All-season lamps h4. Which lamps with increased luminous efficiency in the H4 base are better?


High-quality road lighting in the evening and at night is extremely important for the driver. According to statistics, every fifth accident recorded by the road service occurred due to insufficient headlights. Every second traffic accident that resulted in death for the participants occurred at night. Every third case of such accidents is explained by improper operation of the lighting system. Therefore, headlight lamps must be selected especially carefully.

There are many types of such lighting devices. In order not to get lost in this variety, you need to consider what good H4 light bulbs are on sale today. Advice from experts and ordinary drivers will help you figure this out. Based on their opinion, it will be possible to select the best devices that can provide optimal lighting in any weather.

Headlight device

To understand which good H4 bulbs you should buy for your car, you need to delve into the design of the headlights themselves. Modern domestic and foreign cars have a reflector, diffuser and lamp. The driver, if desired (or if necessary), can replace only the lighting device.

Headlights have been used in cars for over 100 years. During this time, their device was constantly improved. H4 lamps have 2 filaments in their design. This distinguishes this type of illuminator from other types. But the properties of these lamps vary quite a lot depending on the technology and manufacturer.

Each company takes special approaches to creating optimal lighting for car headlights. These devices differ in the type of internal filler, the illuminator spiral, and the electrode holder. Certain types of lamps are more suitable for each car, as well as operating conditions.

Standard type

The most common bulbs in modern cars are H4 bulbs. What are the best modifications to use for ordinary cars should be considered in more detail.

Since this device has 2 threads, the illuminator operates in two modes (low and high beam). On domestic and foreign roads it is not allowed to use devices more powerful than 60/55 W. Otherwise, the headlights will blind oncoming drivers.

More powerful lamps are only suitable for special vehicles. All standard H4 lamps that are on the market today are characterized by a good service life. But European manufacturers decided to extend the life of these devices. The fact is that in some countries drivers are required to turn on their headlights even during the day. This reduces the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, many manufacturers increase the service life of lamps several times.

Driver reviews of classic lamps

The most commonly used bulbs today are classic H4 car bulbs. Which devices are better to choose will help you understand consumer reviews. There are 3 main models in this category.

Philips Vision (RUB 700) was noted by drivers as trouble-free devices. They increase light intensity by 30%. The Mtf-Light Longlife Standard headlight devices (RUB 500) were noted to be of good quality. Their resource is greater than that of other varieties.

Another high-quality illuminator is the Osram Original Line model (990 rubles). The disadvantage of this device is its price. But this is one of the most reliable devices that will not fail under any conditions. For year-round use, this manufacturer produces a special series of Light@Day lamps. Her distinctive feature are improved high beam performance. The lamp can be used around the clock, and the device's lifespan is higher than usual.

High brightness lamps

When considering what good H4 light bulbs (reviews of which were provided by car owners) are on sale today, you need to pay attention to the high-brightness category. With their standard power (60/55 W), they are capable of producing luminous flux 30-60% more than the previous version.

This effect is achieved thanks to the improved structure of the lighting device itself. However, to provide the increased level of brightness, a special headlight design is required. In older cars, the declared effect may be somewhat reduced.

The disadvantage of this category of lamps is their shorter service life. But for drivers with poor vision or over 60 years of age, increased brightness is a necessity. Such vehicle owners require 5 times more light on the roads than 30-year-old drivers.

Reviews of high-brightness lamps

If a vehicle driver is interested in the question of which H4 bulbs shine better, you need to pay attention to the following devices. Philips X-Treme Vision (900 rub.) is recognized as one of the best in this class. They are characterized by the maximum brightness among standard power lamps.

The top three also includes the Osram Night Breaker illuminator (950 rubles). A special feature of this device is the ability to produce an enhanced luminous flux at a distance of up to 35 m. In unfavorable conditions weather conditions The devices presented are capable of providing the highest quality lighting. However, when using such lamps, it is necessary to adjust the headlights correctly so that the beam does not blind drivers of oncoming cars.

Improved visual comfort

Many drivers love the bluish-white glow that H4 halogen bulbs give off. Which ones are better will help determine the operating conditions of the devices. The fact is that White color luminous flux as close to daylight as possible. Therefore, the eyes may not get tired for a long time if such lamps are used.

Devices with increased visual comfort are simply indispensable for people who spend a long time on the road at night. This light is better reflected by road signs. In this case, the signs appear brighter and more noticeable.

The disadvantage of visual enhancement lamps is that they are highly reflective in bad weather. Drops of rain or fog reflect bright white light. It can blind the driver. Therefore, the presented devices are most often used only by truck drivers.

Driver reviews about comfort lamps

When considering which H4 light bulbs are the best among devices with an improved visual effect, we should highlight the three undisputed leaders. They were chosen by drivers and experienced auto mechanics.

Mtf-Light Titanium lamps (990 rubles) are recognized as the best in this area. Their white-yellow light is especially pleasing to the eye. They are very similar to xenon lamps, which are more expensive. The next in the ranking is the Philips WhiteVision model (900 rubles). It has a rich white light output. Its temperature is fully consistent with xenon devices. Many drivers note that the price of such illuminators is the most reasonable in the presented category.

The third among devices with increased visual comfort is the more expensive Kioto White Beam III model (RUB 1,000). Drivers mark them increased brightness at standard lamp power.

All-weather lamps

If a driver often has to drive in bad weather, he is naturally interested in all-weather versions of such devices as H4 light bulbs. Which ones are better?

Wet asphalt, fog or rain reflect and scatter the bright white light. This significantly reduces visibility in bad weather. To solve this problem, lamp manufacturers began to apply a special coating to the devices. In this case, the light stream has a yellow tint. It is this feature that distinguishes the lamps into the class of all-weather devices.

Yellow light on wet asphalt looks contrasting. This makes it easier to see road conditions in the dark. The use of all-weather lamps reduces the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, drivers who often drive at night in bad weather are advised by vehicle manufacturers to use just this type of device. There is a wide variety of all-weather lamps on the headlight equipment market.

Over time, every vehicle owner is faced with the need to replace the light source in optical devices. Often, when organizing low or high beam, an h4 lamp is used. To avoid making a mistake in choosing a model, you can independently test the performance of different types. However, to save time, consumers often use already verified information about the performance of such devices.

Types of lamps

Since the safety of all participants depends on the quality of lighting traffic, you should approach the question as responsibly as possible which h4 lamps are best suited for use in vehicles. On this moment There are three main types of lighting devices with this series of bases:

  • LED;
  • xenon;
  • bi-xenon;
  • halogen.

All classifications have both advantages and disadvantages, analysis of which will allow each consumer to give preference to the most suitable type h4 lamps.

Name

price, rub.

Customer Reviews

Suitable for cars and trucks. The level of illumination is comparable to xenon ones, but is more comfortable for the driver and oncoming traffic.

They completely replicate the cut-off zone of demarcation without dazzling drivers of oncoming cars.

It has a cooling radiator made of a special alloy and is connected to the headlight using standard connectors. The light spot in the main illumination zone is 38100 Kd.

Compared to standard lamps, the light is 100% brighter, the light beam is 45 meters longer. High quality quartz glass.

The best offer on the market in terms of price and quality. The color temperature of the light flux reaches 3700K. Service life 10 months.

They give off a bright, strong white light, but do not blind other drivers. Color temperature 4500K. Service life is one year.

Operating life 3000 hours. The light is pleasant - white with a blue tint. Color temperature 5000K. Vibration resistant.

The quartz glass flask is durable, resistant to vibration and stones. The light is bright, but repeats the cut-off zone of demarcation.

Bi-xenon. Manufactured using CREE technology, which increases the luminous efficiency. Diode type CREE-XM-L2. Output 2700 lumens.

The best LED lamps with H4 base

Japanese LED bulbs with H4 socket are used for installation in the head lighting systems of cars and trucks. Last year's new product received recognition from car drivers due to its high lighting parameters, which are achieved even with the model's low power - 11W. A color temperature of 6500 K allows for a visually pleasing white light output. During operation, the product clearly delineates the cut-off zones, which eliminates the possibility of blinding the driver of an oncoming car.

Main parameters:

P6 H4

This model of light bulbs is designed to replace the halogen analogue of low beam, as well as high beam. As a result, visibility of the road area and roadside increases by more than three times. This factor is ensured by 8 diodes from the Philips Luxeon MZ brand.

Like the previous model, P6 H4 products completely replicate the cut-off zone without dazzling drivers of oncoming cars. The devices are cooled using a heat pipe and a rolling bearing.

Characteristics in numbers:

The products work great in combination with different types headlights and create light radiation 2.5 times stronger than halogen counterparts. The operating life, according to the manufacturer, reaches 5000 hours. The product has the correct geometric shape of the luminous flux, which improves driving comfort. A radiator is used here as a cooling system; it is connected to the headlights via a standard connector.

Main characteristics:

The best halogen lamps with H4 base

A halogen lamp with a xenon effect should not only be bright, but also safe for all road users.

Devices from the Dutch manufacturer have a short service life compared to their LED counterparts - 8-10 months. The color temperature of the light flux reaches 3700K. Lighting devices operate from an electrical source with a voltage of 12 V. Power consumption varies between 55-60 W.

The product is a representative of the category of the most powerful and brightest halogen light bulbs from the Philips brand. The cost for a set of two lighting devices is 1100 rubles. Despite the increased flow rate, users claim that the color of the products is practically no different from the standard ones. But in general, the paws fully satisfy the driver’s needs.

German quality has always been at its best, this is confirmed by halogen car bulbs of the Osram brand from the “Super +30%” series. The devices of this model have a good color temperature of 3300K, as well as an increased luminous flux of 55-60W. The devices operate from a 12 V power source.

The product provides more than 30% more luminous flux compared to traditional straps. The cost of the set does not exceed 270 rubles. According to consumer reviews, for this amount Osram Super +30% is the best option.

This is also a representative of German-made products. The model is covered by a warranty period of one year. The color temperature of the device is 4500K, which creates a warm white light output with a power of 55-60W.

The model, like other variations, operates on a 12V mains voltage. The package includes two bulbs with H4 socket. The cost of the set varies between 570-630 rubles. The disadvantages of this model are fast heating and reduced working life.

The best xenon lamps with H4 base

Automotive lamps with increased luminous efficiency. Allowed only as standard optics.

H4 ClearLight for low and high beam

During operation, the product creates a bright white glow, which provides maximum comfort to the driver while driving. The model is designed for installation on low and high beam lights.

The package includes only one lamp with a rated power of 35 V. The device operates from a power source with a voltage of 12 V. The light is rich and pleasant for human vision due to the glow temperature of 5000 K. The cost for one lamp with a service life of up to 3000 hours is 700- 750 rubles.

Problems that the user may encounter include poor delineation of the cut-off zone. This aspect, combined with high color temperature, can cause blinding of oncoming drivers. Therefore, product owners need to try hard to adjust the level of headlights so as not to create problems for other road users.

The product is produced with a wide variety of color temperatures and can have an indicator of 2800, 4300, 5000, 6000 K. This allows consumers to choose the most suitable option for creating optimal conditions ride. The bulb of the light device consists of durable quartz glass, the base is made of ceramics. Therefore, the light bulb is not afraid of mechanical stress and vibration.

Wiring with soft silicone winding ensures uninterrupted supply of electricity and eliminates the possibility of cracking of the external part. The luminous flux of the product varies depending on the temperature parameter - from 3000 to 3300 Lm. The price for one unit is 1800 rubles. As for the disadvantages, consumers cited a relatively high cost, taking into account the fact that the package includes only one light bulb.

The products of this brand are manufactured on modern equipment, which sets precise manufacturing parameters. The design uses a metal housing, which makes it possible to combine the operation of the light bulb with ignition units with a power of 50W and this without losing the functionality of the light device itself.

In addition to everything, there is an increased light output of +50%, which means that the light cone of the light bulb is 50 m longer than traditional analogues. The products are manufactured taking into account the difficult Russian operating conditions, so they are suitable for work in both warm and cold seasons. In addition, the model is often used to equip motorcycles with lights.

Main technical characteristics:

According to driver reviews, this model has no significant drawbacks.

What the law says

What frightens drivers most is the hypothetical liability for using gas-discharge products. This has a right to exist, but only if the alteration was carried out in makeshift conditions, and the headlights themselves are not designed for xenon and bi-xenon.

If the factory equipment provides for the installation of gas discharge devices, they are certified and receive compliance class D. This means that the luminous flux is adjusted and is safe for all road users.

It’s a completely different matter when the factory equipment is for halogen, incandescent or LEDs, and the craftsmen insert xenon. This is indeed a gross violation of the rules for operating vehicle lighting devices, which entails the imposition of an administrative fine.

VIDEO: Choosing the brightest lamp with H4 base

Headlight bulbs are one of the most frequently replaced components that car owners usually buy and change themselves. Their variety is so great that the number of offers literally makes your eyes wide open. At the same time, the separate and most tempting thing is expensive improved lamps, which manufacturers and sellers are actively promoting, including as a budget analogue of fashionable xenon and LEDs. We decided to check how well such lamps meet the declared characteristics and whether they are worth buying.

So, we have selected seven lamps with the popular H4 base type in different price categories: from the inexpensive Mayak to Osram and General Electric, which are three times more expensive and offer improved performance - by 90, 100 and even 130%. Moreover, for the sake of objectivity, we took several lamps from each brand to try to eliminate as much as possible the possibility of defects or damage.


Lighthouse Ultra +100%

Manufacture: China

Average price per pair:

430 rubles


Xenite Premium light +100%

Manufacture: China

Average price per pair:

690 rubles


Diabeam PRIME +90%

Production: Korea

Average price per pair:

1020 rubles


Philips X-tremeVision 130%

Production: Poland

Average price per pair:

1040 rubles


Bosch Gigalight +120%

Production: Hungary

Average price per pair:

1100 rubles


Manufacture: Germany

Average price per pair:

1340 rubles


GE Megalight Ultra +130%

Production: Hungary

Average price per pair:

1260 rubles

The packaging of such light bulbs, of course, looks cool, and the descriptions on them are especially tempting. To make it immediately clear: the product is non-trivial! Just don’t forget that beautiful packaging and impressive numbers- this is just marketing, designed to distract the buyer from unnecessary questions, the main one of which is: what exactly is this interest and what does the increase mean?

And here a lot of nuances open up, which the average car enthusiast often does not pay attention to. The fact is that the promised percentages of improved characteristics of lamps have no standardization at all - each manufacturer has the right to write whatever they want and calculate these same increased percentages from values ​​​​and parameters known only to him.

For example, just by holding the test samples in hand, you can easily see that the promises of improvements relate to range, brightness, coverage, runtime and even light tint! In addition, each manufacturer combines all this into a certain set of parameters, denoting it with the rather abstract phrase “even more light.”



The most interesting thing is that even if the improved characteristic is named precisely, for example, “+130% brightness,” the question arises: from what value are these percentages calculated? If from the accepted standard, then it has a tolerance of plus or minus 15% of the reference value, which in itself is quite low: that is, the lower limit from the upper limit in terms of parameters can differ by 30%, and even that, in fact, is the minimum permissible value to authorize the operation of the vehicle.

That is why, according to manufacturers, the standard for them is not the certification rules, but a certain lamp standard, which each brand has its own. So the same +130%, for example, for Philips and Osram, may turn out to be completely different values, and both will be acceptable.

The final discrepancy in the parameters of both conventional and even more improved characteristics of lamps comes from the place of their installation, that is, the headlights. Their technical condition and designs are so diverse that the same light bulb, alternately placed in 100 different headlights, will have 100 different lighting parameters, both worse and better than the declared characteristics.

Tests

In order to obtain the most objective data, we will still rely on generally accepted official standards, or more precisely, on UNECE Rules No. 37-03 and the State Standard of the Russian Federation based on them, which regulates the characteristics of lighting for vehicles.

A completely new headlight from the latest generation Hyundai Solaris sedan was used as a lighting device. Looking ahead, let's say that the laboratory experts recognized it as being of exceptional quality. According to them, it was the headlight that “stretched” the parameters of some light bulbs to the declared and permissible values.

The test was carried out at the Autoelectronics scientific and technical center, based on the examination of which lamp manufacturers receive certificates of conformity, and therefore access to the Russian market.



All light bulbs were tested according to three main parameters: power, luminous flux and measuring the luminous intensity values ​​at five control points: B50 L and ZoneIII — 50 meters to the left, “oncoming traffic” lighting parameter, 75Rand 50R — 75 and 50 meters to the right, roadside lighting parameter, 50V— lighting in a straight line at a distance of 50 meters. The last parameters additionally check the declared values ​​of the increased percentages relative to the minimum limit

Bosch Gigalight +120%

With a maximum allowable power of 68 W, all four samples showed values ​​between 61.6 and 62.9 W. At the same time, the characteristics of the luminous flux on all samples passed along the lower boundary.

Light intensity measurements at control points were carried out on three samples. And again, all lamps showed acceptable values ​​and the necessary stability of operation. The oncoming lane lighting parameter is 1.5 times lower than the critical value, although the lighting of the entire upper zone of the “oncoming lane” “floats” depending on the light bulb.

The directional luminous intensity showed that the bulbs significantly exceeded the established standard. Thus, the improvement in lighting to the right ranges from 90 to 150%, and the average value for each lamp ranges from 112-125%. The forward light intensity parameter completely exceeds the minimum acceptable standard by four times.

The only complaint about Bosch light bulbs is a slight discrepancy in the parameters among the samples. The lamp parameters were not shown to be ideally stable.



An Ulbricht ball, or spherical photometer, measures the characteristics of luminous flux

Diabeam PRIME +90%

Lamps of the domestic brand did not show stable characteristics, although they met the standards. The power indicator for two samples was about 65 W, for the third - 60.5 W, and the fourth “collapsed” to 47.9 W. At the same time, the luminous flux of all samples turned out to be stable - from 851 to 870 lm, which, as in the case of Bosch light bulbs, is the minimum acceptable value on the verge of normal.

Point-by-point measurements of light intensity showed good and stable values ​​for all samples. Only the first bulb sank when measuring point 75R. The oncoming light illumination values ​​at the point turned out to be even lower than those of Bosch bulbs, however, the entire Zone III went beyond the reference values, which means that the bulbs will glare. Roadside lighting performance exceeded the minimum values ​​by an average of 110%, which is higher than the stated characteristics, and direct lighting - by 350%.

Xenite Premium light +100%

Chinese light bulbs showed enviable stability when measuring power and luminous flux. The first indicator for four samples fluctuates within unity and is about 63 W. The second for all samples is noticeably higher than the minimum limit - the spread is from 913 to 923 lm.

But point-by-point measurements revealed a complete discrepancy in the values, which indicates a floating geometry and, as a consequence, the quality of lamp production. The parameter for illumination of the eyes of the oncoming driver turned out to be at a high value, although it remained noticeably below the limit, despite the fact that the lighting characteristic of the entire upper left zone showed some of the lowest values.

With the stated value of +100% to brightness, measuring a point at a distance of 75 meters to the right showed an increase of 50 to 70%, but at a distance of 50 meters the values ​​were higher by 140-175%, which on average is even slightly higher than the stated value of 95-115%. .

But the values ​​of direct illumination at 50 meters are among the lowest, although they exceed the required minimum by three times.

Philips X-tremeVision 130%

The only light bulbs that showed, one might say, standard values ​​for all samples. The power indicator perfectly coincided with the maximum possible value, which indicates that the parameter was clearly specified. At the same time, the luminous flux came as close as possible to the ideal value of 1000 lm, showing a spread across four samples in the range from 961 to 1035 lm.

Point measurements, again, showed excellent stability of parameters across all samples, which indicates the quality of the product. The luminous intensity when illuminating the roadside at either 50 or 75 meters in two cases equally exceeds the minimum values ​​by almost 130%, and in one showed a value higher on average by 145%. Direct lighting exceeds the standard by more than four times.

True, the Philips bulbs turned out to be dangerously close to the limiting value of Zone III, which indicates the possibility of illumination of oncoming traffic, despite the fact that the illumination point at the eye level of the oncoming driver is at low values.

Osram Night Beaker Laser +130%

Almost standard stability of parameters, regardless of the sample taken. The output power characteristics were separated from completely identical values ​​only by one light bulb, which sank by 0.1 W. But this is a perfectionist's quibble. But the luminous flux values, surprisingly, turned out to be on the verge of the lower permissible values ​​- from 850 to 856 lm.

Osram bulbs showed average and even values ​​when measuring the illumination of the oncoming lane - from 221 to 235 cd. They illuminate the roadside even better than the stated values ​​- at both points the readings exceed the standard by more than 140%. The luminous intensity in the forward direction is four times higher than the minimum value. As in the case of Philips lamps, Osram samples moderately shine into the eyes of an oncoming driver, but have increased illumination of the entire upper left zone, which will be perceived as “flare” from afar.

Lighthouse Ultra +100%

The only light bulbs that failed the first test were the power consumption indicators that went off scale. With a reference value of 68 W, the maximum permissible value for serial production is 81.6 W. Only one light bulb fit into last value, the other three standards did not pass.

At the same time, the Mayak light bulbs showed very good luminous flux values, at the Philips level - from 961 to 1014 lm. Apparently, these values ​​are precisely achieved due to the amount of energy consumed.

In addition, the Mayak light bulbs are the most blinding of all the samples: the luminous intensity figures in the oncoming direction reached critical values. The discrepancy in parameters was revealed when measuring lighting to the right at 75 meters, and one lamp did not produce the declared value of +100%. Also, Mayak light bulbs have the most blurred cut-off line. The luminous intensity in the forward direction is one of the lowest, although it exceeds the required minimum by more than three times.

GE Megalight Ultra +130%

There were only two light bulbs of this brand in the test, so we can judge the stability of quality with less objectivity. Both lamps showed stable parameters for all measurements taken.

Power consumption indicators are at the average statistical level - 62.3 W, while GE lamps produced good luminous flux figures - 932 and 951 lm, respectively.

Oncoming lane illumination indicators are among the best in the entire left zone. But when illuminating the right side of the road, the lamps sagged - the average for each lamp was just over 70%, while at a distance of 75 meters the lamps showed only a 50% improvement.

The luminous intensity in the forward direction is 250% better than the minimum value, which is also noticeably lower than most direct competitors.

What's the result?

We recognize Philips X-tremeVision 130% light bulbs as the winner of the test. Benchmark indicators, stable quality and reasonable price - better combination you can't imagine. The illumination of the upper left zone, although increased, did not exceed the upper limit, not to mention critical.

You can safely buy Osram Night Beaker Laser +130% light bulbs. With equally good and stable characteristics, the luminous flux is weaker, and the lamps themselves are more expensive than Philips.

Bosch Gigalight +120% bulbs round out the top three. By and large, there is only one complaint about them: some variation in parameters depending on the specific lamp. And although any of them, taking into account the error, fits both into the standard and into the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, nevertheless, for such a famous brand, the indicators could be more stable.

GE Megalight Ultra +130% different good quality, but they have some of the lowest luminous intensity indicators for all measured points. The lamps do not correspond to the stated percentage of improvements.

Xenite Premium light +100% lamps performed well. They are distinguished by very good luminous flux and low values ​​of oncoming illumination. However, the bulbs were let down by the instability of their characteristics: despite the fact that in all respects the indicators fit into the standard, each bulb shines differently, and with significant differences.

The “Diabeam PRIME +90%” lamps have the same problem as the Xenite ones - instability of characteristics depending on the specific lamp. In addition, for all samples the luminous flux values ​​passed along the lower boundary, and the illumination of the oncoming strip, on the contrary, passed along the upper boundary.

“Beacon Ultra +100%” is an outright failure of the test. The lamps did not meet the standards for power consumption. They did not comply with the standards for illumination of oncoming traffic and showed unstable and low values ​​in spot measurements. Despite the lowest price, we do not recommend buying these lamps.

Automotive halogen lamps with H4 socket have long been officially included in international standards. Unlike conventional incandescent ones, halogen ones have a significantly longer operating life, increased peak brightness, optimized light beam, and reduced energy consumption. Due to its affordable cost, this type of lighting is today the most in demand among motorists.

But for full operation of this type of lighting, a special design of the mirror reflector optics is required. When installed in a headlight designed exclusively for conventional incandescent light bulbs, the luminous flux of such a product will drop by half and in a number of ways will be inferior to ordinary lamps.

H4 format – standard two-filament halogen lamp for low and high beam h4 headlights. It is both a source of low and high beam.

Technical features of halogen lamps


Halogen design

A halogen lamp is an ordinary incandescent electric lamp, the glass bulb of which is filled with an inert gas. Iodine or bromine vapors actively prevent the deposition of tungsten on the flask, gradually “returning” the evaporated atoms to the spiral.

This technology significantly extended the service life of the spiral and increased light output. In a number of parameters they are slightly inferior LED lamps, but can easily be connected to the automotive electrical network without additional isolation.

Test of H4 headlight lamps

The table shows the brightness data for halogen lamps. The luminous flux was measured with a luxmeter at various distances from the car when switching between low and high beams.

To eliminate errors, several measurements were carried out and the average value was recorded.

BrandLow beam mode (55W)High beam mode (60 W)
Distance 10 meters20 meters20 meters30 meters
OSRAM Bilux8,7 15,1 137,1 113,0
OSRAM Truckstar10,3 10,9 81,9 97,1
Bosch Trucklight Maxlife9,0 11,3 87,8 97,2
Philips Masterllfe10,3 13,4 122,6 114,4
Philips Masterduty9,8 13,6 152,9 125,5
NEOLUX9,9 14,6 114,7 103,3
Bosch Trucklight9,2 14,6 132,6 129,1
Average data 9,6 13,3 118,5 111,4


H4 light bulb test

All modern halogen lamps are similar in optical characteristics. They provide protection from dazzling of oncoming drivers, a good lighting angle, and a color temperature of 3000-4600. No clear leader could be found.

Review of h4 lamps

Bosch

The Trucklight model provides good brightness in both modes, rivaling the Philips. In the Trucklight Maxlife model, the filament temperature of the filament is limited, which naturally reduces brightness, but, according to experts, significantly increases service life. At the same time, Maxlife is 40% more expensive.

Philips

Masterduty is “overclocked” in long-range mode and promises a longer service life, compared to Masterllfe. But the cost of such a model is four times higher.

OSRAM

OSRAM has always been famous for its quality products at fairly reasonable prices. In this model range they decided to betray their own principles. The products themselves have relatively mediocre performance.

Bilux has a fairly good high beam, but an excessively strong drop in low beam. Truckstar initially has completely average parameters and at the same time has the most high cost.

NEOLUX

This manufacturer has consistently above average quality, and is completely captivating with a price three times lower than that of its competitors.

How to choose a low and high beam lamp h4

Which ones should not be installed?

You should not install models with large differences in illumination levels. In the case of OSRAM Bilux, in the low beam mode of the headlights, the brightness difference is almost twofold. This significantly increases the risk of “not detecting” small objects on the road that could potentially damage a car tire.

OSRAM Truckstar and Bosch Trucklight Maxlife, although initially will shine a little brighter than ordinary incandescent light bulbs, are significantly inferior to their competitors by 30-50%.

Good automotive optics will allow you to repeatedly avoid surprises on the road in the form of potholes on wet asphalt and foreign objects on the roadway; as a result, the difference of 2–5 dollars in the cost of a complete set is not fundamentally important.

Visually, the difference in the degree of illumination is not subjectively felt, but compared to an ordinary light bulb, halogen ones shine almost a quarter brighter.

For urban driving mode, the brightness indicators in the high beam mode of the headlights do not affect the choice of the manufacturer. Here it is more important to choose a model with a small difference in low-beam road illumination, for example OSRAM Truckstar, Philips Masterllfe.

For combined city/highway driving, the Bosch Trucklight and Philips Masterduty are the best choices.