a failure, you will not have problems finding suitable equipment at gas stations, where H7 lamps are available at very inflated prices.
Wattage – Which H7 Bulb is the Best?
An important parameter is the power of the light bulbs. The brightness of the emitted light depends on this. Remember, however, that the higher the value, the higher the energy consumption, which will result in a shorter product life. The H7 bulbs differ from other products in that they have a beam output of around 1,500 lumens, meaning they produce nearly twice as much light as the H4 models. Thanks to this, they will be perfect in winter, when night falls faster.
H7 lamp types - blue and white
Among the models available in stores, you will find products that differ from each other not only in price, but, above all, in parameters. In addition, the lamps come in different colors. This is why you will find products on the market:
White or yellow- they emit natural light, which will be ideal both on a cloudy or rainy day and on a winter night. Their light is pleasing to the eye and does not pose a threat to oncoming drivers. This is primarily the most popular type of H7 lamps.
Colored- although more and more consumers are deciding to buy this model, it is not a good choice. While it gives us the feeling of easily upgrading our car, colored bulbs can pose a hazard on the road. This is due to the fact that drivers are not used to such effects; they are a little distracting. Moreover, some colors may dazzle oncoming traffic.
H7 lamp types - blue and white H7 lamps - set or individually
Remember, when replacing bulbs with other types, always install them in pairs rather than individually, because different products produce different lighting effects, and this affects not only the quality of the light, but also your safety and the safety of other drivers. Do not pair the H7 model with the H4 (with xenon), as this may cause uneven illumination of the road and roadside and therefore interfere with our driving.
This is why lamps sold in two packs can often be purchased in stores. If you need one bulb because it's burned out, there are shops that sell individual parts, but it's always worth keeping spare H7 bulbs in the trunk of your car.
Lamp brightness
The best H7 lamp is a model that emits light bright enough to illuminate our road well without blinding oncoming drivers. The light intensity is given by the unit - lux. These are determined using the maximum flow length: for example, a distance of 20 m requires a minimum of 30 lux, and at 10 m up to 50 lux.
H7 lamps - light range
Headlights must emit light, which is also determined by range. Remember that the lamps are supposed to illuminate the right lane and the shoulder, so the luminous flux on the left side is approximately 30 m shorter.
Durability of H7 halogen lamps
Producing brighter light means generating more heat than conventional models. Therefore, the equipment must be made of good materials that are resistant to high temperatures. H7 lamps are made from UV resistant quartz glass. In addition, it is heavier and does not vibrate.
Lamp cooling system
A side effect of emitting bright light is the generation of heat, often above 70°C. To prevent the H7 lamp from burning too quickly, an adequate cooling system is necessary. For this reason, manufacturers equip their products with special fans and radiators that ensure proper cooling of the equipment during operation. This definitely extends the life of our product.
H7 lamp mount - socket
The socket is an element of the H7 lamp, which is attached to the car headlight itself. If installed incorrectly, the product will not light up properly. This is very important because in this case we can pose a danger on the road, and incorrect installation of incandescent lamps is punishable by a fine. The base of the bulb is usually made of high quality 6063 aluminum alloy. This material does not melt even at high temperatures during intensive and long-term operation of the lamp.
Prices for H7 low beam lamps
The cost of purchasing an H7 lamp depends primarily on the quality of the model and manufacturer. That is why we will buy the cheapest models that we can purchase in stores for about 500 rubles. There are also products on the market whose price exceeds 7,000 rubles per unit.
Which H7 lamp should I buy? Rating of the best 2019
Buying the right H7 low beam bulb for your car can be quite challenging due to the different models available on store shelves. To make this task easier, we have prepared a rating in which we presented the rating of H7 lamps for 2019. These are the best H7 low beam bulbs currently available in the market.
Lamp H7 Osram Night Breaker Unlimited
An interesting product is Osram Night Breaker Unlimited. This is a good H7 lamp currently available in the market. It has received recognition from many consumers.
The main advantage of the product is the large range of incident light that this model produces. It rises up to 40 meters, so it perfectly illuminates our path while driving. Moreover, the H7 lamp features a high-quality 55-watt filament, which makes the light emitted much brighter. This makes driving at night less tiring for our eyes. The power supply for this product is 12V. Osram Night Breaker Unlimited lamps are sold 2 per pack.
Reviews of Osram H7 low beam lamps are extremely positive. Consumers appreciated them for an adequate price. In their tests, they also pay attention to the high power of the product.
Osram Night Breaker Unlimited is a car light bulb with dimensions: length - 59 mm and diameter - 12 mm. The product weight is 12.5 g and the power consumption is 58 W.
Lamp H7 Philips X-treme Vision 12972XV
The H7 Philips X-treme Vision 12972XV lamp, due to its parameters, is one of the best low beam lamps.
This is a model that has gained popularity not only among consumers, but also among many institutions, which is confirmed by quality certificates. One of them is Original Equipment Quality - OEQ, which guarantees us that the product we choose is very efficient and functional.
The main advantage of the H7 low beam lamp is the length of the incident light beam. According to the manufacturer, this is 130% better than conventional incandescent lamps. This is very important because it ensures that the road and roadsides are well illuminated while driving. The filament power value is 55 W, and the power supply voltage is 12 V.
Consumers in their assessments emphasize that this model perfectly illuminates the road and is very resistant to damage, so after installation the lamp can be used for several months.
The Philips X-treme Vision car lamp has an output power of 55 W and a voltage of 12 V. The kit includes two lamps.
Lamps H7 Philips White Vision Set 12972WH
What are the best H7 low beam bulbs? — Philips White Vision Set 12972WH. This product is of high quality and excellent parameters.
The lamp produces a very intense light that does not irritate other drivers coming in the opposite direction. The main advantage of the product is its color - it is white, thanks to which our eyes do not get tired during night driving. The power of the device is 55 W, and the voltage is up to 13.2 V. In addition, the Philips White Vision Set 12972WG lamp is sold only in a set of 2 pieces for the head light.
Consumers have appreciated this product due to its very attractive price. As they highlight in their evaluations, this is consistent with the quality of the workmanship. They also note that the presented model is durable and does not need to be replaced too often, which makes its use more comfortable for the driver.
Philips White Vision 12972WH is a 55W 12V H7 halogen lamp with a product life of 450 hours.
Car lamps H7 Tungsram Megalight Ultra
If you are looking for H7 lamps with high quality and low price, check out the Tungsram Megalight Ultra. The low price and excellent quality ratio is the main reason why so many people have chosen this product.
This best H7 bulb stands out with a bright light that perfectly illuminates the road and side of the road during night driving. Moreover, it will not hurt our eyes or offend other drivers. It is also worth mentioning that the beam length of such light is approximately 120% greater than in the case of traditional incandescent lamps. This model is available in a pack of 2, so not only will we save money, but we will also be able to immediately replace the bulbs in our car's headlights. The power of this product is 55 W and the voltage is 12 V.
Consumers highly appreciate the Tungsram Megalight Ultra lamp not only for its excellent price-quality ratio, but also for the fact that it has a very bright and pleasant light.
TUNGSRAM Megalight Ultra is a good H7 lamp worth up to 50 PLN. The power of the product is 55 W, and the voltage is 12 V. The model has a PX26d base type.
The best H7 Bosch Pure Light lamps
The H7 Bosch Pure Light is a good, cheap H7 bulb. Recommended by individuals, as well as owners of mechanical factories who repair cars.
The main advantage of this product is its very low price. This product is available in stores for less than 150 rubles per piece. Although it is sold in individual packs, it is very cheap to buy the set at the end of the day.
Moreover, this model is characterized by a fairly bright light, which perfectly illuminates both the road and the side of the road while driving. This excellent H7 lamp has a power of 55 W and its voltage is 12 V.
Consumers have praised the Bosch Pure Light product for its very low price and quality. They confirm that the lamp is efficient and does not break down too quickly.
The Bosch Pure Light car lamp has a power of 55 W and a voltage of 12 V. The H7 lamp has a PX26d socket. Package dimensions: 9.5 cm x 13.5 cm x 3.5 cm.
LED lamps h7 for low beam
You probably already know that H7 lamps are installed in the main headlights of a car and work as both high and low beams. For this reason, you should find a product that will give you good visibility on the road, especially after dark. We encourage you to read the information below, which will clear up your doubts about which H7 bulbs are recommended by drivers and tested by experts.
When it comes to H7 car bulbs, it is best to choose models that produce white or slightly yellow bright light. By purchasing such a product, we can be sure that even in difficult weather conditions we will notice obstacles on the road in time and avoid an accident. The color temperature of incandescent lamps is given in Kelvin. The most popular models are from 4300 K to 6000 K, and the higher the value, the better. Products with a color temperature of 4300 K produce the color of light generated by the sun and are therefore slightly yellowish. In turn, bulbs marked from 5000 K to 6000 K shine a little brighter and give a slightly blue glow.
H7 lamps installed in cars, unlike lamps intended for lamps and home chandeliers, must have a strictly defined power as well as voltage. Installing the wrong lighting in this regard will usually shorten the life of incandescent bulbs or emit a weaker beam of light. Passenger cars require specialized lamps labeled 12 V / 55 W for low beam headlights, and trucks require 24 V / 70 W.
In stores we can also find models with higher or lower power, this applies in particular to xenon. If you have any doubts about which bulbs are right for your vehicle, it is best to seek advice from an auto shop or an experienced mechanic.
So, the following lamps are considered the best h7 diode lamps for low beam:
- Lamp H7 Osram Night Breaker Unlimited;
- The best lamps are H7 Philips X-treme Vision 12972XV;
- Low beam lamps H7 Philips White Vision Set 12972WH;
- Tungsram Megalight Ultra H7 for low beam;
- Cheap H7 Bosch Pure Light lamps of high quality.
If we need good visibility while driving, we need to buy lamps that generate a lot of light. How to recognize if a model is suitable? Information on this issue will provide us with the luminous flux value expressed in lumens. Typically this is about 1500 lm when the filament is fully heated. People who frequently drive after dark, who don't feel too confident on the road, should look for products that produce a little more light, preferably from a reputable brand. Then you can be sure that H7 light bulbs have been tested in specialist stores, confirming their good quality before appearing in stores.
Excellent H7 lamp life
Many drivers complain that they have to replace their lights too often - this applies not only to H7 products, but also to others, such as brake lights. If we want to buy a lamp that gives a bright light that will not burn out too quickly, we must check its lifespan. Typically, H7 lighting works reliably for about 450 hours, sometimes a little longer (up to 650 hours). The longer the bulbs last, the less we have to replace them. However, it is worth carrying a spare light source in your car because we are never sure when exactly the car lights will go off and on.
H7 lamps, which provide a lot of light, usually cost several tens of zlotys. However, we should not save too much on car lights, since this depends on them, our safety, the passengers being transported and other road users.
Installing lamps that are too dim means that we cannot see the exact path, leaving us more susceptible to a dangerous accident. So let's spend a lot of time searching for the H7 product to make sure we're buying the right model.
A person driving a car needs to be extremely concentrated and constantly monitor the situation on the road. In poor lighting conditions, car lamps are an important factor, helping to provide adequate lighting. Traffic safety depends on the effectiveness of the headlight.
Key lighting for cars is done using car lamps. Lighting devices in the h7 base are among the most popular. They first appeared on the markets in the 90s and since then have not lost their relevance; on the contrary, every year their production becomes more advanced.
H7 lamps are installed for low, high and fog lighting. Devices of this type are characterized by a standard power of 55 W, but there are other models where the power ratings are increased.
H7 lighting devices are divided into three categories: halogen, LED and xenon. Each of these types of devices has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Halogen - will delight the buyer with a successful combination of price and quality. It is most popular among motorists, as it shines beautifully and does not require the installation of additional equipment. If you purchase a modified type, then there are lamps with a xenon effect. Their service life will be increased. Unfortunately, the halogen illuminator has the disadvantage of being very hot and therefore can quickly fail.
- LED is quite economical. In the event of shaking or impact, the performance of such a lamp does not deteriorate. Service life is high. Thanks to the long-term operation of the device, it can be called environmentally friendly. But not everyone likes such lighting devices. Firstly, due to the difficulties that arise when adjusting the light beam. And, secondly, because of the price, which is not affordable for every buyer.
- Xenon - withstands various vibrations and shaking. Its color temperature is as close as possible to our usual daytime color. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the cost of such a device and the fact that it will be necessary to install an ignition unit.
So, when choosing an h7 lamp for a car, you need to pay attention to all of the above points and identify the most suitable ones for yourself.
Characteristics
In automobile lighting devices, characteristics play an important role, those technical features that you need to pay attention to first of all. Speaking about h7 lamps, we are, of course, talking about such parameters as the power of the device, color temperature, intensity and brightness of the light flux, the range over which it extends, and the service life of the device.
Difference between lamp h7 and h4
Both types are intended for head lighting. The h7 lamp was released later than the h4, so it is ahead of it in some technical characteristics. As an example, let's take the criterion of work duration. For h7 it will be twice as large as for h4.
The width of h4 will be significantly wider than h7. The differences between the light bulbs include the fact that h4 has two spirals, and h7 is a single-filament lighting element.
The devices also have differences in the design of the base.
Which company is better to buy h7 lamps
According to the tests carried out, the following brands have proven themselves to be excellent:
- Japanese company Koito, which produces excellent halogen lamps suitable for domestic realities.
- The German company Osram, famous for its impeccable top-level products.
- The Dutch company Philips, which is similar in quality to the Osram brand.
- The Hungarian company Bosch creates devices with excellent color flux, providing amazing visibility, both near and far.
Comparative test of lighting with h7 lamp and other types:
Which h7 lamps are better?
The most popular h7 lighting devices purchased are halogen. Which is not surprising, because they effectively provide low and high beams, and also help fight fog. These lighting mechanisms are created with different accents, for example, there are lamps with increased luminous flux, and there are devices where the main criterion is durability. When purchasing a car product, you need to identify the most important selection criteria for yourself.
There are gas-filled lamps. In them, the filament does not oxidize, so it is thinner and longer. There is xenon inside the device, which creates a fairly high pressure in the bulb, thereby increasing such a parameter as the brightness of the device.
Rating of the best h7 lamps for cars
10th place. Bosch Plus 90
At the top of the rating of high-quality h7 lighting devices is the Bosch Plus 90 model. This lamp is halogen, its luminous flux will be 1500 Lumens, so it does not lack in brightness. The light output is almost 90% higher than that of a conventional halogen lamp.
The generated white light appears close to daylight, which provides the driver with comfortable driving. According to the results of the test, this lamp demonstrated that in the H7 base it is one of the best in terms of brightness. How much does such a miracle cost, you ask? The average price is 480 rubles.
lamp Bosch Plus 90
Advantages:
- Excellent luminous flux, the brightest;
- White color that does not tire your eyesight;
- Excellent light distribution;
- Safe for surrounding drivers.
Flaws:
- High price compared to analogues.
Lamp video test:
9th place. Osram ultra life lamp
The German manufacturer has released a device with a longer service life and a three-year warranty. This halogen lamp is perfect for 24/7 use. It can be called environmentally friendly, because thanks to its economical qualities, it will last a long time, you will not have to frequently change the lamps and then dispose of it, polluting the environment. Brightness - 1550 Lumens. Gives yellow light. The approximate cost is about 1000 rubles, but this is not much, considering how long the purchase will last.
Osram ultra life lamp
Advantages:
- Extended resource;
- Dear manufacturer;
- Reliability.
Flaws:
- They say that the guarantee is difficult to obtain.
8th place. Lamp KOITO WHITEBEAM III
Halogen KOITO WHITEBEAM III from a Japanese manufacturer is characterized by increased light output. Color temperature 4200 K. Power supply 12 V. Quality tested in the legendary Paris-Dakar car races. The price tag is about 1900 rubles.
Lamp KOITO WHITEBEAM III
Advantages:
- High service life;
- Less energy consumption;
- The lamps practically do not heat up.
Flaws:
- Price.
Comparative lamp test - in the video:
7th place. Lamp MTF-Light H7
Xenon MTF-Light H7, originally from South Korea, satisfies numerous requirements for this type of device. MTF-Light H7 has a high light temperature, high brightness and a guaranteed service life (2000 hours). The power is 35 V and the brightness is from 2600 to 3200 lumens. Depending on the temperature, the light can range from warm white to cold. Heating time to 80 percent brightness is only 5 seconds. Approximate cost 950 rubles.
Lamp MTF-Light H7
Advantages:
- Starts quickly regardless of hot or cold conditions;
- Resistant to vibrations and fluctuations;
- Excellent noise immunity;
- Low cost for xenon.
Flaws:
- Not all buyers are satisfied with the original lighting.
6th place. Osram Night Breaker Unlimited lamp
Another device from a German manufacturer is in high demand - the Osram Night Breaker. If you are wondering: “Which lamp is better for low beam,” then the Osram Night Breaker will be an excellent option for lensed optics. The power at the h7 base is 55 V, the luminous flux is 1500 Lumens, and the color temperature is 3700 K, which gives light 20% whiter than conventional halogen lamps. This model creates a light beam that is longer than standard lighting of its counterparts. As a result, a beam of light floods a decent amount of space, which allows the driver to see better, concentrate on the road and avoid accidents. The average price is 1200 rubles.
Osram Night Breaker Unlimited lamp
Advantages:
- Good and enhanced luminous flux in any weather, visibility is no worse than xenon;
- Reputable brand;
- Good packing.
Flaws:
- Price.
Review of this model - in the video:
5th place. ClearLight H7 lamp
ClearLight H7 is considered one of the best LED lamps in the quality rating. Thanks to more advanced technology, the service life of these devices is increased, and the load on the generator and energy consumption are reduced. Brightness is excellent from 2800 to 4300 Lumens. The lighting device produces high-quality white light of 4500 K. The ClearLight H7 device can rightfully be given the status “Longest-living”, since the operating time is amazing, about 30,000 hours. ClearLight H7 is suitable for installation in high beam, low beam and anti-fog headlights. The average cost is 2600 rubles.
ClearLight H7 lamp
Advantages:
- Economical, consumes 30 W;
- Glow intensity;
- Easy installation.
Flaws:
- A bit expensive.
4th place. Philips h7 Longlife Ecovision lamp
The Philips Longlife Ecovision car lamp for h7 socket is made of unrivaled quartz glass, which features a Philips Quartz Glass UV filter. This allows the device to withstand strong gas pressure inside the flask and serves as an excellent barrier against the rapid evaporation of tungsten from the filament. The halogen Philips Longlife Ecovision has a luminous flux of 1500 Lumens, which is great for both low and high beams and against fog. The average price is 750 rubles.
Philips h7 Longlife Ecovision lamp
Video review of the lamp:
Advantages:
- Good characteristics;
- Compactness;
- Ideal background light.
Flaws:
- A little expensive.
3rd place. Bosch Pure Light H7 lamp
One of the most economical in price is the halogen model Bosch Pure Light H7. Its characteristics include such points as a voltage of 12 V, a power of 55 W, and a color temperature of 3200 K. The Bosch Pure Light H7 lacks all sorts of so-called “proprietary technologies”, but the device shines quite well and is popular among buyers. The average price is 200 rubles.
Bosch Pure Light H7 lamp
Advantages:
- Price;
- Glow;
- Does not burn out for a long time;
- The highest level of quality.
Flaws:
- In wet weather they are not bright enough.
2nd place. Philips H7 Vision Plus lamp
In second place is the Philips H7 Vision Plus lamp, beloved by many drivers. This European brand is perfectly adapted to Russian conditions. Voltage 12 V, power 55 W. The main advantage of this lighting device is its high brightness, providing a large illumination area. First-class brightness improves road safety. The color temperature is 3200 K. The average price is 950 rubles.
Philips H7 Vision Plus lamp
Advantages:
- Strong light;
- Compared to analogues, reasonable price;
- Safety.
Flaws:
- Insufficient lamp life.
1 place. Osram H7 Original lamp
In first place in the ranking of high-quality h7 lighting devices is Osram H7 Original. This model is used for headlights and is distinguished by the excellent quality of the German brand. The color temperature is 3200 K. Osram H7 Original is attractive because it has a long service life and does not have to suffer from regular replacements of low-quality products. Approximate price 350 rubles.
Osram H7 Original lamp
Review of the lamp - in the video:
Advantages:
- Deep white light providing excellent visibility in all weather conditions;
- The optimum ratio of price and quality;
- Good packaging prevents moisture from entering.
Flaws:
- Some buyers noticed such a disadvantage as sensitivity to overvoltage.
Conclusion
To ensure that traveling by car does not cause unnecessary hassle, you should take care in advance of proper road lighting at night or in difficult weather conditions. Headlights ensure smooth driving. By studying the ratings of quality lamps, the choice of the right product will be made faster, and you can be confident in road safety.
Last year our publication published (). This material aroused the genuine interest of readers, since it made it possible to find out how the lamps, the price for a set of which reaches up to 2,500 rubles, actually shine. Over the past few years, automakers have increasingly introduced headlights that use different bulbs in the H7 socket for high and low beam. Therefore, we decided to do another test and determine what to buy for this category of consumers.
To find out which lamps are better, the editorial staff of the AvtoDela magazine bought 10 sets of headlight lamps with an H7 socket with increased luminous efficiency from Moscow auto stores and contacted the laboratory of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Research and Experimental Institute of Automotive Electronics and Electrical Equipment (NIIAEA) to conduct a test according to the methodology established by the rules of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) No. 37-03 and No. 112-00.
The headlight with a lamp installed in it was placed in a dark room, and the cut-off line required by GOST was installed at a distance of 25 m from the source. The operator measured the illumination at control points and compared it with the requirements of the rules. The points at which measurements were made are designated as follows: 0-0 (Zone III) - a point characterizing the light in the zone of the vehicle ahead through the rear-view mirror; B50L - point characterizing the blinding of the driver of an oncoming car; 75R and 50R are points characterizing the lighting of the right side of the road, the far and near zones, respectively.
Additional materials:
BOSCH Plus 90 – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
At the end of 2009, Bosch introduced its new flagship in the line of halogen lamps with high light output - the Bosch Plus 90 series. The Plus 90 series halogen lamps are the brightest halogen head light sources from Bosch. Their light output is 90% higher than that of standard halogen lamps. In addition, thanks to the innovations applied, Plus 90 lamps create longer and wider light cones, illuminating the road much more efficiently than standard lamps. The use of Bosch Plus 90 lamps allows you to increase the time for making a decision, because now an obstacle on the road will be noticed earlier.
The light generated by Bosch Plus 90 series lamps is whiter than standard lamps. All improvements are achieved thanks to new technologies: xenon filling of the bulb, optimized spiral design and partial blue coating of the bulb. Lighting, close in its spectral composition to daylight, tires the driver’s vision less, ensuring comfortable driving in the dark.
Lamps with silver tops look the most elegant, which is especially noticeable when combined with clear glass headlights. The silver top and blue coating create a blue shimmer effect even when the headlights are off.
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Bosch Plus 90 lamp showed one of the brightest luminous fluxes of 1500 lm. The indicators for illumination of the right side of the road turned out to be one of the best in the test. So, for the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 30,940 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 14,500 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers are within European standards: B50L - 262 cd, zone III - 475 cd.
SUMMARY
The Bosch Plus 90 halogen headlight bulb in the H7 socket showed excellent results. It perfectly illuminates the right side of the road, exceeding the requirements several times, and is safe for surrounding drivers.
HELLA H7+90% – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The Hella concern is owned by Philips, and the trademark was introduced mainly to represent products in the budget segment.
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Hella H7+90% lamp showed an average luminous flux of 1400 lm. But the indicators for illumination of the right side of the road turned out to be one of the best in the test: for the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 30,250 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 13,750 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers comply with European standards: B50L - 281 cd, zone III - 600 cd.
SUMMARY
The Hella H7+90% halogen headlight lamp in the H7 socket turned out to be one of the best in terms of price-quality ratio. At an affordable price, it provides excellent illumination of the right shoulder area and is safe for oncoming and passing drivers.
HELLA H7+90%
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 HELLA H7+90%
KOITO Whitebeam III – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The Koito White Beam III lamp model refers to lamps with increased luminous efficiency. According to the manufacturer, high-temperature lamps of the White Beam series provide twice the brightness of the glow, while consuming the same amount of energy as conventional halogen lamps. The glow temperature of the filament is higher than in standard samples. To prevent the tungsten filament of the lamp from burning out, the concentration and pressure (twice as much as in the standard one) of the inert gas are increased in the flask.
The lamp bulb is blue in color and made of quartz glass - more refractory than usual and filtering the UV part of radiation, due to which Koito White Beam III lamps are absolutely safe for polycarbonate headlights of modern cars. The electrical power of the lamp is standard (60/55 W), and therefore the lamp does not generate excess heat (no more than standard lamps). Due to such technical innovations, the color temperature of the light is increased to 4200 K, which improves the driver’s color perception.
The llamas are sold in pairs in clear plastic packaging with a white label written in Japanese characters. Loud numbers “135/125 W”, according to the manufacturer’s idea, mean increased light output of the lamps. Their electrical power is standard, so they can be installed in a car without worry.
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Koito White Beam III lamp showed the lowest result. Its luminous flux is only 1150 lm, which goes beyond the lower limit of the corridor of 1350 lm. Thus, one cannot expect outstanding values from it in terms of illumination of control points. But despite this, the illumination indicators of the right side of the road exceed the requirements of technical regulations. For the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 20,625 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 20,625 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. Measurements at safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers gave the following results: B50L - 445 cd, zone III - 1058 cd. Thus, the Koito White Beam III lamp grossly violates the rules on dazzling vehicles in front through the rearview mirror.
SUMMARY
The Koito White Beam III halogen headlamp in the H7 socket not only turned out to be the most expensive in the test - it also has the weakest luminous flux, and it is also unsafe to use because it dazzles cars in front.
Product packaging of KOITO Whitebeam III car headlight lamp
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the H7 socket KOITO Whitebeam III
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
According to the manufacturers, the Osram Night Breaker unlimited halogen headlight lamp allows you to create a light beam with a range of 40 meters greater than standard halogen lamps. At the same time, the color temperature of the light is 20% whiter than in standard lamps. Due to this, drivers detect obstacles and recognize dangerous situations much earlier.
The lamp has a patented blue ring coating to reduce glare from reflected light.
TEST RESULTS
In tests, the Osram Night Breaker unlimited lamp performed well. It showed one of the strongest luminous fluxes in the test - 1500 lm. The illumination indicators of the right side of the road were also high: point 50R - 31,875 cd (the best indicator in the test), point 75R - 16,000 cd (also the best indicator in the test). At the same time, the lighting at the control points for glare of oncoming and passing traffic B50L and zone III turned out to be higher than required by the standards, but within the requirements for serial products.
SUMMARY
The Osram Night Breaker unlimited halogen headlight bulb in the H7 socket showed the best result and turned out to be the brightest in the test.
Product packaging of the car headlight lamp OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited
OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0 – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
According to the manufacturers, the Osram Silverstar 2.0 halogen headlight bulb produces 60% more light than standard bulbs. And the light beam from it is 20 m longer - also compared to standard products.
It is stated that the service life of the halogen lamp is doubled compared to the previous model. The use of these lamps improves driving safety at night by detecting obstacles earlier and increasing decision-making time. Osram Silverstar 2.0 lamps are ideal for use in headlights with clear lenses.
TEST RESULTS
In the test, the Osram Silverstar 2.0 lamp performed ambiguously. It showed one of the strongest luminous fluxes in the test - 1490 lm. At the same time, the illumination indicators at the illumination control points of the right side of the road turned out to be not the highest, not much exceeding those of standard lamps. Thus, at point 50R the illumination was 24,875 cd, at point 75R - 11,785 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers comply with European standards: B50L - 300 cd and zone III - 516 cd.
SUMMARY
The Osram Silverstar 2.0 halogen headlamp in the H7 socket showed poor results, only slightly exceeding the illumination of standard lamps.
Product packaging of the OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0 car headlight lamp
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0
OSRAM SUPER +30% – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer does not claim anything special about its Osram Super +30% lamps, except for increased light output by 30%. These lamps are sold individually in cardboard packaging.
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Osram Super +30% lamp showed a good luminous flux of 1350 lm. The indicators for illumination of the right side of the road turned out to be one of the lowest in the test, although they exceed the minimum level of illumination established by the technical regulations. Thus, for the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 24,125 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 11,375 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. But the Osram Super +30% lamp did not pass the safety test for other road users. If everything is fine with the oncoming lane zone of point B50L and the luminous intensity of 337 cd is within the standard, then zone III (dazzle of passing traffic) significantly exceeds the requirement of the rules. The luminous flux at this point turned out to be 841 cd, while the permissible value for serial production is 750 cd.
SUMMARY
The Osram Super +30% halogen headlight bulb in the H7 socket does not meet the requirements of European standards for dazzling the vehicle ahead through the rear view mirror.
Product packaging of car headlight lamp OSRAM SUPER +30%
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 OSRAM SUPER +30%
PHILIPS Vision Plus +60% – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer claims that Philips Vision Plus halogen headlight bulbs provide 60% more light and that the driver can see further, resulting in improved safety and comfort. Philips Vision Plus lamps provide high performance and an affordable price.
Among the additional advantages of the lamps, the company's marketers point out that the lamps are made from high-quality quartz glass and are also resistant to UV radiation. We were puzzled by the statement found on the company's website about the high level of water resistance of Philips lamps. We still don’t understand why this mention is made when describing headlight lamps...
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Philips Vision Plus +60% lamp showed a good luminous flux of 1450 lm. The indicators for illumination of the right side of the road also turned out to be quite good. Thus, for the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 27,375 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 13,375 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers are within European standards: B50L - 287 cd, zone III - 562 cd.
SUMMARY
The Philips Vision Plus +60% halogen headlight bulb in the H7 base performed well in the test. It is safe, and the level of roadside illumination exceeds the standard requirements.
Product packaging of a car headlight lamp PHILIPS Vision Plus +60%
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 PHILIPS Vision Plus +60%
PHILIPS X-treme Vision +100% – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer claims that Philips X-treme Vision halogen lamps for car headlights provide 100% more light, and their beam is 35m longer than a conventional lamp. Philips X-treme Vision lamps are designed with state-of-the-art technology for exceptionally bright lighting.
Among the additional advantages of the lamps, the company's marketers point out that the lamps are made from high-quality quartz glass and are also resistant to UV radiation. We were puzzled by the statement found on the company's website about the high level of water resistance of Philips lamps. We still don’t understand what this means when describing headlight lamps.
TEST RESULTS
Surprisingly, during the test, the Philips X-treme Vision +100% lamp showed a luminous flux of 1400 lm - lower than that of the younger model Philips VisionPlus +60% (1450 lm) and almost comparable to the obviously weaker and budget Philips Vision +30% (1390 lm). The indicators for illumination of the right side of the road also turned out to be lower than that of Philips VisionPlus +60%. So, for the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 25,000 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 12,625 cd. Moreover, Philips Vision +30% illuminates the near area of the roadside even better (25,750 cd). Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers are within European standards: B50L - 302 cd, zone III - 580 cd.
SUMMARY
The Philips X-treme Vision +100% halogen headlamp in the H7 socket showed very mixed results. Its luminous flux and created illumination turned out to be worse than that of the younger model Philips VisionPlus +60%, which is also 40% cheaper than X-treme Vision.
Product packaging of a car headlight lamp PHILIPS X-treme Vision +100%
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 PHILIPS X-treme Vision +100%
PHILIPS Vision +30% – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer claims that Philips Vision halogen car headlight bulbs provide 30% more light compared to a conventional car lamp and guarantee superior light beam performance, as well as increased safety and comfort through OE quality at a very attractive price.
As additional advantages of the lamps, the company's marketers point out that the lamps are made from high-quality quartz glass and are also resistant to UV radiation. And again, a strange mention on the company’s website about the high level of water resistance of Philips lamps...
TEST RESULTS
In the test, the Philips Vision lamp showed an average luminous flux of 1390 lm. The indicators for illumination of the right side of the road were not the highest in the test, but exceeded the requirements of the rules. For the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 25,750 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 11,287 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers: B50L - 306 cd, zone III - 700 cd. If the first value falls within European standards with a margin, then the second exceeds them, but does not exceed the deviation permissible for serial products.
SUMMARY
The Philips Vision halogen headlight bulb in the H7 socket, at its affordable price, exceeds the requirements of roadside lighting standards, but is prone to dazzling the traffic ahead.
Product packaging of a car headlight lamp PHILIPS Vision +30%
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 PHILIPS Vision +30%
Valeo +50% Light – H7 halogen headlight bulbs, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer does not particularly talk about the benefits of its products. According to him, Valeo +50% Light halogen lamps, as their name promises, provide a brighter light - of course, within the limits limited by regulations, so that with correctly adjusted headlights, oncoming drivers will not be dazzled. Of course, energy consumption also increases, but now the driver can choose: save electricity or have a better view.
TEST RESULTS
In the test, the Valeo +50% Light lamp showed an average luminous flux of 1450 lm. The indicators for illumination of the right side of the road turned out to be the same average in the test. For the near zone (point 50R) the illumination was 27,875 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 11,500 cd, with a norm of at least 10,100 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers are within European standards: B50L - 323 cd, zone III - 550 cd.
SUMMARY
The Valeo +50% Light halogen headlight bulb in the H7 socket showed an average result in the test. It didn’t catch enough stars from the sky, but its luminous flux indicators exceed the requirements of the rules.
Product packaging of a car headlight lamp Valeo +50% Light
Cut-off line of the headlight lamp in the base H7 Valeo +50% Light
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The electrical circuits of modern cars use different types of lighting devices. For headlights, these are mainly products with H4 and H7 sockets. The first modification of lamps has a specific application, and the second (H2) is clearly outdated and, if found on sale, it is extremely rare, since it is practically out of production.
This article will explain the difference between car lamps of the fourth and seventh options, as well as which of them are better to use for low beam.
Both H4 and H7 are mostly halogen lamps. Used in all cars to organize head lighting. The flasks are made of quartz glass, which allows them to neutralize (eliminate) the effects of UV rays.
- In the design of the base.
- In the resource. In this indicator, H7 lamps are almost 2 times superior to their 4th series counterparts.
- By the number of filaments. Modification H4 has two, H7 has one.
- The seventh product option is more often used in modern cars, with free-form headlights.
It is impossible to answer the question which low beam lamps are best for cars. The selection criterion depends on many conditions, including the driver’s vision characteristics. The descriptions below of lighting fixtures for auto modifications H4 and H7 will help you make the best purchase.
All prices indicated are in Russian rubles.
Base H4
An earlier modification compared to the H7, but it is used for cars, for obvious reasons, much more often. One of them is the ability to use the lamp for both high and low beam (2 threads).
The cheapest products in this series are made in the classic version, that is, they differ in averaged parameters, which gives them versatility. These lamps are characterized by reliability, sufficient service life, and their cost is low, ranging from 510 to 980. The most famous H4 brands of this group of lighting devices are “Mtf-Light” (Longlife series), “Philips Vision”, “Osram” (Original Line ).
Lamps characterized by increased brightness. Compared to all halogen lamps for cars, they stand out due to their maximum luminous flux intensity. Estimated price – from 840 to 960. Sold under the label “Philips X-Treme” (Vision series +130%), “Osram” (Night Breaker), “Mtf-Light” (Argentum +80%).
If the lamp designation contains the symbols “+ so much%”, then this is it. For people with low vision - the best choice. But it is worth considering that when installing such products, precise adjustment of the headlights is necessary. Not every car owner can do this on their own.
H4 with enhanced visual impact. The light is white or with a faint yellowish tint, depending on the manufacturer. You can highlight the products “Mtf-Light” (Titanium), “KOITO” (White Beam III), “Philips” (WhiteVision). Cost - from 910 to 1,015. According to experts, such H4 modifications tire the eyes much less.
Lamps with extended life. For example, Philips Long Life series products have a fourfold excess in this parameter. For H4 “Osram” (Ultra Life), the mean time between failures is at least 2,000 hours. The price ranges from 910 to 980. Taking into account the traffic regulations requiring low beams to be turned on even during the day, these lamps are worth paying attention to.
All-weather lamps. Provide both high and low beams. They are distinguished by the creation of a flow that gives the viewing area greater contrast, which allows you to clearly see the route in fog, during heavy precipitation, and so on. These are primarily lamps “Osram” (Fog Breaker), “Mtf-Light” (Aurum), “Narva” (Contrast+). The price range is more significant - from 598 to 925.
High power lamps. Slightly more expensive - from 910 to 970. These include the representative of the Philips H4 family of the Rally series and a product under the Osram brand performed by Offroad Super Bright. It is advisable to purchase such lamps for car owners who often travel long distances. For example, those who like to travel by car. But the operation of these products also has disadvantages. First of all, an increase in the load on the on-board electrical wiring of the car.
Consequently, when installing an H4 of increased power, you will have to revise the entire circuit, and possibly its partial restoration. In addition, there is one more nuance - when operating a car in urban conditions, lamps of more than 60 W are prohibited.
Among this category of devices there are also more expensive samples. Their cost can reach 2,415 rubles. We are talking about bi-xenon lamps, which in some respects are superior to halogen lamps. For example, Maxlux, MTF-Light and the cheapest lamp in this range, Sho-Me, suitable for any (even old model) car. The price of the latter is 745 rubles.
Base H7
The products are more modern, therefore, not everyone has encountered them in practice. Their conditional categorization is similar to the H4 series lamps. Therefore, it is advisable to note only certain points and list the most famous manufacturers.
Types of H7 lamps
- Halogen. Plus – the cheapest modifications of this series. The downside is significant heating. As a result, a reduced service life compared to analogues.
- Xenon. Plus - increased light output. Disadvantages - the need to attach a special design to the ignition unit; high price of lamps. It consists not only of the cost of the product itself, but also of additional components. In addition to the block, you will also need appropriate optics. Taking into account the total costs, installing xenon lamps will cost much more than other types of devices. Yes, and exploitation too. Increased energy consumption affects the intensity of the generator, which leads to increased fuel consumption.
- LED. The advantages are well known - increased resource, economical power consumption from the on-board network. There is only one minus - the difficulty of adjustment when installing in a headlight. Only a professional or an experienced amateur, who is not purchasing for his car for the first time, can achieve the required parameters of the low beam beam. This is the main reason why LED samples have not yet become widespread in the automotive industry.
Intermediate output
From the point of view of expediency and practicality, the best type of low beam lamps are halogen products. And for older car models they are the only option.
H7 modifications
Halogen lamps
"Standard". The top sellers in this H7 series are Philips (Vision), Mtf-Light (Longlife Standard) and Osram (Original Line). Price – from 540 to 998.
With increased luminous flux.“Philips” (X-Treme Vision +130%), “KOITO H7” (White Beam III), “Osram” (Night Breaker Unlimited) and a number of others. The cost of lamps is in the range of 720 – 1280.
With increased resource. These are, first of all, Osram (Ultra Life) and Philips (Long Life). Price range 950±50.
H7 xenon lamps.
The flask of this product is from Philips. Color temperature is 4,300 0K, which is considered acceptable for our eyes. But the light, although soft, is not entirely natural - white. The most expensive lamp in the entire H7 xenon series is about 1,798.
"Maxlux H7". South Korean products are attractive not only for their price (945), but also for their large selection of color temperature characteristics.
"MTF-Light H7". The approximate cost is from 780 to 810. The peculiarity of this lamp is its increased resource. The manufacturer claims at least 2,100 hours between failures.
"Sho-Me H7". The cheapest representative of this group of lamps is from China (440). With a power of 35 W, it is distinguished by a large range (that is, luminous flux) and, judging by reviews on thematic forums, reliability.
What to look for when choosing a lamp
Unfortunately, counterfeits are quite common in this market segment. How to identify truly high-quality products?
- The marking on the base must be embossed. If it is applied with paint, then the inscription (without the use of special means) cannot be erased.
- The presence of the letter “E” in the designation + a number in a frame is a sign of international certification.
- The protection of the lamp bulb from UV rays is indicated by the letter U. Its absence is a sign that it is better to pass by.
When purchasing a lamp, regardless of its base (H4 or H7), you should be guided by the rule of sufficiency and expediency. Is a product with increased power really necessary if all movements by car are made within the city limits and only occasionally to the countryside? Why spend money on a more expensive option with increased visual effect if your vision is fine? That is, purchasing a lamp for low beam is a purely personal matter. What to choose from and what to take into account is outlined in some detail.
Traveling in the dark, no matter how dangerous and uncomfortable they may seem, is inevitable. To ensure traffic safety in such difficult conditions, each car is equipped with a number of special devices, the most important of which are lighting devices. The quality of road lighting and the detail of the view directly depend on their condition and level of equipment.
Dmitry Kulkov, a specialist at the technical center of the FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies, and service manager at the KIA FAVORIT Koptevo auto center, spoke about which lamps are best suited for the correct low beam, and what to look for when choosing them.
What determines the quality of headlight light?
Today, almost a third of cars are equipped with insufficiently efficient headlights. The main reason for poor luminous flux is poor technical condition of the equipment. The main reason for poor luminous flux is poor technical condition of the equipment and inconsistency in the direction of the luminous flux. But in some cases, improving the view of the road requires simply replacing the light bulb, polishing the headlights and adjusting the direction of the headlight beam.
How to choose the right lamp?
Today, the market offers a wide range of lamps from various manufacturers. However, among the variety of expensive and affordable artificial light sources, it is important to figure out which lamps are best to put in the low beam of your car. Depending on the type of lamp, their functionality may vary.
- Xenon lamps guarantee excellent visibility on the road, including during rain or snowfall. An important advantage of such lamps is their relative safety for the human eye. Xenon light is similar to natural daylight and, even if you are driving for several hours in the dark, you will not feel very tired. At the same time, the declared service life of xenon is about 3000 hours with a power consumption of only 35 W. The only drawback of xenon bulbs is their high cost.
- Halogen lamps are also used for installation in headlights. A special feature of such incandescent lamps is that the bulb fills with an inert gas. Speaking about the amount of light output received, halogen lamps are less efficient compared to xenon, however, the price of such lamps compares favorably. In addition, halogen lamps have a wide selection of standard sizes and a service life of about 4000 hours.
- LEDs can also be installed in the optics of your car. A diode-type lamp has a particularly long service life - about 50,000 hours and a low required voltage of only 12 V. LEDs are often installed in the headlights of foreign cars, as well as in ordinary fog lights. This type of small-sized lamps does an excellent job of providing bright low beam, as well as additional illumination. If these are non-original headlights designed for the use of LEDs, they do not provide the required form of luminous flux. A reliable heat dissipation structure is required.
Lamp classification
Depending on the purpose, the special design of the bulb, as well as filaments, spirals and base, all headlight lamps are divided into certain types in accordance with the UNECE requirements for automobile lighting devices. The most common types of lamps are the internationally regulated H4 double filament lamp and the H7 single filament lamp installed on vehicles manufactured in the last 20 years. Both options are used in the generally accepted two-headlight CR type lighting system adopted in Europe. The best lamps with H4 and H7 sockets are produced by such well-known companies as Hella, Philips, Osram, IPF, IL Trade and MTF-Light.
Auto lamps H4
H4 bulbs, thanks to two filaments, are used for both low and high beam. Due to the fact that modern manufacturers offer many modifications, it is necessary to know the characteristics of the H4 light bulb that best suit your optics system. In general, all lamps of this type have a standard power of 60-65 W; the mode of operation for high or low beam is regulated by automatic selection of the appropriate electrode. After the law on the mandatory use of low-beam headlights in the daytime was issued, H4 lamps with an increased service life appeared in stores. Now you can use such a lamp around the clock without damaging your car. On the modern spare parts market in 2018, there are several categories of H4 automotive lamps:
- Standard lamps that are installed on the car at the factory;
- Lamps with increased luminous flux;
- Universal lamps providing visual comfort. Such lamps can replace fog lights;
- High power lamps, which are used in combination with additional electronic equipment that protects the generator and electrical wiring of the car from overload.
Auto lamps H7
A relatively new version of the car lamp - with an H7 socket, which has a light output of increased brightness, enhanced by the inclusion of halogen bromine and iodine vapors. The filament of such a lamp is made of special high-strength tungsten alloys. Before installing a similar lamp in the headlight of your car, consult which H7 lamps are better. A detailed review of most h7 halogen lamps shows that they all have a guaranteed long service life. Distinctive features of lamps from different manufacturers are power and spectrum, which can vary from warm to cold light.
If you plan to take a long trip by car, be sure to take care of installing a high-quality H7 high beam lamp. Thanks to a special lamp design equipped with a protective ring, the light from your headlights will not dazzle oncoming drivers. When choosing a durable and safe headlight lamp, be sure to pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and the country of origin of the product. Only a lamp manufactured in accordance with special technical conditions can ensure optimal driving safety.
If you are experiencing difficulties with selecting or replacing the low and high beam lamps you need, contact the specialists of the technical centers of the FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies. The official dealer of famous car brands always has original lamps in stock. Experienced technicians will tell you how to make the right choice and, if necessary, quickly replace the lamps in your car's lighting fixtures.
