With the growth of the audience of my site, many online stores want to know the real characteristics of their LED lamps for cars. Mostly send autolamps with popular socles H4, H7.

I have a negative attitude towards stores that deceive their customers, indicating Chinese characteristics of 4000-6000 lumens. Therefore, I strongly support sellers who want to stop cheating and start indicating real characteristics.

The review involves H4 low and high beam LED lamps provided by a disgruntled motorist.

• 1. Characteristics
• 2. Test conditions
• 3. Comparison according to GOST
• 4. Dimensions
• 5. Size comparison
• 6. Luminous flux
• 7. Installation in the headlight
• 8. Light distribution halogen H4
• 9. Light distribution LED H4
• 10. Power full
• 11. Heating
• 12. Ripple factor
• 13. Driver
• 14. Results

Specifications

The store where the sample was bought positions this H4 model as easy to install and very good in performance. As a visual confirmation, pictures from Andrey Finashin's video are inserted on the page. He manages to compare halogen, xenon, Bi-Led and LED in the headlight adjustment device. He tells a lot and clearly, only half is wrong. Apparently he does not know that there is a special GOST for comparing different light sources. It is impossible to compare a light spot of different shapes under one point and then draw fabulous conclusions from this information. In one of Andrei Finashin's videos, a 1200 lumen H4 LED lamp showed an illumination result 10 times greater than that of a halogen. Illiterate people believe in it, the main thing is to tell convincingly.

Parameter	LED, declared	LED, measured	Philips Halogen
Near	Equivalent to 2400lm	973lm	1000
Further	Equivalent to 2400lm	1270lm	1650
Power	24W	21W	55/60w
Colorful temperature	5000K	5000K	3200K
Supply voltage	12-24V	12-24V	13.2V
Heat	—	180°	350
Life time	10.000 hours	5 - 10 t.h.	1000 hours
Guarantee	7 years	7 years	—
Purpose	head,
For tests, a voltage of 13.2 Volts recommended by Philips and Osram is used.

Many people confuse the luminous flux of LEDs and the luminous flux of a lamp. It is believed that if 140 lm / W is written in the parameters of the LED, then the light bulb will have the same amount. Then they multiply 140lm/W by the wattage of a 20W light bulb and get 2800lm. Although really there is 1200lm.

140 lm/W is based on LED operation under ideal laboratory conditions and is usually the maximum. Under actual operating conditions, 80 lm / watt is obtained. Given the efficiency of the driver, diodes account for only an average of 80% of all power consumption.

Test conditions

For a full comparison of light sources with different characteristics, we use GOST 41.112-2005, which indicates the control points for which measurements are taken. The sample is installed in the headlight of a 2014 Volkswagen Polo.

It is pointless to compare one point at a time in the headlight adjustment device (regloscope), only identical sources are possible. Usually this is the maximum that “pseudo-specialists” who do not know about GOSTs are capable of.

Point description:

1. B50L - blinding the driver;
2. 75R - curb after 75 meters;
3. 50R - roadside after 50m;
4. the number in the name indicates the distance to it in meters, the letter is responsible for the position.

Which H4 bulbs to choose?

A large number of readers ask which lamps to choose and where to buy. If you are interested in high-quality and proven H4 low beam LED lamps, then I recommend the trusted online store www. netuning.ru

I checked 63 shops for LED lamps and only in netuning.ru there are specialists who have expensive equipment for testing automotive LED lamps. The store will pick up the right lamps for you or you can contact me.

Comparison according to GOST

First, I position the headlight with the halogen so that the jackdaw matches. Without changing the position of the headlight, I put a diode one to find out if it matches the jackdaw on the wall or not. Before taking measurements, warm up the H4 LED autolamp for 30 minutes.

Dot	Halogen, deluxe	LED, luxury	Difference in %
B50L	1,3	18,1	+1392%
50L	10,5	19,3	+83%
50V	25	28,8	+15%
50R	26,2	36,9	+40%
75R	35,1	46,7	+33%
Axial force	25	28,9	+16%
Further	43,9	48,3	+10%

From the blinding point of B50L, we see that the blinding of the sample is simply huge 18.1 lux, the halogen has 1.3 lux. It is impossible to operate such an LED autolamp, it is absolutely impossible. This may be a defect in a particular sample, installed other 3 pieces, the result is the same.

In terms of performance at other points, they are superior to halogen. For key points 50R and 75R, an average improvement of 36%.

Dimensions

..

Size comparison

For clarity, let's compare the dimensions with the popular model of LED lamps for cars H4. The photo shows a comparison of the sample with the CL6 autolamp, which is on top.

Location of Philips Z ES LEDs

Light flow

To measure the luminous flux, warm up for 30 minutes. The far section cannot work simultaneously with the near one, so the light beam cannot be summed up.

With the same number of LEDs and power, the low beam H4 gives a lower light output. Due to the reflector covering the diodes, 23% is lost.

• 1270lm - 973lm = 297lm

Although it reflects well and is chrome plated, losses are inevitable.

Headlight installation

Let's check the sample by reducing the distance lighting the road. Some automotive LED reflector lamps shine much lower, thereby reducing the range of illumination of the road. We adjust the headlight so that the halogen jackdaw matches the jackdaw on the wall. Then, without moving the headlight, remove the halogen and put the LED lamp under test.

And we see an irreparable problem, the diode autolamp shines much lower than the halogen one. In order for it to hit the jackdaw, it is necessary to raise the headlight even higher. But the headlight is already in the highest position. This drawback makes the sample unsuitable for installation on a car, because the illumination of the road will be halved. The same thing we see on the pages of the store, it illuminates very low.

Light distribution halogen H4

Light distribution LED H4

Full power

Heat

To measure the heating, we use a calibrated mini-pyrometer. As a result of numerous experiments on measuring the heating of LEDs, the thermocouple had to be abandoned. This pyrometer has a metal edging of the sensor. Plastic at these temperatures begins to melt.

In the table of degrees on the surface of the Philips Z ES LED, the chip temperature will be 10° higher, approximately 183°. According to the specifications, the crystal can be heated up to 150° while maintaining the declared effective life of 50,000 hours. The effective service life is a decrease in light flux by 30% of the original.

At 180° at room temperature, the life will be approximately 10.000 hours. Philips promises 5.000 hours for their H4 auto lamps.

Ripple factor

If you are into lighting, I recommend getting Radex Lupin, the best light meter and ripple meter. It connects to a computer via USB and works in conjunction with the software. The program shows a spectrogram and an oscillogram. I have a second Radex Lupin converted into a device for measuring the luminous flux.

Driver

Results

Given the identified shortcomings, reducing the lighting distance and blinding oncoming traffic, these H4 car lamps cannot be used on the roads. But you can apply for installation in the headlights of the working light or search. Jeepers can put them on their roof as a chandelier.

The price of the kit in the store is 6930 rubles, which is very expensive for such a set of shortcomings. Similar good ones can be bought for 5500 rubles. Of course, the store will be disappointed with the test results. But this will improve your assortment by analyzing your mistakes. Head lighting is responsible for the safety of traffic on the road, for you and other road users. With poor-quality lighting, you will endanger the life of yourself and others.

Most people think that if the design is the same (imitation of a filament), then they will shine equally well. In fact, this is far from the case, I know only 3 good models of good ice lamps with an H4 base. Many people think that changing the headlight in a car is the same as changing a light bulb in a chandelier at home. There are more fools on the roads with this way of thinking than we would like.

The headlights of a modern car are suitable for lamps with a standard H4 base, they are used in two-headlight lighting systems, where each lamp has two spirals - the first is responsible for the low beam, and the second, respectively, for the high beam. The usual power is 55-60 watts.

We will consider H4 halogen and LED lamps. Review of the best 2017-2018 and 2019 will also be presented. In addition, we will figure out what's what for a novice motorist. In this article:

• the best models of halogen, xenon and diode lamps according to professionals;
• choice of users of automotive resources;
• Main characteristics;
• recommendations from users and professionals;
• Answers to frequently asked questions;
• price overview.

We wish you a pleasant reading!

H4 lamps: review of the best 2017-2018

There are several main types of lamps: halogen, xenon and LED.

Halogen or halogen lamps are the most common due to their ease of availability and ease of installation. Standard indicators make them universal for use in any conditions. The main advantages of halogens are the price and easy replacement, and the disadvantages are high power consumption and the lack of adaptive light.

The second among the H4 lamps are xenon. You will have to install them yourself if the car does not have xenon equipment. At a high color temperature adapted to the eyes, you will have to purchase an ignition unit and strengthen the wiring - standard headlights are not designed for xenon - oncoming cars are blinded. The advantages of xenon are bright light and easy replacement for complex installations.

The third type is LED. Diode bulbs H4 updated three generations, increasing reliability and light output, considering low power consumption. The advantages of diodes include simple adaptation, durability and proximity to daylight. The main disadvantage of ice lamps is that if they burn out, you will have to change the entire block headlight.

PHILIPS Racing Vision 150% H4 12V 60/55 W1 3800K

If you want to buy a lamp to increase driving safety, look at the Philips Vision series, which give you better visibility and an excellent light beam. Vision H4 - made of quartz, whose glass and filament can withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees and easily endure sudden changes in working condition.

Pros:

• beam distance;

• territory coverage;

• water resistance;

• heat resistance;
• durability.

Minuses:

• brightness is worse than competitors.

Price: ~1300 r per set

“The dipped beam hits very far and is located where it is needed – in front of the driver’s eyes! And the distant light also pleased.

PHILIPS Racing Vision 150%

Halogen lamps for cars H4 high brightness. Surpasses similar ones in brightness by 30%. It is worth adding that the Korean manufacturer is very responsible for reliability, and their brightness is 1700 lm with temperatures up to 2900K.

Pros:

• quality plinth;
• optimal brightness;

• durable glass;

• reliable brand.

Minuses:

• many fakes.

Price: ~1100 r per set

“The first impression is an optimal price/quality ratio. They shine well, the light is white. In the rain, the road is visible.

MTF Vanadium H4 12V

The best price/quality ratio. Lamps from the company OSRAM have durable glass and high brightness combined with a large angle of illumination at a reasonable cost. This model is durable and the quality of lighting does not fall over time.

Pros:

• brightness;
• reliability;

• durability;

• value for money.

Minuses:

• not found.

Price: ~410 r per set

“Entirely and completely satisfied - the price and quality are completely on the level! Two years worked without problems.

OSRAM H4 Original 12V 60/55W

Sho me H4 6000K

Xenon model Sho-me 6000K, which has no analogues. It has a long service life, excellent base, effective passive cooling, small size, high performance and a unique lens. The uniqueness of the lens is that it neutralizes the blinding effect. Installation does not require an ignition unit, and replacement is carried out strictly according to the instructions.

Pros:

• life time;

• lamps do not blind passers-by;

• wide scope of application;

• beam power;
• simple replacement.

Minuses:

• no additional protection.

Price: ~500 r per set

“Beautiful view, good lighting. The color is white with a slight hint of blue. The quality is one of the best, the price is reasonable.”

Sho me H4 4300K

A high quality H4 bi-xenon lamp that provides excellent visibility in all conditions and is ideal for long journeys. Works with voltage over 30 V and has a moisture-resistant base.

Pros:

• brightness;
• durability;

• do not require special efforts for installation;

• suitable for any brand of car.

Minuses:

• not found.

Price: ~700 r per set

“Surprisingly, there is a real increase in brightness and glow in a colder spectrum. The distant light has become chic!

MTF Light H4

The best twin bi-xenon lamps H4 - MTF-Light with blue bulbs, low beam, double coating andincreased durability. They are 80% brighter than others in their class and have a beam length of up to 15 meters longer. They withstand temperatures up to 4000 K due to UV-absorbing glass and are safe for plastic headlights.

Pros:

• brightness;
• wear resistance;

• special glass;

• scope;

• long beam of light.

Minuses:

• not found.

Price: ~570 r per set

“Very pleased with the lamps. Soft yellow light is good in bad weather and performed well as a distant one.

CARCAM H4

In the ranking of LED lamps H4 is allocated to CARCAM H4. They differ from their class in increased brightness, illumination angle and built-in powerful cooling system. The luminous flux is 4000 lumens, which gives excellent light at any time.

Pros:

• thoughtful case;
• fan;

• quality radiator;

• good brightness.

Minuses:

• not a very popular brand.

Price: ~2990 r per set

“They shine many times better than any halogens, there are no words for high beams at all.”

H4 ZES X3 Partol

Good LED head lamp H4, r Works on the basis of ZES series chips. The advantages include compactness, brightness and reliability. improved focusing of standard headlights and the presence of a copper core, giving durability.

Pros:

• wear resistance;
• bright light;

• resistance to temperature extremes;

• lifetime;
• power.

Minuses:

• body is not very durable.

Price: ~4300 r per set

“Headlights make a local day ahead of the car. I advise everyone who wants a good light for themselves.

H4 ZES X3 Partol

INTERPOWER H4 LUMILED S

Time-tested lamps with a durable housing and reliable emitters made of modern optical material, which provides very bright radiation - the luminous flux of each varies from 2300 to 3700 lumens with a power of only 20 watts. This reduces the load on the generator.

Pros:

• profitability;
• reliability;
• brightness.

Minuses:

• not a new model.

Price: ~8200 r per set

"Light with a pleasant yellowness of incandescent lamps, they do not heat up, the wires do not break in the cold."

INTERPOWER H4 LUMILEDS

The best LEDs - Philips H4 X-treme Ultinon LED with 200% more brightness than halogens of the same class. Manufactured using SafeBeam technology, which gives good durability and correct light output at a light temperature of 6500K. This LED bulbs H4, low/high beam which is almost perfect for headlights.

Pros:

• reliability;
• durability;

• temperature regime;
• brightness.

Minuses:

• not found.

Price: ~8200 r per set

“Great, no regrets. The light is white, bright and powerful - halogens are resting. Yes, I would say even xenons are resting.

Philips X-treme Ultinon LED H4

Comparative table of presented lamps

Next, we will consider in numbers what the models we have listed are. The table shows xenon, halogen and LED bulbs H4. Review of the best 2017 - 2018 year in terms of light flux, operating power, voltage and color temperature.

Model/Indicator	Light flux, lm	Power, W	Voltage, v	Color temperature, K
PHILIPS Racing Vision 150% H4 12V 60/55W1 3800K	1650	60	12	3800
MTF Vanadium H4 12V 60/55W, 5000K	991	60	12	4250
OSRAM H4 Original 12V 60/55W	1650 1000	60	12	3200
Sho me H4 6000K	2600	35	12	6000
Sho me H4 4300K	2600	35	12	4300
MTF Light H4	1297	60	12	3898 3805
CARCAM H4	4000	40	12	5500
H4 ZES X3 Partol	2500	50	24	5000
INTERPOWER H4 LUMILEDS	2300 3700	30	30	5000
Philips X-treme Ultinon LED H4	1500	23	12	6500

Lists of the best!

When choosing lamps for auto light, everyone is guided by their own criteria, choosing which one is better. Therefore, we will give several ratings based on customer reviews and Internet users.

Trips at night, no matter how dangerous and uncomfortable they may seem, are inevitable. To ensure traffic safety in such difficult conditions, each car is equipped with a number of special devices, the most important of which are lighting devices. The quality of road lighting and the detail of the view directly depend on their condition and level of equipment.

About which lamps are best suited for the right low beam, and what to look for when choosing them, Dmitry Kulkov, specialist of the FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies technical center, service manager of the KIA FAVORIT Koptevo auto center, told.

What determines the quality of headlights

Today, almost a third of cars are equipped with insufficiently effective headlights. The main reason for poor luminous flux is the improper technical condition of the equipment. The main reason for poor luminous flux is the improper technical condition of the equipment and the mismatch of the direction of the luminous flux. But in some cases, to improve the visibility of the road, a simple replacement of a light bulb, polishing the headlight and adjusting the direction of the headlight beam is required.

How to choose the right lamp?

To date, the market offers a wide range of lamps from various manufacturers. However, among the variety of expensive and affordable artificial light sources, it is important to figure out which lamps are best placed in the dipped beam of your particular car. Depending on the type of lamp, they may differ in their functionality.

1. Xenon lamps guarantee excellent visibility on the road, even in rain or snow. An important advantage of such lamps is their relative safety for the human eye. Xenon light is similar to natural daylight and, even if you drive for several hours at night, you will not feel very tired. At the same time, the declared lifetime of xenon is about 3000 hours with a power consumption of only 35 watts. The only drawback of xenon bulbs is the high cost.
2. Halogen lamps are also used for installation in headlamps. A feature of such incandescent autolamps is the bulb filler - an inert gas. Speaking about the amount of luminous flux received, "halogens" are less efficient than xenon, however, the price of such lamps compares favorably. Besides, halogen lamps have a wide choice of standard sizes and service life about 4000 hours.
3. LEDs can also be put in the optics of your car. The diode-type lamp has a particularly long service life - about 50,000 hours and a low voltage level of only 12 V. LEDs are often installed in the headlights of foreign cars, as well as in conventional fog lights. This type of small-sized lamps does an excellent job of providing bright low beam, as well as additional illumination. If these are non-original headlights designed for the use of LEDs, they do not provide the required shape of the luminous flux. A reliable heat dissipation design is required.

Lamp classification

Depending on the purpose, the special design of the bulb, as well as the filaments, spirals and base, all head lighting lamps are divided into certain types in accordance with the requirements for UNECE car lighting devices. The most common bulb types are the internationally regulated H4 double filament bulb and the H7 single filament bulb found in vehicles older than 20 years. Both options are used in the conventional two-headlight CR type lighting system adopted in Europe. The best lamps with H4 and H7 sockets are produced by well-known companies such as Hella, Philips, Osram, IPF, IL Trade and MTF-Light.

Auto lamps H4

H4 bulbs, thanks to two filaments, are used for both low beam and high beam. Due to the fact that modern manufacturers offer many modifications, it is necessary to know the characteristics of the H4 bulb which best suits your optics system. In general, all lamps of this type have a standard power of 60-65 W, the mode of operation for high or low beam is regulated by the automatic selection of the appropriate electrode. After the release of the law on the mandatory use of dipped-beam headlights in the daytime, H4 lamps with an increased service life appeared in stores. Now you can use such a lamp around the clock without damaging the car. On the modern spare parts market in 2018, there are several categories of H4 automotive lamps:

• Regular lamps that are installed on the car at the factory;
• Lamps with increased luminous flux;
• Versatile lamps that provide visual comfort. Such lamps can replace fog lights;
• Lamps of increased power, which are used in combination with additional electronic equipment that protects the generator and electrical wiring of the car from overload.

Auto lamps H7

A relatively new version of the automotive lamp - with a base H7, which has a light flux of increased brightness, enhanced by the inclusion of halogen vapors of bromine and iodine. The filament of such a lamp is made of special high-strength tungsten alloys. Before putting a similar lamp in your car headlight, consult which H7 lamps are better. A detailed review of most h7 halogen lamps shows that they all have a guaranteed long service life. Distinctive features of lamps from various manufacturers are power and spectrum, which can vary from warm to cold light.

If you are planning to make a long journey by car, be sure to take care of installing a high-quality H7 high beam lamp. Thanks to the special design of the lamp, equipped with a protective ring, the light of your headlights will not blind drivers of oncoming traffic. When choosing a durable and safe headlight bulb, be sure to pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and the country of origin of the product. Only a lamp produced according to specific specifications can provide optimum driving safety.

If you experience difficulties with the selection or replacement of the dipped and main beam lamps you need, contact the specialists of the technical centers of FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies. An authorized dealer of well-known car brands always has original lamps in stock. Experienced craftsmen will tell you how to make the right choice and, if necessary, promptly replace the lamps in the lighting fixtures of your car.

Winter time is the best season to test low beam car lamps. Not only how your car will look externally at night, but also your safety on the road depends on the dipped beam lamps. But which low beam bulbs to buy? Probably, for many fans, buying halogen lamps is not an easy headache. Unfortunately, lamps are not tires and rims, which are tested by various automotive magazines more than once during the season.

Fortunately, several foreign auto magazines carry out tests, including halogen lamps, thanks to which we can find out which light sources can be purchased. Here is a test of 21 H4 halogen bulbs that were tested by Auto Motor Und Sport magazine from 2014 to 2017.

Despite the fact that the world has long been living in the 21st century and, apparently, this digital age will become the era of LEDs, conventional halogen lamps are still massively distributed throughout the auto world. Yes, the whole world is talking about LEDs, and many car companies have long been equipping their vehicles with expensive, adaptive, high-performance LED light sources. But nevertheless, the vast majority of cars today are still trying to shed light on the night road with halogen lamps.

But are halogen lamps able to compete in quality and level of illumination with modern LEDs, which are constantly rapidly becoming cheaper? This question was answered by the specialists of a German magazine together with the German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association (DEKRA), which is the leader in Germany in checking the technical condition of vehicles.

The test included 21 H4 halogen lamps with improved brightness (according to the manufacturers).*

*Why were improved lighting lamps tested? First of all, in order to check their advantage over conventional halogen light sources and find out if these lamps are really brighter than usual ones.

Bosch Longlife Daytime

Price per pair: about 500 rubles

Light distance: 86 meters

Bosch promises that Bosch Longlife Daytime H4 lamps will last more than 3,000 hours, which is enough for the entire life of the car. By the way, of all the lamps in this test, Bosch Longlife Daytime, according to the manufacturer, has the longest service life.

For a high-brightness lamp, the cost is 500 rubles for 2 pieces, the price is quite consistent with the market. For example, many competitors of this lamp cost more.

During the test, the experts found that due to the extended service life, the brightness of the lamp suffered compared to other competitors.

Although the light distribution is excellent, the Bosch Longlife Daytime H4 lamps still hit close and do not work brightly enough. A range of 86 meters is not the best value among many high-brightness H4 automotive halogen lamps. As a result, as experts note, these lamps are more intended for use mainly in the city.

Bosch Plus Gigalight 120

Price per pair: 1000 rubles

Light distance: 100 meters

The Bosch Plus Gigalight 120 bulb model shines at least 100 meters, which is very good for low beam H4 bulbs. Due to the design of the lamp, the light coming from the base has the shape of an even cone and does not give glare.

The perfect lamp for dark roads. The Bosch Plus 120 Gigalight bulbs are one of the five H4 bulbs in this test that received top marks in the German auto magazine test. The average cost of a set of low beam lamps is 1000 rubles. The only drawback of these bulbs is a short service life of only 350 hours.

Bosch UltraWhite 4200K

Price per pair: 950 rubles

Light distance: 96 meters

For those who do not like the yellow color of the dipped beam, Bosch has developed a Bosch Ultra White 4200 K lamp model that shines with white light (3,640 Kelvin). Although there is a 4200 K designation on the lamp model, which can confuse a motorist. After all, you might first think that the lamps have a glow temperature of 4200 Kelvin. So, of course, do not count on the pure white light of the dipped headlights. But compared to conventional lamps, the glow color of Bosch Ultra White 4200 K is much whiter.

The range of light in these lamps is 96 meters.

Bosch Xenon Silver

Price per pair: 1200 rubles

Light distance: 75 meters

These lamps give a whitish bright and even light, which, according to experts, illuminates the road well in any weather conditions. Brightness and distribution of light at the highest level.

Bosch Plus 90

Price per pair: 1100 rubles

Light distance: 70 meters

Bosch Plus 90 lamps should theoretically be better than Bosch Xenon Silver. But during the test it turned out that this is not so. Yes, the lamps give a wide and bright light, but the light range is noticeably inferior to Bosch Xenon Silver lamps.

Osram Silverstar 2.0

Price per pair: 700 rubles

Light distance: 91 meters

Osram Silverstar 2.0 lamps showed good average results in the test. The lamps have a normal brightness and give a completely uniform glow. The main disadvantage of these lamps is the not very high-quality characteristics of light over 50 meters, despite the light range of 91 meters.

Silverstar 2.0 lamp life is 300 hours. But all the disadvantages are offset by the low cost of the lamps. So the average cost in Russia of two lamps is only 700 rubles. Compared to H4 lamps from Bosch, Osram Silverstar 2.0 lamps are more profitable.

Osram Night Breaker Laser

Price per pair: 1100 rubles

Light distance: 91 meters

These are the brightest H4 low beam lamps offered by Osram. The well-designed cone of the lamp gives a uniform beam of light that hits 95 meters. These are some of the best lamps in this test. Lamp life is 400 hours.

Osram Original

Price per pair: 340-400 rubles

For those who love the usual classic cheap lamps, Osram Original is exactly what you need. Osram Original lamps give the usual normal distribution of light with a not very long range and differ little in characteristics from the same lamps from other manufacturers (Bosch, Osram, Philips or GE). The strength of the lamps is their balance: range of light, brightness, light distribution and service life. This is an excellent choice for those car enthusiasts who do not want to purchase top premium lamps.

Osram Night Breaker Unlimited

Price per pair: 1000 rubles

These lamps are bright, giving the glow of daylight. Lamps give a whiter glow than similar light sources from competitors. Although you should not expect better road lighting from the lamps.

Philips Vision + 30%

Price per pair: 700 rubles

Light distance: 95 meters

The life of these lamps is 700 hours, which is quite good. In all ranges, the lamps in the tests gave excellent results. Experts also noted a surprisingly warm glow. The range of light is 95 meters. These lamps are ranked third among the best in the test.

Given the low price, as well as the fact that these lamps give 30% more light than conventional ones, and given the good performance, purchasing these light sources for low beam headlights is one of the best choices on the market today.

Philips Racing Vision +150%

Price per pair: 1000 rubles

Light distance: 97 meters

These high-brightness lamps shine with a temperature of 3620 Kelvin and beat up to almost 100 meters. In terms of light range, these lamps were second only to Bosch Plus 120 Gigalight. In addition to white light, Philips Racing Vision + 150% lamps provide harmonious, beautiful illumination of the road. The only drawbacks of the lamps are the price and the service life of only 350 hours.

Philips LED Retrofit

Price for a pair: 8710 rubles

Light distance: 115 meters

Philips LED Retrofit are the most expensive H4 car bulbs in this test. These lamps are twice as bright as the most expensive halogen lamps, and also have a long range of illumination, which is 115 meters.

Philips LED Retrofit bulbs deliver an incredibly white light of 6550 K. White you can't get in your low beam headlights with any other halogen bulb.

Philips Long Life Eco Vision

Price per pair: 580 rubles

Don't expect any super-bright performance from these inexpensive lamps. Naturally, these conventional lamps give less bright light, and also do not distribute the beam of light as well as compared to high-efficiency expensive lamps.

But the advantage of these lamps is still there. And what else. Philips Long Life Eco Vision lamps last up to 3000 hours! So, in terms of durability, eternal lamps are in front of you.

Philips X-treme Vision + 130%

Price per pair: 1250 rubles

The illumination range of Philips X-treme Vision lamps + 130% is at high values. As experts noted, these lamps provide excellent illumination of the right edge of the road even in total darkness. These are very high performance premium lamps. But the high efficiency of lamps comes at a price. For example, for 2 pcs. you will pay an average of 1250 rubles.

Xenon Blue Design

Price per pair: 450 rubles

Cheap H4 lamps, despite the bright name, shine dimly. However, for the money you get a relatively good glow. The range of the light beam is 88 meters.

But we would not recommend motorists to purchase halogen lamps, which have the word "Xenon" in their names. After all, this is pure marketing, which is designed to lure the consumer. You understand that for 450 rubles for a pair of lamps you are unlikely to get the lighting that expensive lamps give.

Base Tech H4

Price per pair: 2 euro

Fortunately, these cheap lamps are not represented on the Russian market. Otherwise, our motorists bought these cheap light sources for themselves. According to the results of foreign tests, these lamps showed the worst result and are not recommended for purchase. On the other hand, what to expect from light bulbs that cost 1 euro?

Jurmann H4 100W

Price per pair: 900 rubles

According to the test results, these lamps failed the test due to their low performance. The main disadvantage is the blue bulb, which absorbs a large amount of light. In our country, these lamps are not represented. But these bulbs are included in the test in order to warn car enthusiasts against buying these light sources on Chinese sites.

MTEC Super White

Price per pair: 800 rubles

Another Chinese lamp with a blue bulb, which, like in the Jurmann H4 100 W, absorbs light from the source. Also, these lamps have a very short lifespan. But most importantly, their assembly is curved, which gives the wrong geometry of the glow.

Carlex (ATU)

Price per pair: 8 euro

These lamps are not available for purchase in Russia, as they are not officially presented on the market. By the way, as you can see, these lamps passed the tests, although they received mediocre ratings from experts, nevertheless, unlike MTEC Super White and Jurmann H4 100 W, Carlex (ATU) bulbs are recommended, at least conditionally for purchase. So cheap lamps are not always extremely bad.

Super Star blau 100/90 Watt

Price per pair: 12.5 euros

The lamp testers purchased Super Star blau 100/90 Watt lamps from eBay. As a result, despite the rather high cost, the lamps showed results that show lamps costing less than 6 euros. By the way, the manufacturer of the lamps on the package promises a bright white glow. Yes, the lamps do shine white. But we are not talking about any normal brightness in this case. In Russia, these lamps are not officially presented.

NEOLUX Hammer Blue Light

Price per pair: 1100 rubles

Test result: conditionally recommended

Here are lamps with a glow temperature of 3595 Kelvin, which gives them a whiter light compared to conventional 3100 K lamps.

Unfortunately, the test results of these lamps did not please the experts very much. Especially considering the cost of the lamps. Nevertheless, there is nothing dangerous in these lamps and they give a completely normal glow. But the price did not allow the experts to give the lamps a normal assessment.

For that kind of money, the lamps should give better characteristics.

Outcome

Halogen lamps are doomed to extinction in the near future? Probably still not. Yes, LED lamps have many advantages over halogen light sources. Especially in terms of light range, power consumption and, of course, service life. But the cost of the lamps does not allow them to displace classic car bulbs from the market. For example, Philips LED Retrofit, the cost of which is almost 9,000 rubles!!!

But what about LED lamps worth 1,000 rubles? Of course, such lamps cannot really compete with classic halogen light sources, since, as a rule, such cheap LED lamps are Chinese "handicraft", which, in terms of performance, is noticeably inferior to even ordinary cheap automotive lighting sources. So experts advise staying away from cheap LED headlight bulbs.

How was the lamp test?

The auto magazine Auto Motor Und Sport, in addition to real tests on the road, carried out lamp tests for a long time (from 2014 to 2017) together with the German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association (DEKRA). The test was carried out in accordance with the ECE R 112 standard. Thus, the specialists tested the lamps on a special stand, which used equipment to measure various lighting characteristics (angles, light range, light distribution at different angles, etc.). The measurement results were entered into a computer, which displayed the light curve.

Of course, the head light of the lamps in the headlights must be of high quality so that you can drive along the highway with peace of mind, in bad weather to get the maximum view of the road. But functionality is not everything, every owner of the fourteenth or any other car agrees that the headlights should shine beautifully, because this is a kind of mirror of the soul of your car.

In order for the lighting to be of high quality and look beautiful, you need to focus not only on the characteristics of the h4 lamp - these are halogens that are put on the fourteenth, but also on the headlight unit itself. If the block has an average reflector and diffuser, your brightest lamp is worthless. And they put such blocks from manufacturers of two brands: BOSCH and Kirzhach. For objective reasons, the first wins the second:

• The reflector from Kirzhach is narrow and elongated, contains an internal partition, it does not have an upper wall.
• At BOSCH, on the contrary, the reflector is wide and cut, with full-fledged walls on all sides.

Headlight adjustment

The diffuser is the diffuser, it has no design features; but if we appeal to the characteristics of the reflector, then the Bosch block clearly wins: the design makes the lamp beam brighter and more saturated.

By the way, the headlight will shine much more efficiently if you adjust the direction of the luminous element. It's never too late to learn, especially since the scheme is simple.

In general, the light can be adjusted in the service, the price will be tolerable, or with special devices if you know how to use them and know what they are called. But it's better to look at the following steps and do it yourself:

1. Reduce all suspension settings so that you can equalize the headlight beam angle with peace of mind: see how the suspension springs feel, if the tire pressure is working and if there is a big difference in their sizes.
2. There should be some gasoline in the tank - a half full tank is ideal - plus, there should be no uneven loading.
3. It is necessary to regulate both the low beam and the high beam at once, there are h4 halogen lamps with joint light parameters and separate ones. See what you have and adjust what you need.
4. Checking the adjustment and its simultaneous adjustment are shown in this figure:

Just drive up to a flat wall on a flat area in front of it, tape down the adjustment lines and see if everything fits together.

Now let's talk about what an h4 lamp is. This is the one that is put with headlights on the fourteenth. There is an opinion that in comparison with the nine, the lighting on the fourteenth failed (dim, the adjustment always goes astray). Although, if you are sufficiently versed in this issue, or you have adjusted the adjustment in the service, and the block you have is from BOSCH, it is unlikely that the opinion will turn out to be true.

H4 halogen lamps are light bulbs with a pair of filaments (one filament is responsible for the low beam and the other for the high beam). Naturally, the range of features and differences of lamps of this type cannot be remembered: the characteristic of light, gas composition, spirals, the bulb itself, power, and so on.

The power of the low beam lamp on the VAZ 2114 is standardly 55-60 W, but there are also more powerful lamps - up to 130 W. The problem with them is in terms of heating: the high temperature of the heating bulb can melt the reflector and its own wiring, but their light is so bright and beautiful that it is often not a pity for money for a new reflector and a halogen lamp.

What are halogens?

The h4 lamp review represents only those devices that have been tested (by the way, the h4 lamp test is a bright sight, you can watch the video).

• Standard (factory assembly).
• More wear-resistant (it also happened that such lamps could be ordered as part of the main assembly at the factory).
• The quality of the enhanced stream of light.
• Increased characteristic of the perception of light from the headlight in the oncoming lane.
• Universal lamps for all weather conditions.
• Those with more power compared to the factory assembly.

To figure out which h4 lamps are better, let's look at the comparative characteristics in the testing process. But the main brands of halogens that can stand on the fourteenth: OSRAM h4 standard, OSRAM h4 lightday, GENERAL ELECTRIC h4 standard, PHILIPS h4 long life, NARVA h4 standard.

The brightest halogen lamps

And the first test for the brightest h4 halogen lamps: two diagrams at once, telling how far the light is possible in meters.

Let's see the result:

1. In terms of the high beam parameter, the Light day h4 lamp of the company is in the lead, despite the fact that there were views with the same factory luminous flux amplifier in the row. A good indicator is given by a lamp from General Electric.
2. In terms of the low beam parameter, the leader of the previous characteristic is inferior to its competitors - Harva h4 standard and Osram h4 standard - but this concession is of a completely insignificant nature.

Both diagrams show that the light bulbs from the Gerenral Electric brand are very weak. And the palm can be safely given to lamps like Osram h4.

The second test will be on the best h4 halogen lamps in terms of amplifying the flow of the light beam. And as before, two pictures that represent the results for the low beam and high beam.

In principle, despite the fact that high-luminous lamps can blind all oncoming drivers, they are indispensable for people who have poor eyesight. Recognizing such devices is easy - they always have a mark with a plus of possible lighting in percent (+ 30%, for example). Here are the brands and their models that took part in the test: OSRAM h4 silverstar (+50%), GENERAL ELECTRIC h4 megalight plus (+60%), PHILIPS h4 premium (+30%), PHILIPS h4 visionplus (+50%), NARVA h4 range rover, HELLA h4 light power (+50%), IPF Super Low Beam.

According to the dipped beam criterion, the IPF brand won, a lamp with a power of 80 watts. In fact, it is not the light that is strengthened here, special technologies are not applied, but the power is simply increased, and it can damage the headlight unit!

In terms of high beam, everything has changed dramatically: now the winner is Philips h4 premium with a plus of 30%, leaving the previous leader in low beam far behind.

In order not to miscalculate, you can compare two parameters by average - low and high beam - and remember which lamp costs how much in the car market. Then it turns out that Harve's brand H4 range rover will be the best option for both cases, despite the fact that its devices are relatively inexpensive compared to others.

All-weather lamps

Another test is to overcome adverse weather conditions. These lamps have a special coating on the main surface that transmits light, it colors the light in a yellowish tint, which allows the light to remain contrasting in bad weather conditions.

PHILIPS h4 weather vision, NARVA h4 azuro, GENERAL ELECTRIC h4 oldey, IPF h4 superbeam are the manufacturers that have been tested.

The first parameter (high beam), Philips and Jerenar Electric devices are almost equally good.

In the low beam test, Philips outperforms its classmate in the high beam category to become the sole winner.

Lamp comfort

The test for the best visual perception completes the rating of halogen lamps. What is it all about - we all know about lamps with beautiful white, very bright lighting. They do not hurt the eyes of the oncoming driver, and on the track you get less tired under their influence. Although the light is bright, it is very close in its properties to normal daylight. Beginners may decide that this is xenon. There is also a small inconvenience: the light of these devices is good in normal weather, it is worth walking through the rain, and its drops will reflect the direction of the luminous beam, thereby blinding you.

Here are the companies that tested for this parameter in the low and high beam version:

PHILIPS h4 Blue Vision, NARVA h4 Range Power Blue, OSRAM h4 cool blue, XENOBRITE h4 super white, GENERAL ELECTRIC h4 super blue, IPF Gran Bluez Bulb, IPF White Max Neo Bulb.

In the conditions of the distant light, Osram performed best, in the conditions of the near - Narva. But if again we correlate by average and price category, we get the following winners: NARVA h4 range power blue, OSRAM h4 cool blue, GENERAL ELECTRIC h4 super blue.

The test of lamps for increasing power stands apart, because, in fact, this is a kind of tuning; at the factory, most often you will be offered a standard package of 60 watts. By the way, in theory, very powerful lamps are not at all intended for installation on ordinary handicaps (with a standard block), but they are relatively cheap, they give out a lot of light, which is what attracts car owners. They are usually compared with standard ones, plus, the fact of a possible breakdown of the headlight unit is taken into account.

The most common manufacturers of high-power lamps are Zeno Power Gold, Zeno Plasma. No matter how bitter it is to say, but they both failed in the high beam and low beam test at the same time. On the other hand, this can only please with the preservation of the integrity of the headlight unit.