According to traffic regulations, the low beam lamp must be turned on on the car during the entire daylight hours. It is assumed that the use of lighting will prevent accidents that occur due to poor visibility: fog, smog. In addition, daytime running lights warn road users in advance of an approaching vehicle.
The main technical characteristic is that the range of the light flux should not exceed 40 meters. Which lamps to choose to provide optimal lighting, comply with regulations and not spend extra money on the purchase? Brief overview of popular models.
Which brand of low beam lamp is better to choose?
This rating analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of products from the most popular manufacturers on the market - German, Chinese, Dutch, Russian.
The list of leaders includes the following companies:
- Osram AG is a German company specializing in the production of lighting devices. Particular attention in its assortment is paid to automotive light sources. The company has xenon, LED, halogen accessories with different bases. Its products have performed well due to excellent power, uniform dispersion of light flux, and resistance to vibration on the road. It also has an optimal price-quality ratio
- Clearlight is a Chinese manufacturer of automotive low and high beam lighting devices, as well as fog lights. They have a long service life (about 30,000 hours), turn on and off instantly, which saves their resource, increases ease of use, operates at a power of approximately 30 W and does not overheat the vehicle system. Packages usually sell 2 light bulbs and the price for them is generally adequate.
- Philips is a Dutch company producing household appliances and lighting equipment, whose products allow drivers to feel safe and comfortable on the road. The company's products are installed in both simple cars and premium cars. The most common bases here are H7, H1, H4, although there are others. For their production, quartz glass is used, which protects the company's products from UV radiation and withstands vibration while driving.
- Egolight is a brand whose main focus is the sale of automotive lighting devices. The range includes xenon and LED models. Basically, they are sold in sets of several pieces, which allows you to save a little. The company has models with base H11, H1, H27 and some others. Its low beam lamps are considered one of the best, in particular because they work up to 30,000 hours, including without frequent breaks. Their approximate color temperature is 5000K.
- Koito - the company sells both head and additional light lamps, which are popular due to their good brightness, wide viewing angle, environmental friendliness, and safety for car owners. They do not dazzle oncoming drivers, provide eye-pleasing white illumination and guarantee good visibility even in rainy conditions. On average, the color temperature is 4000-5050K.
- Skyway - the company creates devices for lighting in cars; its lamps are mainly halogen. They have optimal power - up to 30 W, do not overheat car parts, and serve for a long time under harsh operating conditions (on rough roads, in high humidity). Light elements are easy to install, have a good viewing angle and proper flow distribution.
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Replacing headlight bulbs
If your headlights won't turn on, you usually don't need to completely remove or replace your headlights to get them working again. The process of replacing a headlight bulb and the sequence of steps may differ depending on the car model, but often it is enough to unscrew a few mounting bolts and a little time. For example, replacing headlight bulbs occurs as follows: unscrew the bolts, remove the headlight (you can remove it without pulling out the connector) or pull out the headlight without completely removing the entire unit to reach the light bulb, carefully unscrew or press on the special plug to separate the lamp, install a new light bulb element.
The main difficulty in replacing a headlight bulb is the design of the car, which does not allow easy access to the mounts and the bulb itself. Sometimes other parts of the car need to be removed to make the replacement. Also, some parts are too tight, so not everyone can cope with this task (this mainly applies to girls) or there is a risk of damaging the parts with excessive force (especially if this force is not needed there). In this regard, it is sometimes easier to contact a car service center than to waste time understanding the nuances of the process; besides, the service is inexpensive and will take a little time from professionals.
Read how to tint headlights here.
Rating of the best low beam lamps
Before compiling the TOP, we studied the market offers and selected 25 nominees, of which 7 products were ultimately included in the rating. The reasons for this were their good characteristics:
- Excellent illumination of the side of the road and the road ahead of the car;
- The strength of the luminous flux and its uniform distribution;
- High power of operation;
- No overheating of machine parts;
- Good resource;
- Comfortable color temperature;
- Versatility – can be used in different headlights;
- Quick on and off;
- Excellent visibility in precipitation;
- Efficient heat dissipation.
The rating was divided based on the type of light bulb - LED, xenon or halogen. We also relied on the type of base - H7, H1, H4 and others. Particular attention was paid to the ratio of price and quality of goods.
The best LED low beam lamps
Such products are also labeled as LED. They are interesting due to their low price, long service life and flow power, safety for the driver and car parts. We present to your attention two of the best LED low beam lamps with H7 and HB4 sockets, selected from 10 popular options on the market.
Osram Chip H7 12V 30W
Let's start the review with the Osram Chip car lamp, which is primarily intended for installation in low-beam headlights. However, if necessary, it can also be used for long-distance lighting thanks to the universal H7 base. It is chosen due to its low energy consumption, good mechanical resistance and uniform, bright flow, which increases driving comfort and safety on the road. At the same time, the lighting does not irritate the driver’s eyes and does not interfere with normal visibility. High-quality soldering of elements ensures a long service life.
Advantages
- The headlights do not overheat due to the low lamp power - 30 W;
- Low load on the generator;
- Lack of UV rays in the spectrum;
- Well illuminates the roadside;
- Gives a clear picture ahead;
- Great resource.
Flaws
- The dispersion range is not large.
Due to the bright and saturated radiation, a car with Osram Chip lamps becomes more visible on the highway, which reduces the risk of accidents.
Clearlight, base HB4, 2800 lm, 2 pcs.
Compared to the previous model, this one comes with two LED lamps, not one. They are distinguished by good behavior on the road - they can withstand vibration and shock due to the absence of a filament and bulb. Their ease of use ensures quick switching on and off, which also increases the service life of the product to 30 thousand hours. This option is also relevant due to the reduced load on the car’s battery and generator, which is possible due to the low power consumption of 20-30 W.
Advantages
- Flow power 2000 lm;
- Does not require frequent replacement;
- Shelf life – up to 90 months;
- Easy to install;
- Nice color temperature.
Flaws
- Not sold everywhere.
Reviews note that the Clearlight LED lamp well illuminates both the side of the road and the road near the car, which reduces the likelihood of accidents involving both pedestrians and other vehicles.
The best xenon low beam lamps
This is one of the most popular types of light bulbs for installation in headlights, most often low beams. It is a gas-discharge source that guarantees the power and brightness of the flow, its uniform distribution and, accordingly, safety on the road. They are especially relevant when driving in adverse weather conditions. We studied 6 popular options and selected from them the 2 most effective, high-quality and reliable models for rating low-beam lamps.
Philips 85126VIS1, D2R Vision 4400K 85V 35W
The Philips 85126VIS1 lamp is convenient because it can complement the one previously installed in the car in case the old one burns out and thereby save money, since the difference in brightness and color saturation is indistinguishable to the eye. The product spectrum is UV-free and has excellent protection against moisture due to its production from high-quality quartz glass. This allows it to serve for a long time even in harsh operating conditions, including on “killed” roads. True, if it is turned on frequently, for example in winter, the risk of its failure increases somewhat.
Advantages
- Color temperature – up to 4400K;
- Also used for long-distance lighting;
- Does not blind drivers on the road;
- Power 35 W;
- Service life – 2500 hours.
Flaws
- Not a low price.
When replacing a conventional light with a Philips 85126VIS1, the manufacturer recommends making adjustments and setting it correctly to avoid distortion.
Egolight for headlights, d3s socket, 5000 K, 35 W, 2 pcs.
The Egolight car lamp is designed to provide low beam and, less commonly, high beam. It has the widespread D3S base, used in lensed optics. The product is absolutely safe for it and individual plastic parts, as it does not heat up compared to the halogen type. Its design has been improved, which increases its service life and performance on rough roads. Here, the risk of rapid breakdown due to the absence of a filament is almost completely eliminated.
Advantages
- Color temperature is 5000K;
- The warranty is given for 1 year;
- Optimal power – 35 W;
- Clear illumination of the road and roadside;
- Does not contain mercury, environmentally friendly;
- Easy to install.
Flaws
- High price.
Egolight's light is generally pleasant, but sometimes turns yellow, which causes a bit of blinding to drivers' eyes.
Step-by-step instruction
The headlight design in a modern car is often unique. However, lamps equipped with an h7 base are always connected in the same way. A bracket made of wire presses the metal base to the plane of the headlight. All elements, such as the bracket and the socket connector, differ little from car to car. So you can follow the instructions with confidence that you will not make mistakes typical of novice car owners.
What is better to buy
Let's say you need to choose something reliable and not too expensive. Then products from European brands are suitable: OSRAM, Philips, BOSCH. Philips lamps have high durability, although they shine less brightly than OSRAM halogens. The products of BOSCH and OSRAM differ little, but BOSCH does not produce sources with a high color temperature. Some people like the light to be a little yellowish, and then BOSCH lamps will be the best choice.
Domestic brands have one advantage - low price. Lamps and “Dialuch” are produced in a wide range, but they do not have outstanding characteristics.
The best halogen low beam lamps
These bulbs contain a buffer gas inside, which improves the light output of the device. It differs from its LED counterparts in its smaller size. It is installed in optics and is successfully used to replace burnt-out products. On average, their service life is 2000-4000 hours. This category describes the 3 best halogen low beam bulbs.
H4 Night Laser Vision +200%, 2 pcs.
The Night Laser Vision halogen low beam lamp provides high-quality and safe illumination of the road and roadside in the dark. It is sold in a set of 2 pieces, this allows you to save money. Drivers write that this is easy to do on their own, but then you need to adjust the light, and it is better to entrust this to a mechanic. The product is universal and can be installed in high beam and fog lights. Judging by the reviews, the machine’s on-board network does not fail due to low load and this option lasts for an average year.
Advantages
- Light without pronounced yellowness, whiter than previous ones by 50%.
- Laser technologies used in production;
- Increased viewing angle – up to 60 degrees;
- Does not wear out with frequent use and prolonged use;
- Clear cut-off line.
Flaws
- The glow intensity may decrease over time;
- No guarantee is given.
When replacing, do not touch the lamp with bare hands; reviews show that in this case, the Night Laser Vision’s heat transfer deteriorates and the risk of its burnout increases.
Koito H7 Whitebeam 4200K 12V 55W, 2 pcs., P0755W
The Koito H7 Whitebeam lamp stands out from the crowd with its pleasant bright white light. In good weather, its flow is impeccable, but during precipitation there are complaints about the not very good illumination of the area in front of the car. It consumes no more than 50 W, but produces brightness as at a power of 100 W. When viewed from the outside, the lighting appears to be xenon. Its average service life is 5 years, and this is with long-term operation without frequent on and off cycles.
Advantages
- Powerful light flow;
- Comfort for the eyes;
- High quality materials;
- Resistance to shocks and vibrations on roads;
- Good light distribution.
Flaws
- High price.
Car owners note that when using the Koito H7 Whitebeam in the rain, the lighting becomes less bright.
H1 12V 55W 1-pin Skyway satellite
...Reviews show that the H1 12V 55W 1-pin Skyway Satellite is inserted into the headlights of cars from both domestic manufacturers and foreign cars - Priora, Volkswagen, Opel, Skoda, Chevrolet and others...
Expert opinion
The value of this model lies in its versatility; it can be used not only in low-beam headlights, but also high-beam, as well as fog. It provides good lighting both on a clear night and during precipitation. Its long-term operation without interruption practically does not reduce its service life. Excellent preservation in aggressive conditions is guaranteed by a flask made of quartz glass. The luminous flux is quite powerful and is delivered at 55 W, but the load on the car system is low, which prevents its failure.
Advantages
- Vibration-resistant;
- Long service life;
- Suitable for high beam;
- Can be inserted into fog lights;
- Good resource.
Flaws
- Only one piece per pack.
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.
- H7 LED headlights
- H7 halogen lamps
- Cicoli for car high beam headlights
- Philips H7 xenon head lamps
- High brightness light bulbs
- OSRAM H7 standard incandescent lamps
- High quality H7 12V lamps
- Standard BOSCH kits for increased light beam rating
- Replacing the H7 lamp of a VISION car
- Different glow in daylight
- H7 lamps with high-quality filament so as not to shine on oncoming traffic
- Power of LED lamps 55W and W.
- Shades of lamps produce different glows
- Correct temperature settings for powerful headlights with excellent visibility
- NARVA, KOITO, Bosch Light & Night
- Characteristics of roadside light source lighting
- Range of standard instruments for H7 lamp analysis
- Brands of automotive products such as lamps
- A series of comfortable advantages of German lamps
- Yellow reflectors for additional headlights
- Popular lamps with long-lasting light output
- Operation of halogen lamps for comparison with LEDs
- Nice Chinese H7 lamps with low cost
- Philips white and blue lamps
- Disadvantages of the bluish tint of quartz lamps
- Compliance with the installation of H7 lamps according to GOST
- H7 lamp design
- Inexpensive H7 lamps without disadvantages
- Warm lamps
- Recommended headlights for car brands
- Glasses on car headlights - the influence of light radiation
- Design and technology for the development of resource lamps
Which is the best low beam lamp to buy?
If the light bulb will be used only in low beam headlights, then you can limit yourself to a model with an H1 socket. When using it for the simultaneous organization of both this type of lighting and distant lighting, the option with H4 and H7 will be relevant. The most comfortable for drivers' eyes is white light without bright glare, the temperature of which is in the range of 5000-6000K. The highest quality and most durable products are those whose flasks are made of quartz glass.
Here is the best low beam lamp to install, taking into account its operating conditions:
- For driving on poor roads and high humidity, Philips 85126VIS1 or H1 12V 55W 1-pin Skyway Satellite is relevant.
- If night trips are not made often, then you should pay attention to the Koito H7 Whitebeam 4200K, since with active use it quickly gets old.
- Those who want to save money should buy the H4 Night Laser Vision kit.
- In order to organize good dipped lighting for both the roadside and the area in front of the car, it is recommended to buy an Egolight bulb.
- For those looking to reduce energy costs, it's best to choose an LED option from Clearlight or Osram.
Each model presented in the rating of the best low beam lamps is quite popular on the market and sells well. The main thing when choosing a suitable option is to take into account its purpose and all the characteristics.
