How to pick the right bulb for your car

How to choose a proper replacement for a burned-out bulb

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you need to replace a dim or burnout bulb, there is always a step you have to take. This step is determining what size of the bulb fits your car. It is important because the wrong type of lamp may just not work but also fit too loosely. This will eventually result in too much vibration and mechanical damage to the filament and base.
To save you the headache, we have compiled a chart that links the car make, model, and size of the bulb. This guide should be a useful source of information.

How do I know bulb size?

The size of the bulb is usually stamped on the side of its base. If not, you can measure the width and length of the base in millimeters. The size is generally given in two numbers, for example, H4 or 9004. The first number stands for the width and the second for the length. These are the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code numbers and letters and they are used to identify each little bulb. This code indicates that the lamp satisfies certain criteria for light bulb standards such as base type, beam spread, and so on. When attempting to replace a broken bulb, you may use the ANSI code to match it with the new one required.
You should keep in mind that each car has distinct characteristics for compatible bulbs. And even if the size miraculously matches, there is still a socket shape and wattage to take into consideration.

What are interchangeable car bulbs?

Headlights are not the same across all automobiles. Each car has its own set of distinct bulbs, necessitating the use of certain types and sizes. However, while there isn't any single universal bulb that is safe to use in any car, there isn't necessarily a different one for each automobile. Otherwise, we would have been overwhelmed with a multitude of lamps.
Furthermore, there are also different lamps by purpose: headlights, fog lights, brake lights, indicator lights, sidelights, and a variety of interior lights. Depending on the make and model of your car, there may be different fittings as well. So no car bulb is created equal.
Thankfully there are also some bulbs that, although, have slight differences in their construction and characteristics, may be applicable to the same socket. Such bulbs are called compatible or interchangeable. They usually go in pairs, and you can find these options in the chart mentioned above or inside your car's manual.

How do I choose a headlight bulb?

While selecting a headlight bulb replacement, consider the brightness and temperature at which the new bulb burns. By using an OEM-recommended replacement light, you will avoid damaging your headlight due to a burning-hot light. Some types are heating more than others.
For example, incandescent and halogen lights burn the hottest. Both utilize filaments that are prone to damage due to vibration and high temperature. HID or high-intensity discharge bulbs burn at a lower temperature and do not use filament. However, you can only use them if your electrical system works properly.
LED lights are the "coolest" on the market, however, there is also a thing to consider. LEDs are very bright, so you should be careful about their placement. These bulbs are not the best choice for fog lights. And if you want to put them in your headlights, you should first check if their brightness is on the legally advised level. Or alternatively, you could think about an automatic adjustment to not blind other drivers.

Is H11 the same as 9006?

Some bulbs may look very similar at the first glance. 9006 and H11 bulbs have dissimilar connections, despite the fact that their connectors appear to be identical. Fortunately, like 9005 bulbs, 9006 bulbs may also be connected using an H11 connector if desired. However, it is not advisable to use an H11 bulb in a 9006 connector as the size difference may cause problems.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to car bulbs. But don't worry - there are a lot of helpful apps to assist you in your search of the perfect match for your car. Just enter your car's information into the finder menu and see the results.

What type of car light bulbs is the most popular?

Although there are a lot of bulb types by material, some are more popular than others. Halogen bulbs are used in all cars for multiple functions, including headlights and interior lights. That means replacing faulty lights with a halogen bulb is simple.
Halogen bulbs are incandescent lights that operate on halogen gas. Whenever you see a car with bright yellow headlights, there is a possibility it has halogen bulbs. They are pretty famous for this color. This yellow hue is more gentle to the eye than white, as it closely resembles the natural light of day. And it is also less blinding to other drivers.
If you're on a budget, replacing a halogen bulb is less expensive than replacing an LED. And while there are disadvantages to consider, they all revolve around energy usage. When a halogen bulb is on, it gets hot to the touch. Because these bulbs give off so much heat, the lightbulb needs greater energy use, resulting in less power efficiency and shorter lifespan.

HID vs LED headlights - which are brighter?

High-intensity discharge or HID headlights are a type of gas discharge bulb. They contain no filament like halogen and incandescent bulbs. Instead, they have a capsule of gas that gets ignited by an electric arc. HID headlights are usually three times brighter than halogen headlights. And they also last 10 times longer.
As for the LED lights, they are becoming more and more popular. Their lifespan is approximately 50,000 hours. And they use less energy than halogen bulbs. But are they brighter?
It really depends on the light output. A single LED bulb emits around 1000 lumens. Comparatively, HID headlights have a light output of 3000 lumens. However, it should be noted that LED headlights have a more focused beam pattern. So while they may not be as bright overall, they provide better visibility on the road.
When it comes to car bulbs, there is a lot to consider: size, material, shape, and even color. But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect match for your car can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind that will make the process a little easier. And remember, if you're ever unsure about which bulb to choose, consult your car's owner manual or a professional for guidance.