Travel safety is a complex factor that is determined not only by high technology to protect the lives of people in the car. In particular, a good head light is also responsible for safety in transport. If the low and high beams do not work well, oncoming vehicles will muffle them, which leads to temporary blindness after the passage of an oncoming vehicle. Also, bad headlights do not highlight troubles, bumps and obstacles on the road. Especially dangerous in this case is summer time, when a person can walk along the side of the road or a cyclist can ride. As you can see, a good light can be not just an important link in the chain of safety devices in a car, but a real life saver for the driver, passengers and people around. High-quality H4 halogen lamps are exactly what owners of domestic cars are looking for, since lamps with such a base are found on most modern budget cars.
The H4 base is quite easy to operate, the lamps in the headlights can be easily changed by yourself. It is enough just to unscrew the plastic covers of the headlights under the hood to gain access to the necessary parts of the optics. Next, the old light bulb is removed from the slot, the new one is inserted, and all devices are installed in place. It is very easy to replace lamps, but for this you need to choose high-quality optics elements. Many people prefer to choose lamps based on reviews and other features. Specifications, customer feedback and sellers' opinions become important criteria, but they should also be combined with the idea of the manufacturer. Let's look at the most interesting offers of well-known companies for the H4 base.
Koito VWhite is an excellent choice among Japanese lamps
High-quality lamps of near and far colors in the H4 base can be found from various manufacturers, including old Japanese companies that are already wise with experience in the production of lighting technology. Koito VWhite lamps are designed specifically for Russian operating conditions and meet all the criteria and requirements of our laws. You can safely install Koito lamps in the headlight of your car, since these light sources have a rather long list of advantages:
- significant benefits in terms of durability - the lamp lasts much longer than most competitors;
- Japanese production guarantees the highest quality and full compliance with the specified characteristics;
- the light output on the box is indicated as 100 watts, which scares off many buyers, in fact, the lamps operate at 60-55 watts;
- the light output parameters really correspond to higher power lamps, so that the driver will receive clear benefits;
- lamps work perfectly in headlights of various types, do not melt glass, base and reflectors and do not blind oncoming drivers;
- The manufacturer guarantees long-term operation of the lamp and the absence of a decrease in lighting efficiency.
You can find several offers in the Koito VWhite model line. This is one of the most interesting options on the Russian market, which is suitable for use in virtually any car that supports H4 lamps. Given the fact that most budget car owners need just such lamps, Koito becomes a completely logical and correct decision. You can get significantly more light and very high quality lamp performance if you choose a rather expensive Japanese brand.
Osram Night Breaker - a series of successful lamps
Today, various tests can be found on the Internet that claim that Night Breaker blinds oncoming drivers. These are the machinations of competitors and custom tests. Osram Night Breaker and a number of European halogen headlamps for cars. Osram Corporation regularly tests each of its inventions, so the lamps supplied to Russia fully comply with all the requirements and laws of our country. In addition, Osram Night Breaker lamps in some of their versions are objectively the best offer with such technical advantages:
- amazing light output, excellent illumination expensive in any weather, including rain, wet asphalt and snow;
- excellent fog breaking effect, no need to turn on fog lights;
- pleasant light - blue or white shades of a beam of light with excellent visual effects;
- very high-quality roadside lighting, excellent directional beam of light with good characteristics;
- suitable technical parameters for lamps in budget cars with a power of 55-60 watts;
- relatively low price and excellent performance in a variety of conditions.
However, one minus should be noted, which is inherent in all modern Osram lamps. This is a burnout that can occur both immediately after purchase and during operation in the first months. There are car owners with such lamps in the head light, which indicate the durability of the lighting. But in most cases, along with praise for technical characteristics, there is a condemnation of the fragility of the lamps. The cost of Osram Night Breaker is quite democratic - cheaper than most of its competitors.
Philips X-Treme Vision - amazing light quality
It should be noted that Philips Corporation largely repeats the developments of Osram. The X-Treme Vision series has much in common with the Night Breaker - the same colors and specifications of the light beam. Only Philips has worked on the quality of the lamp itself, so lighting equipment lives longer and performs its functions for years without any tangible problems. This makes lamps much more successful than you might think. Philips X-treme Vision products will change the way you think about halogen lamps thanks to:
- incredible durability of work in various options for the operation of light bulbs, in all weather conditions;
- very high quality lighting on wet pavement, no glare even on fresh ice;
- chic curb lighting - one of the best results among all representatives of lamps in the H4 base;
- light output is much higher than standard 55-60 watt bulbs and most stock lights;
- you can choose the appropriate color of the light beam, starting from white, ending with a blue color similar to xenon;
- the use of such lamps reduces the likelihood of oncoming traffic dimming the light intensity.
The head light in your car should be of the highest quality. This is not just an important point, but in fact one of the main aspects of security. Therefore, it will be better if you give preference to Philips X-treme Vision lamps with clear advantages over most representatives of the middle price range. True, you will have to pay almost one and a half times more money for these lamps than for Osram.
Bosch Plus 90 - a chic and expensive option for headlights
Another representative of lamps with H4 base, which belongs to the high price range, is Bosch Plus 90. The very high light intensity from such lamps makes it possible to operate the car on the highway and in the city - you will never lose your own headlights and be able to control the roadside enough qualitatively. The beam of light travels a considerable distance in front of the car, allowing the driver to respond in time to any changes on the road. The main features of Bosch Plus 90 lamps are as follows:
- the highest resource among all the representatives of standard headlights considered above;
- excellent light output, which is almost twice the performance of stock base lamps;
- unique technology for directing the light beam, which is one of the most important achievements of the company;
- a guarantee from the most famous manufacturer of car accessories and spare parts in the world;
- the highest intensity of illumination, but at the same time the absence of blinding of drivers by the dipped headlights.
Such features offer more than just high quality headlights. Bosch products will take you off the agenda to replace reflectors, headlight lenses or install xenon and other lighting technologies. With Bosch Plus 90 lamps, you can achieve excellent driving safety and get all the necessary features of a car headlight. But you will have to pay a lot for this option, so the choice is always yours. We offer a small test of halogen lamps of the most popular brands:
Summing up
There are many solutions for different vehicle variants in the head light area. You can use standard stock lamps or put in a completely different lighting technology. In any case, all actions will be aimed at increasing the luminous flux and intensity of illumination of the road. Therefore, for starters, you can simply try to change the lamps to better and more modern ones. With today's incredible lighting from other drivers, staying in the factory light is simply impossible.
If you want to drive on the highway without the feeling that your headlights are not on at all, use quality modern lamps. In conditions of a general increase in the intensity of lighting, it is necessary to constantly increase the brightness of the own light in the car. This is your safety and your comfort of the trip, so for such purposes it is quite possible to pay quite a lot of money. And which set of lamps for low and high beams in the H4 base do you choose?
Experienced drivers know that the safety of driving off-road, at night, in fog or in rainy weather depends not only on the ability to handle the car, but also on the degree of illumination of the road. Therefore, car owners often try to replace the standard stock optics in the head light with halogen lamps with increased brightness.
In this case, double-helix with an H4 base are considered ideal. We have compiled a rating of the best H4 lamps for a car, so that when choosing, each driver can choose the best light source for himself.
Before buying any optics, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of the car manufacturer and the selection criteria. Points about optimal light sources can be found in the operating instructions. In addition, you should adhere to the indicators:
- Power. It is better to pay attention to lamps that produce no more than 60 / 55w, otherwise there is a risk of creating an emergency on the road due to blinding light towards oncoming drivers.
- Service life. To date, there are lamps with an extended service life on the market. This is because there has been an increased need for daytime running lights for greater safety on the roads.
- How much more powerful the light effect. It is not recommended to rely especially on this indicator, because due to the structure of the headlight, it is not always possible for illuminators with enhanced brightness to show the manufacturer's promised 30 - 50% of the light additionally.
- Hue. Yellow products from the all-weather category are considered the safest, due to the fact that during precipitation they do not blind the driver. While the white lights are reflected and can create the effect of a snow wall, through which it will be difficult for the driver to pass.
- visual comfort. The most comfortable light temperature is created by lamps that give out light with the xenon effect, which is closest to daylight, so it does not tire you during a long ride.
By price
The average price for lamps with an H4 base is about 900 rubles. There are also very cheap goods of this category on the market for 100-200 rubles. However, it is not recommended to buy them, since most likely this is not a very high-quality Chinese product that is unable to perform the functions designated for it.
Most often, such lamps give out the wrong lighting, directed upwards or sideways, so you can not use it. Even if the manufacturer claims that the lamp has an increased luminous flux or resource, in reality everything turns out to be completely different and the money will be wasted.
It is better to understand all the characteristics in advance and buy a quality product from a trusted manufacturer that can last a long time and effectively.
Which firm is better?
H4 illuminators are produced by a huge number of companies offering automotive products. There are both long-established brands with an established reputation on the market, as well as very young enterprises that have managed to loudly declare themselves.
However, experienced drivers know that they need to trust proven brands, the reliability of which has been proven for many years. These include:
- Philips. A Dutch brand focusing on health care products, home appliances and lighting products.
- Osram. Manufacturer from Germany, which actively uses high technology in the development of lighting fixtures.
- M.T.F Light. Domestic manufacturer offering consumers high-quality auto light.
The best H4 halogen bulbs for cars
This section presents the simplest halogen lamps. With these bulbs, manufacturers didn't go after improved sharpness, longer life, or better color temperatures, so they managed to keep the cost fairly low.
In addition, typical power, sharpness and durability factors make these models the most versatile for any environment. According to their own technology, halogen lamps are next to ordinary light bulbs. The vessel has the same thread. The difference is that here, instead of empty space, the vacuum is filled with passive gases with Br or Cl.
In addition, it should be noted that in the H4 models there are 2 filaments at the same time. One of them is responsible for the near, and the second - for the main beam. Moreover, the characteristics of the glow and its temperature can be completely different. Below is the TOP of the best in this category.
2nd place: OSRAM ORIGINAL LINE H4
Well suited for driving in bad weather conditions, the light output reaches ten meters further than standard specimens.
It does not blind oncoming drivers and was equipped with more advanced properties during manufacture, for example, due to the yellowness of the light, which is distributed evenly, its reflection will not appear at high humidity.
Provides a comfortable ride in fog and twilight conditions.
The average price is 200 rubles.
OSRAM ORIGINAL LINE H4
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- Good lighting ability in bad weather conditions;
- Provides comfortable illumination of neighboring lanes;
- Warm and eye-catching light.
Flaws:
- Overpriced.
1st place: GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 STANDARD
The American model also belongs to budget halogen lamps, while giving a clear cut-off line and high brightness of the light beam. Despite the low cost, it boasts good quality.
The average price is 150 rubles.
GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 STANDARD
Advantages:
- Does not blind oncoming drivers;
- Price;
- Diffuses light well.
Flaws:
- The resource is lower than that of competitors.
Best H4 Halogen Bulbs with Extended Durability
This section includes the best representatives of halogen bulbs, which significantly stand out among rivals with a massive reserve of stability and, as a result, a longer service life.
2nd place: OSRAM ULTRA LIFE
Durability is one of the most important characteristics that you should concentrate on especially carefully when buying a headlight for a car. OSRAM ULTRA LIFE guarantees car enthusiasts about 4 years of good operation (or 100 thousand km), which, taking into account everyday use, is a very impressive period of time.
In addition, thanks to the "warm" lighting with elements of yellow, it will not dazzle other drivers on the road. An improved device with a silver cap makes it possible to install OSRAM ULTRA LIFE in clear headlights.
The average price is 500 rubles.
OSRAM ULTRA LIFE
Advantages:
- The manufacturer provides a 4-year warranty;
- Improved design.
- Flaws:
- Low light;
- The cost is more when compared with similar lamps.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
1st place: PHILIPS H4 LONGLIFE ECOVISION
The main advantages of this product are environmental friendliness and tangible savings. Suitable for every type of focusing, gives four times longer life than standard ones. Glass of the best quality can withstand +800 °C without breaking. A bunch of white-yellow shade allows you to drive a car with comfort even in bad weather.
The average price is 400 rubles.
PHILIPS H4 LONGLIFE ECOVISION
Advantages:
- Overview of the surrounding space at a high level;
- For a long time, no replacement of lighting is required;
- Very overestimated service life;
- Price.
Flaws:
- There are also fast-burning specimens.
Best High Sharpness H4 Halogen Bulbs
Compared with European countries, many roads in Russia are still not equipped with artificial light. It is for this reason that drivers, often moving between settlements at night, are forced to use lamps with increased sharpness in order to guarantee a longer and larger beam of light. Demand creates supply.
Manufacturers began to produce lamps with sharpness of 50% or more. Intriguingly, this is achieved not by increasing the power of the light bulb (they still range from 55 to 60 watts), but by using more refractory metal materials in the filament and supplying a mixture of gas into the bulb under high pressure.
It should be noted that when installing these models, the driver must take responsibility for setting the headlights so as not to blind the cars moving towards them. In addition, it is worth remembering that sharpening reduces the durability of the product, although only slightly. The lamps below are the best examples of H4 in this category.
2nd place: OSRAM H4 NIGHT BREAKER UNLIMITED +110%
The model is one of the most popular lines of the company, which has earned love and popularity among motorists for a long time on the market. This lamp has good brightness, as well as high color temperature and resource.
The average price is 800 rubles.
OSRAM H4 NIGHT BREAKER UNLIMITED +110%
Advantages:
- Brightness - +110%
Flaws:
- Overpriced.
1st place: PHILIPS H4 3700K X-TREME VISION +130%
It is the brightest when compared with all similar ones on the market. The increased sharpness of the light stream by 130% and the brightness range of 45 m made it possible to form the ultimate convenience and safety for the car owner.
After all, the farther a motorist sees the road in the dark, the higher the likelihood that he will respond to a possible threat. The lamp makes it possible to increase the view 45 m ahead, increasing the response time by 2 s. In addition, the PHILIPS model boasts increased durability thanks to the use of quartz glass with an ultraviolet filter.
The average price is 1050 rubles.
PHILIPS H4 3700K X-TREME VISION +130%
Advantages:
- They shine much brighter than conventional lamps;
- Comfortable to ride at any time of the day;
- Bright white glow.
Flaws:
- High, according to buyers, cost;
- Drivers complain about the operational failure.
Best H4 Xenon Effect Halogen Bulbs
Models of this type are also called "enhanced visual convenience" bulbs. With a color temperature that is higher than that of metal halide (xenon) models, the samples in this group guarantee maximum comfort for the eyes, since the temperature from 4000 to 4500K is most similar to natural light.
In addition, this lighting is better reflected from signs on the roads, which allows the motorist to notice them in advance than with conventional headlights.
But it should be borne in mind that in the race for trends, the driver is able to face such a difficult and even serious phenomenon as a light curtain. This is a situation in which white-tinted lighting is reflected from rain or snow drops and returned to the motorist's eyes, as a result of which he sees only a thick white fog. Because of this, during frequent skiing in adverse weather conditions, experts advise buying models with a hint of yellow.
If the design of the car is much more valuable for the driver, then you should take a closer look at the following lamps.
2nd place: BOSCH H4 GIGALIGHT PLUS 120
BOSCH's gas-filled models provide half the amount of light compared to conventional halogens.
It is the most expressive and powerful bulb in the BOSCH series, providing the ultimate in driving comfort and safety for everyone in the car.
Specialized blue spraying made it possible to obtain a true white tint of light, very reminiscent of natural daylight. Improved durability and light output ensured Bosch Gigalight 2nd position in this top.
The average price is 1,000 rubles.
BOSCH H4 GIGALIGHT PLUS 120
Advantages:
- Deep light, much better than ordinary;
- Long service life;
- Easily installed.
Flaws:
- Not detected
1st place: KOITO WHITEBEAM III PREMIUM 4500K
The high-temperature model of KOITO company from Japan occupies the first line in this section. The xenon effect was achieved by increased pressure in the retort and increased temperature of the filament light. Therefore, it turns out that the illumination is similar to xenon (from 4,000 to 4,500K), in other words, 50% more intense when compared with ordinary models. In addition, Koito WhiteBeam has typical power and does not generate excessive heat.
The average price is 1,500 rubles.
KOITO WHITEBEAM III PREMIUM 4500K
Advantages:
- Very intense glow, good visibility;
- Quite infrequently they fail;
- Do not blind oncoming motorists.
Flaws:
- They do not illuminate the road very well in adverse weather conditions;
- High, according to buyers, the cost.
Best H4 LED Bulb for Car
Models of the LED type began to be used recently, but quickly won the hearts of drivers. This is due to their increased durability, high quality lighting and budget cost.
1st place: PHILIPS LED X-TREME OLTINON 6200K
This LED LED is an elite class model with special cooling systems to reduce heat. This contributes to an increase in the operational period up to 12 years.
There is also a Safe Beam function, thanks to which the light beam is directed only to the destination, which eliminates the possibility of light entering the eyes of oncoming drivers. Lamps are easy to install.
The average price is 9,000 rubles.
PHILIPS LED X-TREME OLTINON 6200K
Advantages:
- Top class quality;
- Compliance with ISO standards;
- The highest brightness;
- The whitest color;
- Increase in the controlled zone;
- The mode of operation does not affect longevity.
Flaws:
- Users note a high percentage of breakdowns;
- Price.
Best H4 Bixenon Bulb for Car
Bi-xenon models with a 3-pin H4 base are positioned for leading optics with a single double-filament halogen bulb that combines low and far illumination.
1st place: MTF-LIGHT NEW H4 4300K
MTF-LIGHT developers have made every effort to make the modified lamp one of the best bi-xenon models on the market.
Small dimensions and comfortable installation make it easy to mount the device in a car, even for beginners. Excellent resistance to mechanized impacts guarantees long-term wear resistance. Ignition time is less than 5 s.
The average price is 2,300 rubles.
MTF-LIGHT NEW H4 4300K
Advantages:
- Assembly in Korea;
- Vibration resistance.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Practical comparison of individual lamp models in the video:
What is the difference between an H4 bulb and an H7 bulb?
Halogen lamps H4 and H7 have several significant differences, but both types are used for headlights. H7 is a newer type with improved features. For example, the life of an H7 is twice as long as that of a lamp with an H4 base.
However, the second type is more common due to the standard set of qualities, besides, the H7 is suitable for more modern cars with free-form headlights. Of the two types in common - quartz glass that blocks ultraviolet rays. The difference lies in the design of the base, and also in the fact that H4 is double-stranded, and H7 is single-stranded.
How to install correctly?
In order for the lamps to serve for a long time and efficiently, some recommendations should be followed during installation:
- When installing a halogen lamp in a headlight, you should not touch its bulb, because your fingers may leave a light greasy coating that will burn and cloud the glass. Due to soot, the lamp will cool worse and eventually melt;
- Do not install a model with a plinth that does not fit into the socket in the reflector housing. Subsequently, when shaking, it will shift and the beam will be directed incorrectly. If such a situation has developed, it is better to use a special adapter during installation;
- After replacing the lamp, it is imperative to check the tightness of the headlight in order to exclude the possibility of dirt getting in, which, when exposed to elevated temperatures, will burn and it will be impossible to clean it. The lamp will have to be changed.
Which model of optics with H4 base to choose, each driver decides based on individual needs and capabilities. There are a lot of solutions for various car options in the head light area. The main thing when choosing, remember that safety on the road and driving comfort depend on the intensity of lighting, and pay attention only to high-quality and modern models from trusted manufacturers.
In one of the online communities, I came across a note by a young driver from Tambov, who painted the headlight bulbs of his old BMW green. And no one condemned. On the contrary, his enthusiasm was shared by two dozen people. Moreover, the topic was supported by other motorists. It turned out that a lot of cars with multi-colored "eyes" drive around the city.
Light tuning is booming. The reasons are different: one thinks that the headlights of his car do not shine brightly enough, another wants to look cooler, the third thinks that it is beautiful. Most often, you see the results of such alterations on budget models, and their owners choose the appropriate methods.
One of the simplest is replacing the standard light sources in the headlights with something like that. There are more than enough offers: from lamps of increased power to LEDs. And no alterations - pulled out one light bulb and put another one in its place. Before the inspection, it is not difficult to return to the legal option again. That's what pulls people to experiment.
We wrote about the shortcomings of the "miracle" lamps more than once - the last time Mikhail Kolodochkin spoke about them in the first issue of "Behind the Wheel" for this year. Therefore, I will not insist that such lamps do not shine well and can even cause a fire. Reading morality to mature individuals, especially creative ones, is a useless exercise. I’ll just show with examples how poorly this “light music” performs its direct duties.
BULBS OR RIGHTS
By putting non-standard lamps in the headlights, we change the design of the car's head light, which means we risk losing our driver's license. Traffic police inspectors have the right to stop a car with suspicious headlights and send it to a car impound, and the headlight itself to a laboratory for examination, which will issue a conclusion on whether the lighting technology meets technical standards. If not, then the driver (yes, who was driving at that moment, because he had to check the technical condition of the car before starting the movement) is deprived of his rights by the court under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation for a period of six months to a year. Is it worth the risk?
darkness of light
Even in a small roadside store, you are sure to find an alternative to regular lamps. If I set a goal to collect all the sources of automotive light that are offered by market dealers, Internet sites and chain parts stores, this material would stretch to half the magazine. Therefore, I will limit myself to the six most interesting specimens that have fundamental design differences.
All the lamps I bought without any modifications can be installed in headlights designed for the most inexpensive and popular H4 lamps (P43t base). The seventh was a set of standard lamps manufactured by Philips - we need them as reference ones.
The experiment consisted of two parts. First, all the lamps were tested for compliance with the current requirements of UNECE Rules No. 112-00 at the stand in the laboratory of the Research and Experimental Institute of Automotive Electronics and Electrical Equipment (FSUE NIIAE). Then - field tests to confirm or refute (it happens) the theory in practice: we inserted different lamps into the headlights of Largus in turn to find out how they illuminate the road.
Laboratory work
We are on the threshold of NIIAE. The head of the laboratory, Nikolai Bazin, took us to the room where lighting equipment is being tested - this is a long dark corridor with measuring equipment. To start testing, everything is ready - a headlight with a standard lamp is installed on the stand.
Turn on the light. A luminous flux is projected onto a screen located at a distance of 25 meters - the light distribution is assessed visually (how clear the boundary between light and shadow is), and the light meter photocell measures the illumination at several control points. First, using a goniometer (a device for high-precision measurement of angles), the expert set the exact horizontal position of the headlight. This is a control point in the so-called zone III - the "dark territory" located above the light border. The first data appears in the dimension table. Nikolai turns the headlight to the angle specified in the methodology and takes measurements at three other points: B50L (the face of the oncoming driver at a distance of 50 m), 75R and 50R (objects on the side of the road at 75 and 50 meters, respectively).
Stock lamps have been tested. Using the same method, we drive the remaining six sets. We fix the light distribution in the photo, and summarize the measurement results in a table. The data obtained confirmed our fears: of the six "miracle" lamps purchased, only one passed the test.
ClearLight X-Treme Vision H4 halogen lamps (pictured on the left) cost 1000 rubles per pair and supposedly give 120% more light power (as it is written on the box) with a resource increased by as much as five times! On the front side of the box there is a large inscription Germany, and without any explanation. On the back, "Made in China".
In the center is a set of Narva lamps with “xenon effect” (Xenon white). Place of production - Poland. And here is the inscription: Not for use in Europe (“Not for use in Europe”). It's strange, because European rules apply in Russia. On the back of the box there are English inscriptions not translated into Russian, indicating that the kit is “not for public roads” and “only for sports tracks”. Here is the Rostest badge, but there are no European certification designations. The cost of the kit is 600 rubles. Sold in an online parts store, the sellers of which did not say a word about the specifics of the lamps.
Lamps brand MTF Light (right) packed smartly and cost 1100 rubles. They are called Aurum ("Gold"; apparently, because of the yellow color of the flasks). Sold as "all-weather". The seller explained that it is better to ride with them in rain and fog. On the box is a large inscription Made in Quality (literally: "Made in quality"). And smaller: "Made in Korea." Seoul office address.
LED MAS (left) of unknown origin (presumably from China). Set - 1500 rubles. True, exactly the same light sources, but without blister packaging - half the price. The sellers said that these lamps do not know how to shine, and began to persuade them to purchase expensive LEDs (from 5,500 to 13,000 rubles per set). But we refused, not only because of the crazy price, but also because of the specific design - their bulky external radiators will not allow you to install headlight covers.
Another "LED car lamp" H4 brand DLED - pictured in the center. The manufacturer indicates Russia, instead of the address - a mobile phone number. The nondescript box shows the dimensions of the product, the number and type of LEDs - 18 5050 SMD, as well as the luminous flux - 270 lm (lumens). No certification badges. But there is a tricky inscription: “The address of the plant and compliance with GOST, see the certificate of conformity. Ask the seller for a certificate. And the seller just shrugged it off. The price of the kit is 800 rubles.
In the photo on the right - the same box, the same manufacturer. Only the sticker is different - it says that the light source has six Epl HP LEDs, and the luminous flux is 900 lm (like a 55-watt H4 halogen). Judging by the appearance, the elongated flask of this product acts as a radiator, which is already causing concern. For a set - 2664 rubles. However!
Nikolai Bazin, head of the testing laboratory for light and sound signaling devices and light sources for vehicles and trailers
The parameters of light sources that are installed on cars, motorcycles and other equipment are specified in the relevant UNECE rules and Russian GOSTs. The technical regulation of vehicles 018 is in force in the Russian Federation, according to which lamps in cars on public roads must comply with UNECE Regulation No. 37. The head light can only be neutral white, with a clear cut-off line, with sufficient intensity at control points and not causing blinding oncoming drivers .
LEDs adapted to the base of a halogen lamp, depending on the power, give a dim light or, conversely, dazzle oncoming people, since they are not structurally able to form a directional beam of light. In addition, weak LEDs do not heat the headlight enough, as a result of which it will fog up and freeze.
You should not chase after halogen lamps of allegedly increased brightness (with inscriptions on the boxes "+ 100%" or "+ 120%"). They only mean that in the reference headlight, this lamp illuminates one of the control points better than the lamp of the same brand of the previous generation. And in other conditions, the light may be worse. Colored flasks can increase the contrast of the picture, but only under certain conditions. So, yellow slightly improves visibility in rain or fog, but in clear weather it can be seen worse. But with blue light, the opposite is true. In any case, what and how you will see does not depend on the color of the light beam, but on its source and settings. In order for headlights to shine well, they must be kept clean and properly adjusted.
Roads and results
Looking at the results of laboratory tests, you understand what awaits us on the road. But we decided not to deviate from the original program and see what drivers will see from their cars, in the headlights of which “beautiful” lamps are installed. The results are in the photo gallery below.
By the way, we arranged additional tests for the ClearLight X-Treme Vision lamps that met the standards, leaving them in the headlights of the editorial Largus: let's check if they live as long as the standard ones.
Experts believe that light sources with increased luminous flux suffer from a resource. Let's go - we'll see.
How do other lights work? Badly. Look at the photos - even comments are not needed. A driver with a sober head will not put such headlights in his car. Conclusion: for headlights designed for H4, buy only the corresponding lamps - ordinary double-filament H4 halogens with a power of 60/55 W. Without any improvements and tricks. And even more so, no LEDs and pseudo-xenons! The Rostest and European certification badges (letters EAC in a square or E in a circle) on the packaging will serve as confirmation that the products are certified.
And let professionals do experiments with lighting equipment in laboratories and at closed ranges.
We thank the specialists of the Research and Experimental Institute of Automotive Electronics and Electrical Equipment for their help in preparing the material.
With insufficient visibility on the road, whether it be a highway or city streets, the need for good appears by itself. And it's not just about the car being visible to other motorists or just the desire to follow the rules of the road, but also your own safety and confidence in an accident-free and accurate trip.
In order not to miss pits and potholes in the dark, you need to purchase halogen lamps, and make a choice in favor of increased brightness. The following are examples of the highest quality options related to type H4.
General concepts
A serious approach to the choice of light bulbs is actually a matter of life and death. With an incorrect choice, there are often cases when halogens or shine too brightly and blind oncoming road users. In another scenario - on the contrary - the light output is extremely low. Both options are potentially capable of causing an emergency.
In general, car headlight lighting depends on two fundamental things - this is the lamp used and the design. But since time immemorial, there have been no problems with the latter, all vehicles undergo the most serious checks in terms of technical control, and headlight reflectors do not occupy the last place in this hierarchy. Therefore, only the light bulb remains, it is quite possible to install or replace it yourself.
The production of light bulbs for cars has a century-long history, therefore, the experience, technology and knowledge of various companies is at a high level, especially in a competitive environment. Moreover, the design and circuit diagram based on two (dipped and main beam) filaments have not changed.
However, this does not mean at all that everything is done from the point of view of the quality area. Manufacturers are introducing more and more new technologies to improve their product. This is expressed in the addition of one or another halogen gas, the presence of additives in it, soldering of contacts, spirals, protective and improving the light indicators of application to the flask.
How to make a choice
When designating on packages, manufacturers often write an increase in brightness as a percentage. The nomenclature is filled with variants of light bulbs with an excess of standard brightness from 20 to 100 percent and more.
When measuring the degree of illumination of lamps with increased self-efficacy H4, the following tests are used: a specialist installs a halogen lamp in a special reflective device. The required value should be sought in the middle of the light spot, both for the filament of the low beam and the far beam. The device luxometer measures the value of illumination, moreover, the light bulb is at a respectful distance from the device. The measurement is in kilocandelas.
For a detailed analysis, it is necessary to give examples of testing and the results obtained for various manufacturers of high-brightness H4 automotive lamps, which are better for one or another indicator.
Options that deserve a rating of “good”
1. GE Mega Light Ultra in plinth H4. A product of the well-known for Russians company General Electric.
The bulb of the halogen model is transparent, has a blue rim, after which there is a silver tip. According to the results of the brightness control, the lamp showed acceptable performance, but still somewhat short of the ideal recommended by the standard.
When the bulb is on, there is a flaw in the shadow on the top right side of the illuminated area. However, these flaws do not negate the overall good quality of the product.
2. MTF Light Titanium, headlight bulb H4. Produced by an enterprise from Korea, these halogen specimens also showed poor results in terms of operation. The color is blue, like the variant described above, but slightly darker.
When testing, the lamp showed a somewhat uneven line of light. The advantages include the presence of an interference layer - a special semi-conductive coating with a low refractive index, which has a positive effect on light transmission.
Options that deserve top rankings
1. Kyoto VWhite in plinth H4.
The company is very old, and its activity started with the production of lamps for signal lights of railway tracks. The quartz glass of the halogen lamps produced by this manufacturer has a blue tint. This material absorbs ultraviolet, which has a positive effect on the operation of polymer headlights.
During their control test, excellent results were demonstrated in terms of quality and brightness, and they correspond to a number of international standards. Lighting with headlights with these bulbs will not be able to negatively affect the vision of oncoming drivers, as it is within acceptable limits. The presented model has practically no drawbacks, except that all the inscriptions on the packaging are made in Japanese.
2. Osram Blue Intense. The German company has proven itself well in the Russian market.
This model with H4 base features a slightly bluish color with a silver finish. The brightness exceeds the standard by 20 percent, while the power does not violate the permitted standards. The luminous flux is not capable of causing blinding of motorists in both the passing and oncoming directions. Another advantage is excellent visibility of the roadside.
3. Phillips Crystal Vision- the most famous Dutch company will please the driver with its product. This H4 bulb has a strong white light output.
Although the beam of light from a halogen comes with a tiny deviation from the standard, they will not dazzle drivers, the curb area is also clearly visible.
4. Bosch Xenon Silver- The H4 lamp, produced under a well-known German brand, is an excellent choice. The coverage area of the route will be 50 percent higher. The color spectrum refers to daylight bulbs.
The indicators regarding the border of light and shadow are good, the model will not dazzle motorists, the roadside is well lit. In all respects, this lamp deserves the highest rating.
5. Bosch Plus 90- again a product from a German company in the H4 base. The flask itself is transparent, there is a blue rim on top, the tip is traditionally silver.
Manufacturers promise an increased illumination zone by 90 percent, which is an excellent indicator. The flow of lumens is somewhat lacking in the values according to the standard, but remain within the normal range.
The cut-off line is well maintained. The roadside illumination zone is somewhat exceeded, but this cannot be attributed to a disadvantage - this generally does not spoil the situation and can even be convenient for a particular driver and is a purely individual moment.
Ordinary Osram or Philips lamps are installed at the factory, in which the light output fully corresponds to the power declared on the package. Accordingly, stock lamps give out 55/60 watts of light in the near and far modes of operation of the headlights. Such a power of the light flux is only enough to illuminate a deserted track. In the city, and on highways, today there is a lot of other lighting, and oncoming cars sometimes completely absorb the luminous flux of the headlights of your car, forcing you to drive just in the dark for a certain time. Also, conventional lamps are not very good in rainy weather or when there is a cover of snow on the track. Consider interesting options for light bulbs in the H4 base to replace the standard ones.
Bosch +90% - perfect light with long life
One of the most interesting lamps that you can imagine for the H4 base is Bosch products. This brand is predictably expensive, but its products are not just high quality, but amazing in all respects. Bosch + 90% bulbs delight with their brightness of illumination, and also offer the following characteristics of the light beam from the head optics:- pure white light, from which the eyes do not get tired during long trips or on difficult sections of the road;
- excellent directivity of the light beam, highlighting objects that are far enough away;
- excellent work in combination with even not the freshest reflectors, amazing performance;
- long life - Bosch products of original origin always break records in terms of service life;
- real plus 90 percent of a standard 55-60 watt light bulb, which is felt at the first installation.
Osram Night Breaker Unlimited - great light, but not very long
Almost all of the high lumen output bulbs we're reviewing in today's review offer an excellent replacement for stock bulbs, but don't last very long. If a standard lamp may well live a dozen years in a normally working optics, then Osram products with increased potential have a limited lifespan. However, Night Breaker lamps offer the following benefits: - amazing light output - if you install Night Breaker Unlimited, you will no longer want to change optics to any other option;
- quite decent work even in headlights with a certain soot on reflectors or cloudy glass;
- no need for special training to install a lamp with increased light output;
- very pure white stream of light, it is possible to purchase Osram lamps with a blue coating on the glass (for xenon);
- the cost is quite high, but the benefits of using the lamp justify the purchase.
Philips XTreme Vision +130% - amazing H4 lamps
It must be admitted that Philips products can be called the apogee of the development of light bulbs with increased light output. If you are ready to pay a lot of money for good light, it's time to look at Philips XTreme Vision +130% halogen bulbs. There are also more affordable lamps with + 100% potential on sale. The main advantages of Philips products are: - very noticeable differences with all other bulbs in the H4 base, brighter light and excellent output;
- excellent quality of the light beam, white and pure light helps to relieve fatigue from the driver's eyes;
- a car, even with very poor optics, will perfectly illuminate the road, shine twice as brightly and further;
- the life of the lamps, at least as indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging, is much longer than the usual offers.
