Often, even in the daytime, visibility on the road can be very poor, which is why you may not notice an approaching car. In this regard, the traffic rules have been changed and today the dipped beam must be turned on while driving on all vehicles, regardless of the time of day. And these are not just wishes addressed to drivers, but a current regulation, non-compliance with which may result in a fine of 500 rubles (for more details, see Article 12.20 “On Violation of the Rules for Using External Lighting Devices”).
Such requirements and reasonable meaning lead any motorist to the question: “Which low beam lamps are best to use?” To answer it, you must first understand the differences between these lighting fixtures.
What is the difference between lamps with different markings
Today, lamps with one or two filaments (spirals) of incandescent are produced. The latter allow you to use lighting elements for both near and far lighting, for this you just need to switch from one light to another. Single-strand analogs are more difficult to use. In more detail, there is the following classification:
- H1 - used for high beam headlights and sometimes for fog lights (designed for a four-headlight system).
- The lamps in the H2 base are used for low and high beams, as well as fog lights. This type of lighting elements is almost never found today.
- H3 - only for fog lamps.
- H4 automotive lamps are used in traditional European two-headlight systems for high and low beams.
- H7 automotive lamps are also used for high and low beams in four-headlight systems.
The last two types are the most commonly used. If we talk about their differences, then H7 are single-filament lighting elements, and H4 have two spirals, but are inferior in the characteristics of the new model. This is especially true for the service life (in H7 it is twice as long). And, of course, like all the lamps described above, each type has its own base design.
Since H4 and H7 lamps are most often used for low beams, we will talk about them in more detail.
The best lamps in the base H4
If we talk about which H4 low beam lamps are the best, then you should rely primarily on the power of the glow. If you do not leave the city limits, then it is better to take 60 W light bulbs, and for country trips 130 W.
As for the choice between halogen and LED lamps, it should immediately be said that although LED lighting elements are highly economical, they will not work for headlights designed for H4 halogens.
Firstly, in order for an LED bulb to be comparable in light output to a halogen lamp, its size will be much larger, and if you use a compact model, then you will get very little light output from it - a vicious circle.
Secondly, if you put LED analogues in the headlights for H4 halogens, their beam will be out of focus, the light will become blurred, which, in turn, will significantly worsen the illumination of the roadway.
Thirdly, a large number of LEDs will lead to the fact that the semiconductors will not be cooled.
Healthy! Automakers are developing special diode headlights, but so far they have not been able to solve the cooling system for such elements.
Therefore, in order to achieve the best performance, it is recommended to use high-brightness halogen lamps for H4 cars from trusted manufacturers.
As for the H7 lamps, they also have their own characteristics.
The best lamps in the base H7
If we talk about which H7 low beam lamps are better, then today there are many modifications of this type of lighting elements. Models may differ in production technology, varieties, light and many other parameters. Only the standard power remains unchanged, which is 55 watts. However, today on sale you can also find high-brightness halogen lamps for H7 cars.
If you use h7 diode lamps in the low beam instead of halogen ones, then the problems will be the same as in the first case: overheating and the need to use special optics, since without this it is impossible to adjust the light beam.
Nevertheless, LED lighting is striding and developing by leaps and bounds, so the moment is not far off when it will be possible to use just this type of lamp for low beam. This is not surprising, because in the future, the H7 low beam LED lamp is much more convenient and profitable to use. Excellent light, durability and resistance to vibrations and shocks - all this characterizes lighting elements of this type.
As for low beam lamp manufacturers, it is best to buy products from trusted companies that have proven themselves in this industry.
The best manufacturers and models of H4 and H7 halogen lamps
If we talk about the best brands, then according to the tests, the models showed themselves best:
- Koito. A Japanese company specializing in lighting technology, which produces halogen low and high beam lamps adapted to Russian conditions. Koito Whitebeam III H7 lamps (2 pieces) now cost about 1,800 rubles, and the same model for the H4 base will cost a little less - 1,500 rubles.
- Osram. Although competitors are trying to prove that the lamps of this manufacturer blind drivers in the oncoming lane, there is no official evidence and tests to confirm this. On the contrary, Osram products stand out for their quality and reliability. The best on the market, motorists noted the Osram SilverStar lamps, costing 550 rubles for the H7 base and 770 rubles for the H4.
- Philips. The eminent corporation repeats the developments of Osram and produces lamps with the same characteristics of the light beam. However, the quality of Philips halogens is also credible. A Philips Visio Plus +60% lamp with an H4 base costs 550 rubles, and for an H7 about 1,200 rubles for two jokes.
- Bosch. The Hungarian manufacturer has been famous for its quality for more than a year. Good luminous flux, providing the necessary illumination, both on the side of the road, and near, as well as distant zones. A Bosch Plus 90 H7 lamp (2 pieces) will cost about 1,400 rubles, and a similar Bosch Plus 90 H4 Lamp will cost 1,200 rubles.
Speaking of the best low beam lamps, we did not touch on the topic of xenon, and there are several reasons for this.
A few words about xenon
Halogen and LED lamps do not yet reach the power of modern xenon lighting elements, why not use more durable (up to 2500 hours) lamps?
Of course, xenon has one indisputable advantage. Such lamps convert only 7% of energy into heat, and halogens all 40%. This means that almost all of the consumed electricity is converted into a powerful light flux. But, alas, this is only one side of the coin. In fact, the use of such lamps is unprofitable for several reasons:
- The cost of xenon is several times higher than halogen and LED lamps. This is due to the fact that such lighting will require additional equipment (the minimum set includes a lamp and an ignition unit, the full set includes optics, a headlight and much more). Lamps of this type themselves cost about 10,000 rubles.
- Not all xenon can be used in the Russian Federation, more precisely, only the one that was installed at the car manufacturer's factory can be used. For "handicraft" Chinese counterparts, you can safely get a fine, and when passing through MOT, you will have to get rid of prohibited lighting.
- Xenon blocks use quite a lot of energy from the generator, respectively, fuel consumption increases.
In custody
Summing up, we can say that so far the most convenient and inexpensive are halogen lamps for dipped beam. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer and power characteristics. It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the official tests that manufacturers usually provide to buyers on their websites.
head lights- a mandatory part of any car. Traffic safety largely depends on them. And for this reason, automobile concerns tirelessly conduct research and work to improve these lamps, work on the parameters of the light beam, improve technical characteristics and reliability. By conducting a comparative test, laboratories determine which light bulbs are the best.
One of the most common types of automotive lighting are H7 bulbs - they appeared on the market in the second half of the 90s.
Bulbs H7 - description and characteristics
Single-filament type H7 bulbs are used in four-headlight headlights in vehicles with a separate reflector system for high and low beams. But in the vast majority of cases, with the help of H7, light of the near level is provided. For long-range, a less expensive and outdated version of the H1 is used.
In H7, which is typical for the flanged variety, the distance from the flange to the spiral is constant and fixed. This is done in order to ensure that the glow point is constantly present in the focus of the reflectors.
A test test showed that this produces the correct light. Based on this, it can be emphasized that the accuracy of shapes and sizes affects light and is one of the factors that determine the quality of lamps.
Lamp with H7 base - general view Today's industry offers motorists various modifications of the low beam H7 lamps. They may have different production technology, parameters characterizing light, and power. For H7, a standard power of 55 watts is adopted. But there are modifications of the H7 with increased power ratings. However, they are only recommended for use in off-road conditions or on closed tracks. In an ordinary car, the use of such lamps will lead to the fact that the electrical power system will be overloaded and fail.
There are the following varieties of H7:
- halogen;
- xenon;
- LED.
After conducting a test and studying the reviews, you can find each of the varieties has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at what features are typical for each modification of the H7.
H7 halogen bulbs
H7 low beam halogen sources have a fairly low cost. They do not need to install additional equipment. They give the right quality light.
They consist of a container, for the manufacture of which they take hard-alloy or quartz glass, incandescent filaments and gas with halogen additives. In fact, it is by far the most widely used variant of low beam lighting today. Their most significant drawback is that they shine at a fairly high operating temperature, which greatly affects the wear rate of the optics. If we talk about the balance of cost and quality, then for H7 halogen products it is optimal.
Xenon bulbs H7
In xenon sources of near illumination H7, light from an electric arc is let in between two electrodes in a glass container with xenon. This is a more modern version that guarantees the correct white-blue light, which is comfortable for the eyes of the driver of the vehicle and does not blind those who are driving oncoming cars. Since they shine without a filament, vibration is not terrible for them - a test test confirms this.
However, xenon bulbs have two significant "minuses":
- The first is a rather high cost.
- The second is the need to install additional equipment, xenon products need an ignition unit.
They are much less common than halogens.
H7 LED bulbs
Experts evaluating the quality and performance of the lamps say that the future of car lights lies with LEDs. The test confirms the prospects of this direction. They are the most economical, durable and resistant to vibrations and shocks. The light from these lamps meets all the necessary requirements, which is why the best option for lighting will be.
However, their use requires the use of special optics. Some put LEDs in regular headlights. However, this can cause problems. LEDs do not shine pointwise, so conventional headlights do not make it possible to properly adjust the light beam.
The price of LEDs is quite high. Therefore, they are not very widespread in the market. Some manufacturers have developed a design of headlights, where there is no division into light bulbs, reflectors and optics. The test showed that the light of a headlight consisting of all LED lamps is much more effective in providing a view of the road.
Selection of H7 dipped-beam lamps
When choosing H7 lighting sources, consumers often have the question of which ones are better. In this matter, it is best to consider the factors that are most important to you:
- the brightness of their glow;
- lighting comfort;
- durability;
- cost and other indicators
It is better not to pursue cheapness much, especially if it is achieved at the expense of quality. Your safety depends on how well and correctly the light bulbs in your headlights shine - saving on it is very expensive.
Luminous intensity diagram for H7 halogen headlights in the near field of the right shoulder 
Diagram of the luminous intensity of H7 halogen headlights in the far field of the right shoulder. Different manufacturers use their own methods and technologies for making lamps. A comprehensive test evaluates their quality and effectiveness. This avoids knowingly wrong paths in production. However, the same test demonstrates that common paths may differ as a result of vendor implementation.
The most common advice in this area is to take into account the reputation of the manufacturer. However, the products of little-known companies with an unknown reputation are often inferior in quality to products from well-known brands - they almost always shine as they should.
Last year, our publication published (). This material aroused the genuine interest of readers, because it made it possible to find out how the lamps actually shine, the price for a set of which reaches 2,500 rubles. Over the past few years, automakers have been introducing more and more headlights, where different bulbs in the H7 base are used for high and low beams. 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 base with increased light output in Moscow car dealerships and contacted the laboratory of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Research and Experimental Institute of Automotive Electronics and Electrical Equipment" (NIIAAE) for 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, at a distance of 25 m from the source, the cut-off line required by GOST was set. The operator measured the illumination at control points and compared it with the requirements of the rules. The points at which the measurements were made are indicated as follows: 0-0 (Zone III) - a point characterizing the light in the zone of the vehicle in front through the rear-view mirror; B50L - a point characterizing the blindness of the driver of an oncoming car; 75R and 50R - points characterizing the illumination of the right shoulder, the far and near zones, respectively.
Additional materials:
BOSCH Plus 90 - H7 halogen headlight lamps, test
MODEL FEATURES
At the end of 2009, Bosch introduced its new flagship high output halogen lamps, the Bosch Plus 90 series. The Plus 90 halogen lamps are Bosch's brightest halogen headlights. Their light output is 90% higher than standard halogen lamps. In addition, Plus 90 lamps are innovative and create longer and wider cones of light, illuminating the road much more efficiently than stock lamps. Using Bosch Plus 90 lamps allows you to increase the time to make a decision, because now an obstacle on the road will be noticed earlier.
The light generated by the Bosch Plus 90 series lamps is whiter than standard lamps. All improvements are achieved thanks to new technologies: xenon bulb filling, optimized coil design and partial blue coating of the bulb. Lighting, close in its spectral composition to daylight, is less tiring for the driver's vision, providing comfortable driving at night.
Lamps with silver tops look most elegant, which is especially noticeable in combination with clear glass headlights. The silver top and blue plating 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 flux 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 checkpoints for dazzling oncoming and passing drivers with a margin fit into European standards: B50L - 262 cd, zone III - 475 cd.
SUMMARY
The Bosch Plus 90 halogen headlight bulb in the H7 base showed excellent results. It perfectly illuminates the right side of the road, exceeding the requirements by several times, and is safe for surrounding drivers.
HELLA H7 + 90% - H7 halogen headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
The Hella concern is owned by Philips, and the trademark was introduced mainly in order 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 the illumination of the right shoulder 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 fit into European standards: B50L - 281 cd, zone III - 600 cd.
SUMMARY
The Hella H7 + 90% halogen headlight lamp in the H7 base 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%
Black and white border of the headlight lamp in the base H7 HELLA H7 + 90%
KOITO Whitebeam III - H7 halogen headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
The model of lamps Koito White Beam III refers to lamps with high light output. According to the manufacturer, the 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 of the filament of the lamp from burning out, the concentration and pressure (twice as high as in the standard one) of an inert gas are increased in the flask.
The bulb of the lamp is of a blue tint, made of quartz glass - more refractory than usual, and filtering the UV part of the radiation, due to which Koito White Beam III lamps are absolutely safe for the polycarbonate headlights of modern cars. The electrical power of the lamp is standard (60/55 W), and therefore the lamp does not emit 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 color perception of the driver.
The llamas are sold in pairs in clear plastic packaging with a white label inscribed with Japanese characters. Loud numbers "135/125 W", as conceived by the manufacturer, mean increased light output of the lamps. Their electrical power is standard, so they can be safely put in a car.
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Koito White Beam III showed the lowest result. Its luminous flux is only 1150 lm, which goes beyond the lower boundary of the corridor of 1350 lm. Thus, it is not necessary to expect outstanding values from it in terms of illumination of control points. But despite this, the indicators of illumination of the right side of the road exceed the requirements of the technical regulations. For the near zone (point 50R), the illumination was 20625 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 20625 cd, with a norm of at least 10100 cd. Measurements at safety checkpoints 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 for blinding vehicles in front through the rear-view mirror.
SUMMARY
The Koito White Beam III halogen headlight lamp in the H7 base was not only the most expensive in the test, it also had the weakest luminous flux, and besides, it is unsafe to use due to the fact that it blinds the cars in front.
Commodity packaging of car headlight lamp KOITO Whitebeam III
Black-and-white border of the headlight lamp in the base H7 KOITO Whitebeam III
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited - H7 halogen headlight lamps, test
MODEL FEATURES
According to the manufacturers, the Osram Night Breaker unlimited halogen headlight lamp allows you to create a light beam, the range of which is 40 meters longer compared to standard halogen lamps. At the same time, the color temperature of the light is 20% whiter than in standard lamps. This enables drivers to detect obstacles and recognize dangerous situations much earlier.
The lamp has a patented blue ring coating to reduce reflected light glare.
TEST RESULTS
In tests, the Osram Night Breaker unlimited performed well. She showed one of the strongest luminous fluxes in the test - 1500 lm. The illumination of the right side of the road was 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 of blinding oncoming and passing vehicles B50L and zone III turned out to be higher than required by the standards, but within the limits of the requirements for serial production.
SUMMARY
The Osram Night Breaker unlimited halogen headlight bulb in the H7 base showed the best result and was the brightest in the test.
Commodity packaging of OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited car headlight lamp
Black and white border of the headlight lamp in the base H7 OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited
OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0 - H7 halogen headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
According to the manufacturers, the Osram Silverstar 2.0 halogen headlight lamp allows you to create 60% more light than standard lamps. And the light beam from it is 20 m longer - also compared to standard products.
At the same time, it is stated that the service life of the halogen lamp is doubled compared to the previous model. The use of these lamps improves the safety of driving at night by detecting obstacles earlier and increasing decision time. Osram Silverstar 2.0 lamps are ideal for headlamps with colorless lenses.
TEST RESULTS
On the test, the Osram Silverstar 2.0 lamp performed ambiguously. She showed one of the strongest luminous fluxes in the test - 1490 lm. At the same time, the indicators of illumination at the control points of illumination of the right side of the road turned out to be not the highest, slightly exceeding those of standard lamps. So, at point 50R, the illumination was 24,875 cd, at point 75R - 11,785 cd. Safety control points for blinding oncoming and passing drivers fit into European standards: B50L - 300 cd and zone III - 516 cd.
SUMMARY
The Osram Silverstar 2.0 halogen headlight lamp in the H7 base performed poorly, only slightly exceeding the illumination of standard lamps.
Commodity packaging of the OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0 car headlight lamp
Black and white border of the headlight lamp in the base H7 OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0
OSRAM SUPER + 30% - H7 halogen headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer does not declare anything special about its Osram Super + 30% lamps, except for a 30% increase in light output. 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 shoulder turned out to be one of the lowest in the test, although they exceed the minimum level of illumination established by the technical regulations. So, for the near zone (point 50R), the illumination was 24125 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 11375 cd at a rate of at least 10100 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 vehicles) significantly exceeds the requirement of the rules. The luminous flux at this point turned out to be 841 cd, while the value of 750 cd is acceptable for serial production.
SUMMARY
The Osram Super +30% halogen headlight bulb in the H7 base does not meet the requirements of European regulations for dazzling the vehicle in front through the rear-view mirror.
Commodity packaging of OSRAM SUPER car headlight lamp +30%
Black and white border of the headlight lamp in the base H7 OSRAM SUPER + 30%
PHILIPS Vision Plus +60% - H7 halogen headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer claims that Philips Vision Plus halogen headlight bulbs provide 60% more light and allow the driver to see farther, improving safety and comfort. Philips Vision Plus lamps are high performance at an affordable price.
Among the additional advantages of the lamps, the company's marketers highlight the fact that the lamps are made from high-quality quartz glass and are also resistant to UV radiation. We were baffled by the statement found on the company's website about the high level of water resistance of Philips lamps. We still do not understand why this mention in the description of headlight lamps ...
TEST RESULTS
During the test, the Philips Vision Plus +60% lamp showed a good luminous flux of 1450 lm. The indicators for the illumination of the right side of the road were also quite good. So, for the near zone (point 50R), the illumination was 27,375 cd, for the far zone (point 75R) - 13,375 cd at a rate of at least 10,100 cd. Safety checkpoints for dazzling oncoming and passing drivers with a margin fit into 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 requirements of the standard.
Commodity 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 headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer claims that Philips X-treme Vision halogen headlight bulbs provide 100% more light and a 35m longer beam than a conventional bulb. Philips X-treme Vision lamps are designed with state-of-the-art technology for exceptionally bright illumination.
Among the additional advantages of the lamps, the company's marketers highlight the fact that the lamps are made from high-quality quartz glass and are also resistant to UV radiation. We were baffled by the statement found on the company's website about the high level of water resistance of Philips lamps. We still do not understand why this is when describing the 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 shoulder 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 zone of the curb even better (25,750 cd). Safety checkpoints for dazzling oncoming and passing drivers with a margin fit into European standards: B50L - 302 cd, zone III - 580 cd.
SUMMARY
The Philips X-treme Vision +100% halogen headlight lamp in the H7 base showed a very mixed result. Its luminous flux and generated illumination turned out to be worse than that of the younger Philips VisionPlus + 60%, which is also 40% cheaper than the X-treme Vision.
Commodity 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 headlights, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer claims that Philips Vision halogen car headlight bulbs deliver 30% more light than a conventional car bulb and deliver superior light beam performance, safety and comfort with genuine parts 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 waterproofness 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. Security checkpoints for blinding oncoming and passing drivers: B50L - 306 cd, zone III - 700 cd. If the first value with a margin fit into European standards, then the second exceeds them, but does not exceed the deviation allowed for serial production.
SUMMARY
The Philips Vision halogen H7 headlight bulb, at an affordable price, exceeds roadside lighting regulations, but is prone to dazzle the vehicle ahead.
Commodity packaging of a car headlight lamp PHILIPS Vision +30%
Black-and-white border of the head light lamp in the H7 PHILIPS Vision base + 30%
Valeo + 50% Light - H7 halogen headlight lamps, test
MODEL FEATURES
The manufacturer does not particularly talk about the benefits of their products. According to him, Valeo +50% Light halogen lamps, as its name promises, give a brighter light - of course, within the limits of the norms, so that with properly adjusted headlights, oncoming drivers will not be blinded. Of course, energy consumption also increases, but now the driver can choose whether to 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 the illumination of the right side of the road turned out to be the same average for 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 checkpoints for dazzling oncoming and passing drivers with a margin fit into European standards: B50L - 323 cd, zone III - 550 cd.
SUMMARY
The Valeo +50% Light halogen headlight lamp in the H7 base showed an average result in the test. She did not have enough stars from the sky, but her luminous flux exceeds the requirements of the rules.
Commodity packaging of the car headlight lamp Valeo +50% Light
Black and white border of the headlight lamp in the base H7 Valeo + 50% Light
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Often, even in the daytime, visibility on the road can be very poor, which is why you may not notice an approaching car. In this regard, the traffic rules have been changed and today the dipped beam must be turned on while driving on all vehicles, regardless of the time of day. And these are not just wishes addressed to drivers, but a current regulation, non-compliance with which may result in a fine of 500 rubles (for more details, see Article 12.20 "On Violation of the Rules for Using External Lighting Devices").
Such requirements and reasonable meaning lead any motorist to the question: “Which low beam lamps are better to use?” To answer it, you must first understand the differences between these lighting devices.
What is the difference between lamps with different markings
Today, lamps with one or two filaments (spirals) of incandescent are produced. The latter allow you to use lighting elements for both near and far lighting, for this you just need to switch from one light to another. Single-strand analogs are more difficult to use. In more detail, there is the following classification:
- H1 - used for high beam headlights and sometimes for fog lights (designed for a four-headlight system).
- The lamps in the H2 base are used for low and high beams, as well as fog lights. This type of lighting elements is almost never found today.
- H3 - only for fog lamps.
- H4 automotive lamps are used in traditional European two-headlight systems for high and low beams.
- H7 automotive lamps are also used for high and low beams in four-headlight systems.
The last two types are the most commonly used. If we talk about their differences, then H7 are single-filament lighting elements, and H4 have two spirals, but are inferior in the characteristics of the new model. This is especially true for the service life (in H7 it is twice as long). And, of course, like all the lamps described above, each type has its own base design.
Since H4 and H7 lamps are most often used for low beams, we will talk about them in more detail.
The best lamps in the base H4
If we talk about which H4 low beam lamps are the best, then you should rely primarily on the power of the glow. If you do not leave the city limits, then it is better to take 60 W light bulbs, and for country trips 130 W.
Important! Lamps with a power of more than 60 W are prohibited for use in urban areas. h7 bulb
As for the choice between halogen and LED lamps, it should immediately be said that although LED lighting elements are highly economical, they will not work for headlights designed for H4 halogens.
The manufacturer claims that his product can last at least 30 thousand hours. Power consumption does not exceed 30 watts.
Safety depends on the quality of road lighting when driving a car. The sooner the driver can notice various obstacles, the more time will be for the correct reaction and decision. In order to avoid any problems in the dark, you need to carefully approach the choice of headlights. Let's find out which are the best low beam H7 bulbs.
H7 standard
Such single-filament lamps are used more often for low beams.
For long range it is much preferable to use older devices of the H1 standard. H7 can be safely attributed to the group of flange lamps. They differ in a fixed distance from the flange to the helix. This ensures that the filament is in the focus of the reflector. This is important in order for the lighting to be correct. H7 dipped beam lamps must have precise geometric characteristics - this is the key to the highest quality result.
Today, several types of various devices are made with such a base. They differ from each other in production technologies, technical and lighting characteristics, as well as power indicators. The standard power that a regular H7 low beam lamp has is no more than 55 W. But there are manufacturers who make models with higher power. For example, the well-known company Narva produces products of increased size. However, it is better to use them off roads and highways. The use of such high-power lighting fixtures in the headlights of conventional vehicles can overload the vehicle's electrical system and disable it.
Low beam lamps H7: varieties
Among the variety, three types of these lighting fixtures can be distinguished.
So, this is halogen lighting, metal halide or xenon, as well as LED lamps. Each technology has both pros and cons. We will look at them in more detail.
halogen light
H7 low beam halogen lamps are inexpensive, have good performance and do not require any additional equipment. By design, this is a flask made of solid or quartz glass. It is filled with neutral gases, as well as halogen vapors. Also in the design there is a filament. Today, these devices are among the most sought after. But with all its high performance and excellent qualities, there are also disadvantages. These are the high operating temperatures that accelerate the aging process. Among the advantages, one can single out excellent value for money.
Test
During the tests, the lamp in the headlight was installed in a dark room. The experts measured the illumination and compared it with the existing requirements and regulations. It was checked whether the headlights would blind other road users. Only H7 low beam halogen bulbs were tested.
Bosch Plus 90 H7
This line of lamps from a well-known manufacturer was introduced at the end of 2009. These devices are considered one of the brightest low beam sources from this manufacturer. Their light output is as much as 90% higher than that of many standard fixtures. Thanks to the use of modern innovations and technologies in the production, the products of this series give longer and wider cones of light.
So, the roadway is illuminated much more efficiently than standard lighting equipment. The use of such lamps makes it possible to increase the time for making a decision on the performance of a particular maneuver, because with them you can quickly see the obstacle.
The light emitted by these H7 dipped beam bulbs is whiter than standard products. With these devices, driving a car at night is much easier. This is an excellent result.
"hella"
This company is one of the divisions of Phillips. The trademark was introduced for products sold at a more budgetary cost. Lighting devices of this series showed an average level of luminous flux. And this H7 dipped beam lamp illuminates the right side of the road better than anyone. This device is one of the best. Its value for money is just excellent. Offered at affordable prices, this product illuminates the road well and does not blind oncoming drivers.
OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER unlimited
According to the manufacturer, this product is capable of creating a light beam with a range of 40 meters more than standard devices. The emission spectrum is whiter. Drivers can recognize hazards on the road earlier.
In the test, this device proved to be one of the best. Although its characteristics are on the verge of acceptable, it is the best choice and maximum brightness.
OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0
This light source gives a glow with an intensity 60% higher than standard light sources. The light beam is 20 m longer than standard low beam luminaires. The manufacturer managed to double the service life of this product. The lamp showed poor results. It only slightly exceeds the coefficient that standard light bulbs show.
H7 low beam lamp (xenon)
These metal halide products give off a glow thanks to an electric arc that is passed between two electrodes. The bulb is filled with xenon. These modern lighting devices are practically immune to various vibrations. The light they give out is much stronger and better, with a high color temperature.
What xenon to install on the car?
Owners of cars in which xenon light is not provided by the manufacturer mount the so-called pseudoxenon or xenon lamps in PTF. Well, others who have such a light can be installed regularly are often interested in what devices and kits to choose.
This beam cannot be crafted. For the manufacture and installation of these elements, high-quality equipment and modern technologies are used. You also need to have special optics.
In the domestic market, the H7 low beam "xenon" lamp is presented in two forms.
So, they distinguish factory products from well-known and leading manufacturers and devices produced by specialists from Central Asia and brothers from the Middle Kingdom.
Which xenon to choose?
This choice depends on several factors. The first is the budget. And here there are two options: a minimum set of a lamp and an ignition unit, or a complete set, consisting of optics, headlights and everything else.
Tests were carried out, which resulted in several brands that are distinguished by high product quality and light efficiency.
MTF Light Kit
There are several automotive parts included here, including H7 low beam bulbs. There is also an ignition unit. The optics have a high level of coherence. There is practically no effect of scattered light during rain.
SHO-ME
This product compares favorably with its competitors by a wide range of luminescence spectra.
Lighting devices that are produced under this brand are suitable for any car. The set includes lamps for cars H7 dipped beam, as well as for products for other socles.
APP Digital Ultra Slim
These are made in Japan. Here you can highlight the ignition unit with compact dimensions, high quality lamps, reliability, as well as a long service life of the bulb.
These are only the highest quality samples of xenon equipment. When making a choice, you need to take into account all the nuances of the market.
It is best to purchase this equipment from direct dealers. This is the only way to get a quality product. The presented brands give a strong and high-quality glow, and with the right settings, these lamps will not blind other road users.
The best of the best
If we consider the standard H7 base, which low beam lamp is better, then it all depends on the brand of car and financial costs. So, as a result of numerous tests and analysis of user reviews, only three leaders meet the entire requirement. These are Osram products, products from the German company Bosch of the Plus 90 series and Hella + 90 lamps.
But the service life of these lamps is very, very short. It is only seven months old. Those who have paid attention to the Koito brand should know that they do not meet the requirements stated by the manufacturer. They are much overpriced than they really are.
So, we examined the features of the H7 low beam lamp and their main manufacturers. We hope you find this review helpful.
head lights- a mandatory part of any car. Traffic safety largely depends on them. And for this reason, automobile concerns tirelessly conduct research and work to improve these lamps, work on the parameters of the light beam, improve technical characteristics and reliability. By conducting a comparative test, laboratories determine which light bulbs are the best.
One of the most common types of automotive lighting are H7 bulbs - they appeared on the market in the second half of the 90s.
Bulbs H7 - description and characteristics
Single-filament type H7 bulbs are used in four-headlight headlights in vehicles with a separate reflector system for high and low beams. But in the vast majority of cases, with the help of H7, light of the near level is provided. For long-range, a less expensive and outdated version of the H1 is used.
In H7, which is typical for the flanged variety, the distance from the flange to the spiral is constant and fixed. This is done in order to ensure that the glow point is constantly present in the focus of the reflectors.
A test test showed that this produces the correct light. Based on this, it can be emphasized that the accuracy of shapes and sizes affects light and is one of the factors that determine the quality of lamps.
Lamp with H7 base - general view
Today's industry offers motorists various modifications of the low beam H7 lamps. They may have different production technology, parameters characterizing light, and power. For H7, a standard power of 55 watts is adopted. But there are modifications of the H7 with increased power ratings. However, they are only recommended for use in off-road conditions or on closed tracks. In an ordinary car, the use of such lamps will lead to the fact that the electrical power system will be overloaded and fail.
There are the following varieties of H7:
- halogen;
- xenon;
- LED.
After conducting a test and studying the reviews, you can find each of the varieties has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at what features are typical for each modification of the H7.
H7 halogen bulbs
H7 low beam halogen sources have a fairly low cost. They do not need to install additional equipment. They give the right quality light.
They consist of a container, for the manufacture of which they take hard-alloy or quartz glass, incandescent filaments and gas with halogen additives. In fact, it is by far the most widely used variant of low beam lighting today. Their most significant drawback is that they shine at a fairly high operating temperature, which greatly affects the wear rate of the optics. If we talk about the balance of cost and quality, then for H7 halogen products it is optimal.
Xenon bulbs H7
In xenon sources of near illumination H7, light from an electric arc is let in between two electrodes in a glass container with xenon. This is a more modern version that guarantees the correct white-blue light, which is comfortable for the eyes of the driver of the vehicle and does not blind those who are driving oncoming cars. Since they shine without a filament, vibration is not terrible for them - a test test confirms this.
However, xenon bulbs have two significant "minuses":
- The first is a rather high cost.
- The second is the need to install additional equipment, xenon products need an ignition unit.
They are much less common than halogens.
H7 LED bulbs
Experts evaluating the quality and performance of the lamps say that the future of car lights lies with LEDs. The test confirms the prospects of this direction. They are the most economical, durable and resistant to vibrations and shocks. The light from these lamps meets all the necessary requirements, which is why they will be the best option for lighting.
However, their use requires the use of special optics. Some put LEDs in regular headlights. However, this can cause problems. LEDs do not shine pointwise, so conventional headlights do not make it possible to properly adjust the light beam.
The price of LEDs is quite high. Therefore, they are not very widespread in the market. Some manufacturers have developed a design of headlights, where there is no division into light bulbs, reflectors and optics. The test showed that the light of a headlight consisting of all LED lamps is much more effective in providing a view of the road.
Selection of H7 dipped-beam lamps
When choosing H7 lighting sources, consumers often have the question of which ones are better. In this matter, it is best to consider the factors that are most important to you:
- the brightness of their glow;
- lighting comfort;
- durability;
- cost and other indicators
It is better not to pursue cheapness much, especially if it is achieved at the expense of quality. Your safety depends on how well and correctly the light bulbs in your headlights shine - saving on it is very expensive.
Luminous intensity diagram for H7 halogen headlights in the near field of the right shoulder
Diagram of the luminous intensity of H7 halogen headlights in the far field of the right shoulder.
Different manufacturers use their own methods and technologies for making lamps. A comprehensive test evaluates their quality and effectiveness. This avoids knowingly wrong paths in production. However, the same test demonstrates that common paths may differ as a result of vendor implementation.
The most common advice in this area is to take into account the reputation of the manufacturer. However, the products of little-known companies with an unknown reputation are often inferior in quality to products from well-known brands - they almost always shine as they should.
When choosing, you need to know that, in addition to standard products, manufacturers offer options with improved parameters. However, it should be taken into account that the better one indicator, the lower the other - no one has canceled the law of balance.
Therefore, the brighter the light sources shine, the shorter their service life. Conversely, extended life lamps tend to have lower light output. Therefore, standard products, as a rule, are the optimal solution in terms of the balance of all indicators.
Conclusion
H7 bulbs are by far the most commonly used in car low beam headlights. They shine in almost all modern models. The industry today offers their various varieties - the choice depends on those factors that are most important for a particular consumer.
The H7 lamp test turned everything upside down. We're no longer sure we're right when the H4 halogen test results suggested that anyone concerned about safety at night should look for brand name bulbs first. The expensive branded H7 lamps, which we considered as favorites, failed the tests, which was the biggest surprise of this test.
However, various kinds of tests were rich in surprises. Surprises began with the search for a car whose headlight would become a test one. In addition to the fact that there are not so many models where H7 lamps are used in the headlights compared to the wide selection of those using H4 lamps, as soon as a suitable candidate appeared, then with some kind of catch. One headlight needs to be polished, the other has a white coating on the inside of the glass, which is most likely the result of the headlight reflector burnout, the third has something else that can affect the quality of the light.
But here we have a new VW Polo Sedan with headlights in perfect technical condition for testing - thanks "Atlant-M Sukharevo" for providing the car so promptly. If so, we are going with nine lamps, bought back in March at randomly selected retail outlets in Minsk, to the "Resource Center" of the Automotive College named after Academician M.S. Vysotsky.
The SKO-LIGHT-A device is waiting there, designed to measure the parameters of the headlights of vehicles. The device has passed the state verification.
We test the test methodology, but if then the voltage in the on-board network of the test car was maintained at the level of 13.8-14.0 V using a starting charger, now the lamps will be checked with the engine running.
First of all, we appreciated how the regular lamp shines.
There is a small flaw in the picture of the cut-off line - the angle of the "bird" runs parallel to the standard border, but slightly lower than required, which, while the car is moving in real conditions, should slightly worsen the illumination of the right side of the road.
According to the standards above the border in the so-called shadow zone, the luminous intensity should not exceed 750 candela (cd). Otherwise, oncoming and passing (through rear-view mirrors) drivers will be blinded.
Below the border, the light intensity must be at least 1600 cd, otherwise the driver will have to drive the car in low light conditions. The standard lamp met the required parameters of light intensity.
It remains to find out what the Polo Sedan is equipped with at the factory.
Osram! A good choice for a primary configuration, however, we cannot call the reference light of a standard lamp due to an incident with a "bird" angle.
Let's move on to checking the light bulbs purchased for testing. The first was the Neolux lamp, the most inexpensive product we purchased for the test. The German Technology inscription on the front of the box should speak for itself, but the Made in India and India inscriptions on the side of the box and base are much more informative.
It is noteworthy that Neolux was found in two outlets, while the seller of one of them was sure that she was selling German lamps, and was very surprised when I showed her where Neolux was actually made.
However, the Indian lamp was not so bad. To the picture of the cut-off line, the claim is actually the same as to the regular Osram.
"India" should not blind other participants in the movement, and the fact that in terms of light intensity, as it turned out later, it was somewhat inferior to all other participants in the test, can be attributed to its low cost.
Only for 1600 rubles. more expensive Neolux lamp "Dialuch". I will not hide, I was rooting for this lamp. Not in the same way, of course, as I support football BATE, but something like that. Why? Countrymen still did it.
I really wanted that this time the Brest Electric Lamp Plant, surrounded by "foreigners", would not let us down the same way as during the test of H4 "halogen bulbs".
And "Dialuch" did not disappoint. He drew a picture of the cut-off line no worse than Osram and Neolux, and demonstrated the power of light better than "India". You are on the right path, comrades!
Narva was next. Among the inscriptions on the packaging, we again see German Technology, but the base suggests that the lamp was made in Poland.
Let there be Poland. The main thing is that Narva became the very participant in the tests, which left us no chance to find fault with either the pattern of the cut-off line or the magnitude of the light intensity.
When I bought Lynx, I saw the hieroglyphs on the box and decided that it was a Chinese light bulb. After reading on the packaging that the lamp was manufactured by Akita Kaihatsu Y.K., Japan, I doubted whether it was worth taking it for a test.
What catch can be expected from "Japan" with its unsurpassed workmanship? And only the desire to push heads against German Technology and Japan Technology, as well as the fact that we had not experienced Japanese lamps before, prompted the purchase.
From what mistake this desire saved me, it became clear when we saw that Lynx "painted"! At first we thought that the lamp was installed incorrectly in the headlight, but the lamp stood right!
It turns out that Lynx gave out a decent piece of unshaded luminous flux into the shadow zone of the low beam on the left side of the light spot, which will hit the eyes of oncoming drivers and blind passing drivers. If you try to adjust the headlight, lowering the bright part of the spot to a horizontal line so that the headlight does not blind, the lighting on the right side will disappear. This means that the driver of the car in which the Lynx is standing runs the risk of not seeing in time that there is a pedestrian on the side of the road who thinks he is well seen and prepared to cross the road right under the nose of the car. Or horseradish radish is not sweeter - a tractor was left on the side of the road until morning.
However, these were still flowers! Berries began when we checked the strength of the dipped beam "Japanese" above the cut-off line. It turned out to be equal to 1961 candela, which far exceeds the maximum allowable luminous intensity in the shade according to the norms. To make it clear how much this really is, I’ll say that in the test of H4 lamps with a power of 1949 cd, a lamp from the Brest plant shone in the lighting zone. But that is the lighting zone, and here is the shadow - wow, the Japanese have it! You will not envy those who manage to get under the light of a car equipped with Lynx bulbs!
What is the point anyway? Due to how the cut-off line is blurred, it seems that the lamp does not fall into the focus of the headlight. We put Narva, which gave the perfect picture, to the left of Lynx. The difference is visible on the socles, but the distance from the base surface to the incandescent spirals seems to be the same by eye. In general, where the Japanese screwed up is not clear.
After Lynx, it was Patron's turn. This lamp is the only one, the place of production of which we could only guess. The manufacturer did not stint on the inscriptions ISO 9002, Original Quality, TUV, TecDoc, Advanced Technology, but we did not find any indication of the place of manufacture either on the packaging or on the base.
However, there are no other claims to Patron. Slightly lowered bird angle, but isn't that what we've seen in the lamps we've tested so far, with the exception of the perfect Narva and the goofy Lynx?
With the power of light, Patron is also all right.
We change the Patron headlight to SCT White Plasma Xenon. There would be a question about the origin of the lamp, since on the packaging and the base there are indications only of SCT Germany, however, an additional label is pasted on the box, from which it follows that the lamp was made in China.
And again it's not! The shortcomings in the cut-off picture are the same as in the Lynx, perhaps less pronounced.
True, the SCT lamp met the standard indicators of light intensity, but one cannot expect high-quality light distribution from it, no matter how you adjust the headlight.
To be honest, after the SCT, we no longer hoped for surprises, because only representatives of brands remained uncovered from the test participants. So, GE, the place of production is Hungary.
And what do we see? The horizontal section of the cut-off line does not coincide with the normative line, and goes up from the center of the light spot to the edge. If the road is two-lane, this may not be a big deal, but if there are more lanes, it is very possible that the driver of an oncoming car moving in the rightmost lane will not thank the driver who installed GE bulbs in his car.
It is good that at least the Hungarians did not go too far with the power of light.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Philips Vision +30% (manufactured in Poland). At first we thought that by mistake instead of Philips we took the already tested SCT White Plasma Xenon - the picture is painfully similar.
But no, nothing is mixed up. Maybe it was set incorrectly? Again, not that - the lamp in the headlight stands as it should.
We begin to measure the intensity of light - we get 810 cd in the shade, and it should be no more than 750 cd. On the package there is an inscription "+30%". This means that the lamp under test has a 30% increase in luminous flux. But does this mean that at the same time the standard must be violated in the zone responsible for blinding other road users?
By the way, on the packaging of SCT there is also an indication of an additional 30% of light, but this lamp did not cross the normative threshold for light intensity in the shade.
The last test participant is Osram Halogen. We readily believe in the inscription on the Original Spare Part packaging, because what else remains for us if the standard lamps are also Osram?
What we cannot believe is the picture that Osram Halogen drew on the screen of the device! Nothing like the standard lamp, but the problem is the same that was just observed in Philips - unshaded light comes out into the shadow part of the light spot.
What it is fraught with, we will not repeat. And in terms of the strength of light in the shade, Osram Halogen's competitors were only Lynx. I never foresaw that German Technology and Japan Technology would face each other in this way.
However, what kind of Technology is sold in our spare parts market? Why are the markings on the socles of the regular Osram and the one with the Original Spare Part written on the box so strikingly different? Maybe the manufacturers are being cunning when they say that parts for conveyor assembly and original spare parts are produced on the same equipment and using the same technology? None of the other lamps have such a blurry, hard to read marking on the base. Maybe it wasn't Osram in the box at all? And Philips was not Philips at all?! How can we explain the result of Narva, which emerged as the winner in our test, against the backdrop of Philips' performance, if Narva is a subsidiary budget brand owned by Philips?
But maybe we, changing the bulbs, knocked something down in the headlight adjustments? Unlike previous questions, this one is much easier to answer, because the regular Osram must return to its place and, together with the Polo Sedan, go back to the dealer. We put, we look - and we do not find differences with our very first measurement.
| Test results for H7 halogen lamps | |||
| Lamp | Light intensity above the cut-off line in low beam mode (no more than 750 cd) | Light intensity below the cut-off line in low beam mode (at least 1600 cd) | price, rub. |
| Neolux | 667 | 19369 | 43.000 |
| "Dialuch" | 698 | 23093 | 44.600 |
| Narva | 684 | 25916 | 55.000 |
| Lynx | 1961 | 20871 | 60.000 |
| Patron PLH7-12/55 | 721 | 27658 | 75.000 |
| SCT White Plasma Xenon | 731 | 24835 | 85.100 |
| G.E. | 690 | 20541 | 95.000 |
| Philips Vision +30% | 810 | 26547 | 116.000 |
| Osram Halogen | 937 | 23694 | 125.000 |
| Osram regular | 718 | 26607 | out of standings |
Thank you for your help in conducting the "Resource Center" test on the basis of the Automotive College named after Academician M.S. Vysotsky, as well as"Atlant-M Sukharevo" for the provided car.
