CalcHab

Car Headlight Bulb Selector

The car headlight bulb selector helps you quickly determine the exact bulb socket and lamp type required for your vehicle's headlights, fog lamps, and daytime running lights.

Headlight Bulb Socket & Technology Selector

Guide for H7, H4, H1, H11, HB3/HB4 bulb sockets, Halogen vs LED vs Xenon specifications

H7PX26d

The most widely used single-filament bulb for low and high beams in European and Asian vehicles with separate optics.

12 ВольтSingle Filament

Lighting Technology Comparison

Halogen (OEM)

• Power Consumption: 55W

• Luminous Output: 1500 лм

• Color Temperature: 3200K (Теплий жовтий)

• Operating Lifespan: 450 - 600 годин

LED Retrofit

• Power Consumption: 25-40W

• Luminous Output: 3500-5000 лм

• Color Temperature: 5500K - 6000K (Чистий білий)

• Operating Lifespan: 30 000+ годин

Xenon (HID)

• Power Consumption: 35W

• Luminous Output: 3200 лм

• Color Temperature: 4300K - 5000K (Денний білий)

• Operating Lifespan: 2500 - 3000 годин

Essential Bulb Replacement Best Practices

Always replace headlight bulbs in pairs: aging halogen bulbs lose up to 30% brightness before burning out.
When installing LED retrofit bulbs into reflector housings, ensure a razor-sharp cut-off line to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic.
Never touch halogen quartz glass capsules with bare fingers — body oils cause localized hot spots and premature bulb failure.
For vehicles with CANbus bulb outage monitoring, select error-free LED bulbs equipped with integrated load resistors.

How to use

  1. Select your vehicle manufacturer.
  2. Choose the model and production year.
  3. Select the light function: low beam, high beam, fog lights, or side markers.
  4. Check the recommended bulb specification (H1, H4, H7, H11, HB3, D1S, etc.).
  5. Confirm dimensions and socket type with your vehicle manual before purchase.

Automotive Bulb Technologies

Car lighting primarily utilizes three light source technologies: traditional halogen, high-intensity discharge xenon (HID), and solid-state light-emitting diodes (LED).

  • Halogen bulbs (H1, H3, H4, H7, H8, H11, HB3/9005, HB4/9006) — standard 12V incandescent lamps
  • Xenon HID bulbs (D1S, D2S, D3S, D4S) — gas-discharge capsules powered via high-voltage ballasts
  • LED retrofit bulbs — energy-efficient replacement modules offering instant response and pure white output

Headlight Bulb Sockets Explained

The bulb base or socket designation defines the mounting flange geometry and electrical connection terminals. Proper socket seating ensures the light source aligns precisely with the optical focal point of the reflector or projector lens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what bulb size my car uses?

Check the markings stamped onto the headlight housing lens, consult the owner's manual, or remove the current bulb and inspect the base etching.

Can I replace halogen bulbs with LED bulbs?

Yes, provided the LED bulb mimics the halogen filament placement closely to maintain a clean beam cutoff and avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

What is the difference between H4 and H7 bulbs?

H4 is a dual-filament bulb used in single-reflector systems for both low and high beams. H7 is a single-filament bulb designed for dual-reflector split headlight units.

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