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 a 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 represented.
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.
Overview of modern designs LED lamps For low/high beam car LED H4 will help you choose the best option and not be disappointed in the money spent. I think the opinions, reviews and comments of this article will be useful, first of all, to those who care about how the road is illuminated in front of their car.
LEDs have firmly entered our lives not only as indicators, means of illumination or Daytime Running Lights, but for some time now, and as sources of powerful lighting.
The modern car lighting market has been flooded with all kinds of LED lamps and light bulbs. As the sellers assure us, their miracle bulbs for headlights can give light several times more at meager electrical costs, illuminate the road, like during the day, to the envy of friends and neighbors.
In the comments of online stores, aspirated rave reviews about LED lamps (mostly only that they shine, just damn, how bright) fuel the general hype. But is it?
Let's try to begin with, in principle, to compare LED lamps with classic halogens and bi-xenon:
Yeah ... Judging by the table, the LED confidently bypasses xenon in terms of lighting parameters, leaving far behind halogens of by no means the last quality. Perhaps this is the reason for so many enthusiastic impressions of LED lighting on the car? - the LED really shines brighter than a conventional halogen incandescent bulb. But is happiness only in brightness?
For the average layman, headlight lamps are perceived no more than a light bulb in a toilet - the brighter, the cooler. With automotive light, everything is much more serious and more complicated: in addition to the brightness itself, the geometry of the light beam also plays a very important role. How the light spot is formed on the road determines how you will see this road in the dark.
To make it easier to understand the various designs presented in the review of the lamps, absolutely some theory about H4 bulbs:
The principle of operation of H4 lamps dipped / high beam
In the mode " high beam» The headlight shines according to the principle of an ordinary spotlight: the lamp spiral is in the focus of a parabolic reflector, forming a uniform beam of light parallel to the road at the output, while using the entire surface of the reflector. The standard power of a high beam incandescent lamp is 60W.
For the mode " dipped beam"A second spiral is used, located in front of the focus of the headlight and covered from below by a screen of a special shape. Thus, part of the light flux is cut off, forming a light-shadow spot in the form of a characteristic “tick”. In this mode, only the upper part of the headlight reflector is used and the luminous flux is directed slightly downward, resting on the roadway in front of the car for about 50 ... 60 m. The standard power of the low beam incandescent lamp is 55W.
The principle of switching near / far is that in a halogen the filaments work alternately, in bi-xenon the bulb shifts from one position to another. In LED lamps, mainly for the low beam, the chips are always on, and the high-beam chips are additionally connected to them.
Overview of LED low / high beam lamps
The lamps presented in the review are mainly built on the basis of high-power CREE XM-L2 LEDs:
- Max. current: 3A
- Max. power: 10W
- Max. luminous flux: 1052lm
Almost all lamps are made on the basis of aircraft-grade aluminum, are waterproof and are designed for 9 ... 24 (36) V.
The review is collected, exclusively on real constructive reviews and photographic materials from sane buyers who tested the products “on themselves”. The fact that the sellers place on their pages does not count, since they shamelessly drag the same materials from each other. “Realistic” photos are especially popular for completely different lamps with the same “landscape” and the same headlights. In the review, I deliberately do not indicate the sellers, but focusing on the design of the lamps themselves, I think you can meet them not only on AliExpress, but also in other places.
Sample #0
By and large, this is not even a sample, but an example of the fact that in no case can't buy, since these are lamps for anything but not for head light , so that the seller doesn’t “rub” you there. This arrangement of LEDs is suitable only for lights, reverse, etc., but there are corresponding lamps for this in the corresponding base. The emitting crystals of this lamp are located anywhere, but not at key focal points, which means that it will also shine anywhere, but not on the road, and the lens will not play a special role here. The absence of at least any radiator can only speak of extremely low power for this type of lamp. Even if the lamp produces at least half of the required power, it will simply overheat and burn out very quickly.
sample 1
One of the cheapest LED H4 bulbs on AliExpress. A single-sided lamp with a horizontal layout is made on the basis of 3 LEDs and with a power of 20/30 W should issue 2000/3000 Chinese lumens Chinese sellers very often overestimate the key indicators of their goods. Real characteristics can be times 1,5…2 below stated.. The cost of a set of 2 lamps is slightly less than 40 c.u.
The LEDs are powered by an external driver, while the aluminum housing provides heat transfer to the actively cooled heatsink. The cooling fan is quite quiet. In most cases, they become instead of standard ones without problems, sometimes, however, very smart on-board electronics do not want to understand them, but this is solved by installing a “trick” load resistor An additional resistor connected in parallel to the LED lamp to simulate the standard amount of current consumed. It is necessary for the correct operation of the electronics that monitors the condition of the lamps. Since the resistor increases the current to the standard value, its installation nullifies the whole idea of economy. .
For low beam, 2 LED chips are used, which for some reason are located across the optical axis, although in conventional headlight lamps, the spirals have a longitudinal orientation. In high beam mode, another chip is connected, located at the focus of the reflector. It turns out that the lamp uses only the upper part of the headlight reflector for high beam, completely ignoring the lower one. As a result, the lamp smeared near without a clear border and a checkmark, more or less illuminating the road at a distance of up to 10 ... 15 m. Far quality is obtained somewhere between “ mediocre" And " no". More precisely, this is not a distant, but a slightly “enhanced” near one - it shines a little brighter and a little higher, even oncoming cars do not blink for high beams. Some smart people stupidly slightly underestimate the headlight and always drive at the far end. Yes, in the enthusiastic photos of buyers, the headlight itself with such a lamp looks very bright, but this is really of little use on the road.
Sample 2
Lamp with built-in driver and active cooling. When the engine is off, a hum from the active cooling fans is a little heard, but it is not felt in the cabin. In some cases, the driver electronics will seriously interfere with the radio.
The cost of a set of lamps on AliExpress is about 50…55 c.u.
The lamp is similar in design to the previous sample, but with refinement. For high beam, an additional 4th chip is installed from below. Above and below, near the LEDs, a reflector has also been added to fully utilize the flow of light from the LEDs. As the seller assures, the LEDs are located exactly in line with the locations of the spirals of a standard lamp. Thus, for the high beam we get the full use of the reflector. However, although on the same line, but still taking into account the thickness of the base, the LEDs are not on the same axis, but are shifted up and down, and for low beam they are also located across the axis, and not along. Of course, this situation affects focusing, not in the best way. In low beam mode, only 2 chips of the upper side on the low beam helix line work. In the high beam mode, 2 chips are also connected to the top and bottom on the high beam line, i.e. really it is “far + near”. On the near, the upper border more or less gives out, but, of course, without a tick.
Sample 3
The representative lamp has 2 pairs of LEDs and provides greater brightness in high beam mode - 20/40 W And 2000/4000 LM. Cost approx. $55 per set. The lamp has an external driver and active cooling.
The layout of the LEDs has vertical separation - the chips are located to the left and right of the board. A pair of high beam LEDs are roughly in focus and shine on the top and bottom of the reflector. The pair for the low beam is next to a slight shift from the focus up and closer, while it also shines on the top and bottom of the reflector, forming the same spot as for the high beam, only the light beam is directed slightly downward. In fact, the lamp simply works in the “far ahead” mode, or half-heartedly “far ahead of the car”. With such a design, in principle, there is no need to talk about any clear spot boundary for the low beam, and indeed about the correct formation of the spot itself. The lamp shines brightly only near in front of the car, leaving a dark roadside.
As you can see in the illustration, the lamps, even in decent optics on Nissan, shine brightly, but they shine wherever they please - in the low beam there is neither a border nor a characteristic “tick” - one slur.
Sample 4
Another Chinese misunderstanding for $50 Brightness 1600/3200 "Chinese" lm at a power of 18/30 watts.
The lamp also has a vertical layout, but the LEDs for the low beam are not even shifted up relative to the axis, i.e. the light beam in the low beam does not move anywhere at all, but simply defocuses and loses half the power. The picture of the light-shadow border is even sadder than that of the previous sample. We won’t even dwell on it, although for some these lamps “just get hurt, how brightly they shine”, and where they shine, this is the tenth thing.
The overall picture is complemented by a simple driver that actively clogs the radio with interference.
There are also completely similar lamps on the Chinese market, but the LEDs are ALL shifted up from the axis. We get the same effect, only with the flow lowered.
Sample 5
Now this is intersting! Vertical layout as in the 3rd sample, but with curtain-screen for near light. The cost of the kit on AliExpress is about $50. Included with the lamp is a sleeve-light filter that allows you to lower the color temperature to 3000K (yellow).
The lamps are made on the basis of 4 CREE XM-L2 LEDs and when consuming 40 W, they should give out as much as 4500 (!) All the same “Chinese” Lm. Probably, in China they invented how to expel 120% efficiency from “state” LEDs. As they say, if you don’t embellish, you won’t sell. As with the rest of the samples, when you turn on the far beam, the 2nd beam simply turns on and complements the beam for the near one. The presence of screens for low beam still significantly improves the situation with the light-shadow border line - now it is, in principle, somehow drawn, although it is very far from the truth. Instead of a classic checkmark, an uneven, in some places humpbacked, horizontal border is obtained. Accordingly, the right side of the road is poorly lit, the situation is “pulled out” only by brightness, greater than that of halogens.
Sample 7
The presented lamp with a power of 20 / 40W should give out all the same 2000/4000 Lm, respectively for the dipped and main beam. The light source is 4 LED plates made using COB technology, 10 W each. Only the upper pair works on the near one, illuminating about 200 ° of the reflector. At the far beam, all four shine, providing full illumination of the reflector at full power. The cost of the kit on AliExpress is about 45…50 c.u.
As you can clearly see in the illustration, the light source is not a point source, but a whole plate of 18 LEDs, moreover offset from the longitudinal axis by almost 7mm. What focus and clear light spot can we talk about in this case? In addition, it can be seen that different sellers have differently oriented pairs of plates for low beam and high beam: in some cases, the top and bottom are opposite. In this case, the platinum for the low beam is in the focal plane of the high beam and vice versa - with the illumination of the road, you will get a complete “vinaigrette”.
Sample 8
Another example of a “volumetric” lamp, but not on 4, but on 3 sides - 2 chips for the near one and +1 for the far one. The characteristics of the lamp are quite expected - 24/36 W and 2400/3600 "Chinese" Lm.
Structurally, it turned out to be something in between Sample 1 and 7, combining their common flaws. Although the lamp provides a uniform circular illumination of the reflector, the geometry is still the same problem.
The cost of the kit on AliExpress is about $40
The light sources are LED plates, consisting of 27 LEDs, and offset from the focal axis. There is no need to wait for any focusing of the light beam - the smear on the road is provided. Maybe, of course, it will somehow fit for an ATV, but not for the track.
Sample 9 - LED H4 G6
An interesting, in my opinion, sample is a lamp sixth generation G6 with combined LED design. A pair of super-LEDs is used for low beam Cree XHP50 under the lens, and on the far - Luxeon MZ without lens. To form a light-shadow border, a curtain-screen is provided on the near. The lamp should shine on 3000lm at power 25W, has a built-in driver and heatsink for passive cooling.
The cost of the kit on AliExpress 65…70 c.u.
The energy efficiency of the lamp is 125Lm/W, which looks quite plausible, since the efficiency of the chips used is up to 149Lm/W. In theory, the Cree XHP50 alone can put out almost 2500lm at 19W. It turns out that the LEDs work comfortably in full heat, which means without undermining their health.
The color temperature of the glow, like the rest of the lamps 6000K. Remarkably, the lamp in the kit has several yellow and blue filter films to give the light flux the desired temperature from 3000 to 10000K.
Pattern 10 - LED H4 G7
Having seen enough of all sorts of miracles of the Chinese industry in the field of manufacturing LED-lamps for car headlights, in the end, I want to highlight our latest sample. Introduced LED lamp seventh generation 7G- an example of the maximum imitation of the design and principle of operation of an incandescent halogen lamp. The lamp is based on 16 tiny LEDs Lumileds LUXEON Z ES (ZES). The LEDs are aligned along the optical axis and positioned exactly in the same places as the spirals of a conventional lamp, and thanks to the miniature size of 1.6 mm, the maximum similarity with the incandescent spiral is created. Even the principle of switching is preserved - groups of LEDs work separately and alternately for low and high beams. A group of LEDs for low beam, as expected, is covered by a curtain. The prototype of the lamp, apparently, was the original Philips Ultinon H4 lamp with 12 chips.
The retail price of the kit in Ukraine started from about 80…85 c.u., now on AliExpress you can already buy for about $65. However, if desired, these lamps can also be found in Ukraine at this price.
Lamp cooling is passive, apparently due to low power consumption 24W. On the one hand, the absence of a fan eliminates the overheating of the lamp due to its failure, but on the other hand, it imposes more stringent requirements on the cooling of the radiator itself. The heatsink can be reversed and screwed onto the case in reverse, reducing the overall length of the product by almost 6.5mm. It should be noted that the threads are lubricated with heat-conducting paste, which is especially useful for harsh temperature conditions.
The lamp shines equally brightly in both modes, but there is a certain disagreement about this. According to some sources, the lamp produces 2000/2000 Lm, according to others 4000/4000, and some simply write one figure of 4000 Lm. The manufacturer's website clearly lists a typical brightness of 245lm per chip at a rated current of 700mA, i.e. with 8 chips we get a total of almost 2000lm. However, when the current is increased to a maximum of 1200mA, the brightness increases by 1.5 times, so it can be assumed that the actual brightness of the lamp is slightly less 3000lm . We will get approximately the same figure if we multiply the real maximum efficiency of 125lm / W by the lamp power. What sellers write about 160Lm / W - to put it mildly, simply does not correspond to reality. The numbers in the headlines of some ads are especially touching: 80W and 5000lm per lamp - people, be vigilant and prudent.
In the low beam mode, the lamp forms a light spot with a fairly clear upper light-shadow border in the form of a classic tick, but the check is symmetrical and this is not easy. As conceived by the manufacturer, the design of the lamp is universal and is designed for both right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic, and for the latter, the checkmark should be raised not on the right, but on the left. Therefore, to form the correct angle of inclination of the tick, the lamp is adjusted around its axis. You just need to loosen the locking screws and turn the lamp a little around its axis so that one arm of the tick lies horizontally - and here it is, the correct shape of the light spot. To make it convenient to adjust, there are even risks on the base plate.
We can safely say that the last presented copy is an example of the optimal combination of design and technological innovations. The product is quite young and the price for it still “bites” a little, but this is only a matter of time.
Maybe we can stop there...
... well, no! Progress does not stand still and needs to be continued. So, let's continue review of new samples of LED lamps LED H4.
Sample 10/1
A little more than six months have passed, and the market is inspired by the idea of using miniature LEDs Philips Luxeon began to appear, like mushrooms after the rain, all kinds of clones, replicas, modifications and variations on the theme LED H4 G7.
Like the original version, this sample for 70 American "sharpened" on the same chips, but a slightly different design. Basically, almost everything is the same: the same arrangement of LED groups, the same calculation for both left- and right-hand traffic. However, the cooling is active, and the design itself somehow looks “simpler”. The sellers are clearly bad with arithmetic: at the input 12B and 1.6A “miraculously” turns into 24W of light at the output! Although, who knows, maybe it's just a super-mega-development of Shanghai inventors?
Sample 10/2
Another option on the G7 theme ... For 40 ... 50 USD. nothing new, less chips, more power, less efficiency. Cooling is active. A huge curtain for the low beam partially covers the group of LEDs for the high beam, at the same time it does not completely cover the low beam LEDs. It is not difficult to imagine that the light-shadow picture will be with violations.
Sample 11 - NIGHTEYE H4
The lamp appeared on the market quite recently. One could say that this is another LED H4 G7 clone, but this is not entirely true. The principle of the arrangement of LED groups is the same, but the chips are completely different. As powerful LED emitters, completely unpackaged (phosphor-coated semiconductor even without a substrate) chips are used. WICOP2 Z8 Y19 Korean company Seoul Semiconductor". Miniature chips with a size of 1.8 mm have very remarkable parameters that are in no way inferior to LUXEON Z-ES.
The lamp parameters are the same: 25W And 2000lm alternately per group of near or far (only 4000lm per lamp) - given the characteristics of the chips used, it sounds quite plausible. The color temperature of light somewhere 6000…6500K. Built-in lamp driver, passive cooling, ability to adjust STG tilt angle absent. The lamp kit comes in a beautiful retail box.
The cost on AliExpress is about $40, in Ukraine, very few sellers offer 50 ... 60 USD. On Ali, you can find the same lamps with absolutely no name-relatedness in a simple black box. However, now there are already quite a few options under different “brands”: N1, Oslamp, Partol, Auxmart, Baxster…
The cut-off line (STG) of the NightEye H4 looks very realistically similar to the classic check mark from a halogen, the upper border is just a little smeared, and everything is very “bunch”.
As you can see in the photo, the brightness of the LED is visually not just much more than a halogen - LED light, in principle, floods the space in front of the hood and along the sides of the road is much more intense.
However, not everything is as smooth as it seems: the disadvantages passive cooling make themselves known. So that the lamp does not burn out from overheating of the electronics reduces real power is almost 2 times! Detailed description and testing Nighteye H4- in a separate review .
Pattern 12 - X1
More recently, another option has been drawn on Luxeon ZES LEDs, but with some kind of creative vision. For the low beam, everything is the same, only there are fewer diodes - 6 instead of 8, as usual, but for the far beam - even less - only 4 and are located not along the axis, but across. That's so original. Accordingly, the power is 20W per mode, and not 25. Luminous flux, in theory - 2250lm - with fewer LEDs and less power, we get efficiency on the verge of fantasy. Cooling is passive, but the radiator, contrary to the laws of physics, is not black at all, but silver. But in the kit there are yellow and blue films for changing the glow temperature. The lamp has an STG tilt adjustment.
The lamps are packaged in a stylish box with the logo " X1". Aliexpress price from $42 before $65
Pattern 13 - LED H4 8G
So we waited - the next, eighth generation LED lamps G8. The presented sample is not as revolutionary as the seventh generation lamps with maximum imitation of filaments. More like another variation of lamps sixth generation.
Cost on Ali: approx. 70…80 c.u.. In their native open spaces, these lamps will cost about 90 USD.
Unlike the G6 with a combined design of the LED block, everything in the new lamps is made on the same chips. Cree XHP50 for both near and far. The radiator has become much smaller, but with a fan for active cooling. The light flux is promised as much as 3000lm from one lamp alternately to the near and far at a power of 36W. The external driver seems to be the same one used for the LED H4 G7 model, but not removable. To correct the STG, the lamp installation angle is adjusted.
Remarkably, the lamps are packaged in boxes with the same blue and white design as the LED H4 G7 lamps.
Sample 14 - two-color LED H4 G7
Quite, quite recently, an interesting modification already become "classic" lamps LED H4 G7. The design, body and even packaging are all the same. The number of chips was reduced from 16 to 12, as in the original Philips lamps, while the lighting parameters of the lamp remained the same - all the same 25W and 2000Lm with one lamp. By reducing the number of chips, the size of the light source has become more compact, but apparently at the expense of more intensive use of LEDs. But that's not even interesting.
The lamp uses LEDs different color shade : white(6500K) - for near light and yellow(3000K) for distant. Bicolor was originally used in “ single beam” lamps H7 And H11: thanks to the use of two-color LEDs and a special driver, the lamps can change the color of the glow white / yellow when turned on without the use of various films and filters. IN " two-beam” lamps H4 the colors are structurally rigidly fixed: white near and yellow far.
What can give such a color focus, besides the fact that it is “cool”? I think it's not a secret for many that in fog / rain / snow, etc. it is better to use yellow foglights than white near, and even more distant. Due to the longer wavelength, yellow light “squeezes” better between atmospheric inclusions, scatters less and blinds the driver himself. Apparently, the idea of the authors is to be able to use the high beam in a foggy environment.
The lamps are by no means cheap: under the trademarks " Oslamp" And " Auxmart» You can buy them on Aliexpress for about $85 per set.
RESULTS
As expected, far from “not all yogurts are equally healthy”! The euphoria of seeing a super-bright headlight bulb can easily turn into disappointment after driving in real road conditions. All the samples presented in the review look very bright and impressive from the side, but only a few provide normal road lighting. Acceptable results show lamps from the sixth generation lamps, and lamps LED H4 G7 made with the maximum approximation of the design to halogen lamps.
Updated: 03/29/2017
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If it is appropriate to compare the headlights of a car with the eyes, then the headlights can be compared with the visual acuity of the car and, accordingly, its driver. It is the quality of the head light of the vehicle that directly affects the range and detail of the view in the evening.
Given current statistics, it is no exaggeration to say that improper head lighting is extremely dangerous. After all, severe accidents at night are a particularly sad chapter in the history of road traffic. Thus, every fifth accident that occurred as a result of technical defects and caused damage to human health is explained by defects in the lighting system. Even more impressive is the statistics of fatal accidents. Here, 50% of accidents resulting in the death of people occur at night. At the same time, now every third car on the road does not have optimal lighting.
What makes up this optimal lighting?
WHAT WE HAVE
Headlights have two components. The first is directly the design of the headlight itself (reflector and diffuser), the second is the lamp used. But if the headlights of modern, both imported and domestic cars, are designed in accordance with all the basic laws of lighting engineering and nothing depends on the choice of the car owner, then everyone can choose a lamp on their own. And there are plenty of options to choose from.
The automotive lamp industry has been around for almost 100 years. Naturally, over such a considerable period, manufacturing companies have accumulated vast experience in the development and manufacture of this product. Despite the fact that, in essence, the H4 lamp does not change - two threads have not gone away yet - today this device has a number of different modifications that have all sorts of features. Each of these models is focused on a specific customer and has different characteristics from others. Composition of the gas filling the flask, electrode holders, lamp helix, flask coating, etc. - each of these details has a big impact on the final result. However, not only lamps of different models differ, serious differences are also present in lamps from different manufacturers. After all, innovative solutions and high technologies used in the manufacture of lamps are also of paramount importance: the process of optimizing the extraction of air from the flasks, the exact dosage of gases and the installation of all parts with an accuracy of a micron. However, these technologies may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
ESSENCE OF THE TEST
In this test, we decided to find out how different lamps of the same type, but produced by different companies, can differ in their characteristics.
For the study, a lamp of the H4 type with a power of 60/55 W, designed for an operating voltage of 12 V, was chosen. At the same time, we tried to consider all the most common modifications of this type of lamp.
WHAT WE MEASURED
The quality of a lamp is determined by three parameters: axial luminous intensity (that is, the luminous intensity measured in the direction of the axis of the light fixture), color temperature and geometry (the accuracy of the location of all elements of the lamp relative to each other).
In this test, in order to obtain a comparative assessment of the quality of lamps from different manufacturers, measurements of the axial luminous intensity and color temperature were carried out. An article in the next issue of the magazine “Consumer. Autodeal".
HOW WE MEASURED
To measure the illumination, the lamp was placed in a circularly symmetrical reflector (a headlight without an output optical lens). The desired parameter was measured at the center of the light spot created by the resulting optical device. The measurements were carried out for two lamp power connection modes: low beam and high beam.
Illumination was measured using a TKA-LUX luxmeter. All measurements were carried out at a certain (fixed) distance from the lamp, large enough to consider the light beam formed. Based on the results obtained, calculations of the axial luminous intensity of the lighting device were carried out. The unit of measure is kilocandel (kCd).
Under the same conditions, the color temperature of the radiation of the studied lamps was measured using the LMT - C2200 colorimeter. The unit of measurement of the color temperature is Kelvin (K).
You will find all the data obtained for each device in the tables accompanying the description of the test results.
As the test results of H4 lamps manufactured by OSRAM, GENERAL ELECTRIC, PHILIPS, NARVA, HELLA, IPF, ZENON show, the lighting characteristics of these devices differ very significantly.
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STANDARD LAMPS
All manufacturers of auto lamps produce standard types of headlight lamps.
H4 - double filament lamp. Depending on which of the filaments emits light, the lamp operates in either high beam or low beam mode.
All H4 bulbs designed for installation in normal car headlights are 60/55W. More powerful lamps cannot be used. Firstly, they blind the drivers of other cars, and secondly, they overload the wiring of the car and contribute to overheating of the headlight and its accelerated aging. H4 bulbs, eg 130/100 W, are designed for off-road driving and are installed in special headlights.
Thanks to modern lamp manufacturing technology, all branded standard lamps have a long service life and are characterized by stable operation throughout the entire period of operation.
However, in the group of standard lamps today, a separate category of devices can be distinguished. These are standard lamps with an extended service life. The appearance on the market of such models is not just another move of large manufacturers, aimed only at increasing sales. The fact is that in order to reduce the number of accidents by 20%, many countries of the European Community have made it mandatory to turn on dipped beam headlights during the daytime. Therefore, the resource of ordinary lamps is developed faster and, in order not to force drivers to change lamps more often, the largest companies have begun to produce special lamps for round-the-clock use, which last much longer than usual ones.
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STANDARD LAMP TEST RESULTS
Of all the lamps that took part in the test, the following models belong to the standard category: OSRAM H4 Standard, OSRAM H4 [email protected](24 hour lamp), GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Standard, PHILIPS H4 Long Life (24 hour lamp), NARVA H4 Standard.
In high beam mode, the novelty of this season, the OSRAM H4 round-the-clock lamp, showed the best performance. [email protected]. According to this indicator, it surpasses not only lamps in its “weight category”, but even some models with enhanced luminous flux. A good result in high beam mode is also with the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Standard lamp.
When switching to low beam OSRAM H4 [email protected] remains among the leaders, but this time it is already inferior to the other two models. But the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Standard lets all competitors go ahead. As a result, in this operating mode relevant for urban conditions, the best performance was achieved by standard lamps from OSRAM and NARVA. They passed the test with the same values of the luminous flux.
Especially here I want to highlight the NARVA H4 Standard lamp - being one of the leaders, it has the most affordable price compared to its competitors. The OSRAM H4 Standard model also deserves special attention, as it showed the most stable results. This device is a leader in the low beam mode, and in the high beam it showed, although not the best, but still a decent result.
When measuring light temperature, the OSRAM H4 lamp again showed the highest result in both operating modes [email protected]. This means that this lamp will be slightly whiter than the rest of the test participants in the standard lamp category. And the most yellow light will be in the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Standard and PHILIPS H4 Long Life models.
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LAMPS WITH ENHANCED LIGHT OUTPUT
This family includes lamps that can give 30%, 50% or even 60% more light than standard fixtures. This result is achieved due to the improved internal geometry of the lamp. However, it should be noted that the lamp will not work out the declared amplification of the luminous flux in all situations. How effectively such a device will work depends largely on the design of the headlight itself. Usually an inscription like "+50%" means that the increase in the luminous flux can occur up to 50%. With some older headlight designs, the efficiency may be somewhat less.
In any case, the most important thing is that the amplified lamps have the same power as the standard samples (60/55 W). Therefore, they do not overheat the headlight itself. It is only necessary to remember that devices of this type require precise adjustment of the headlight, otherwise they can dazzle other road users.
The disadvantage of these lamps can be attributed to a shorter service life compared to even standard models.
This line of car lamps will be especially relevant for motorists with impaired vision and for older drivers. According to studies, in order to see the road well at 60 years old, it takes 5 times more light than at 30 years old.
TEST RESULTS FOR HIGH LIGHT LAMPS
The following lamps were compared in this category: OSRAM H4 Silverstar (+50%); GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Megalight Plus (+60%); PHILIPS H4 Premium (+30%); PHILIPS H4 Visionplus (+50%); NARVA H4 Range Power; HELLA H4 Light Power (+50%); IPF Super Low Beam.
After switching to low beam, the IPF Super Low Beam has a very powerful light output. However, such a victory cannot be called fair. The fact is that the low beam filament of this lamp has an increased power of 80 W (despite the fact that the high beam filament power is standard 60 W). With a lamp that has this feature, you should be careful. Firstly, its incorrect adjustment will blind other road users, and secondly, increased power can cause overheating of the wiring and headlights.
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Among the devices with standard power in this part of the test, lamps manufactured by PHILIPS were quite interestingly distributed: one of the models - PHILIPS H4 Premium (+30%) - turned out to be the most powerful in the high beam mode, and the other - PHILIPS H4 VisionPlus (+50%) - leads after the transition to the near one (here, of course, competitors with obviously greater power are not taken into account). At the same time, preference should probably be given to PHILIPS H4 VisionPlus (+50%). Firstly, the low beam mode is used much more often than the high beam, and secondly, this lamp, being the leader in the low beam mode, shows a very good indicator when switching to high beam. Its only drawback is the rather high price relative to many competitors. However, apparently, it is justified by the high quality of the product.
In both operating modes, the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Megalight Plus (+60%) lamp also has a very good result. The stability of this lamp made a very good impression. It is important that at the same time its price is not too high compared to many competitors.
The most inexpensive lamp in this category is NARVA H4 Range Power. At the same time, the quality of its work in both modes is highly commendable. As a result, this device demonstrates a very good price / quality ratio.
Of all the lamps in this category, the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Megalight Plus (+60%) has the highest color temperature in both modes. This suggests that its glow is whiter than all other lamp samples with enhanced luminous flux. NARVA H4 Range Power has the lowest low beam color temperature.
In conclusion, we note that any lamp in this category has a noticeably greater luminous flux than standard lamps.
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ALL WEATHER LAMPS
The name "all-weather" such lamps were not accidental. Their flask is coated with a special interference coating that gives the light a yellowish tint. This light improves the contrast on the illuminated part of the road while driving in bad weather conditions. If ordinary light during rain or fog is intensively reflected from the smallest drops of moisture in the air and blinds the driver, then the yellow light of all-weather lamps is reflected much less and does not interfere with the driver. In addition, a car equipped with all-weather lamps is much more visible on the road in bad weather conditions, which also reduces the risk of an accident.
ALL WEATHER LAMP TEST RESULTS
Of all test lamps, the following models belong to the all-weather group: PHILIPS H4 Weather Vision; NARVA H4 Azzurro; GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 AllDay; IPF H4 Superbeam.
The PHILIPS H4 Weather Vision and GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 AllDay lamps showed the best results in high beam mode. At the same time, PHILIPS H4 Weather Vision also has a considerable luminous flux when switching to low beam mode. Whereas GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 AllDay in this mode has the most modest indicator of all lamps in its category.
The Japanese lamp IPF H4 Superbeam has the largest luminous flux for its category in the dipped beam. But when switching to high beam, this device for some reason shows a more than modest result.
For all-weather lamps, color temperature is an important parameter. These lamps should shine with yellow light, which means that the color temperature should be relatively low. The most yellow of the entire test is the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 AllDay. But the light of the IPF H4 Superbeam is even whiter than standard lamps.
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LAMPS FOR IMPROVED VISUAL COMFORT
These lamps are designed for those drivers who prefer bright white light. The headlights with these lamps are similar to the headlights with xenon lamps. Such light is as close as possible to daylight and less tiring for the eyes. At the same time, it contributes to the concentration of the driver's attention, which is especially important during long night trips. In addition, the light of such lamps is different from the light of most traffic cars and thus makes your car more visible.
The blue-white light of the lamps of this group is achieved not by applying a bluish coating to the bulb (as happens with the cheapest samples), but by using special technologies that differ for different manufacturers. The glow of such lamps is not inferior in brightness to standard models.
The disadvantage of devices of this type is only that their increased color temperature may not be very convenient when driving in bad weather. The fact is that bright white light in this case is reflected from drops of rain or fog and blinds the driver of the car.
But thanks to the bright light emitted by the lamps of improved visual comfort, traffic signs are very clearly visible while driving. The fact is that the light of such lamps is better than in other cases, reflected from the surface of signs.
TEST RESULTS FOR IMPROVED VISUAL COMFORT LAMPS
Of all those presented in the test, the following lamps belong to this category: PHILIPS H4 Blue Vision; NARVA H4 Range Power Blue; OSRAM H4 Cool Blue; XENOBRITE H4 Superwhite; GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Superblue; IPF Gran Bluez Bulb IPF White Max Neo Bulb.
The OSRAM H4 Cool Blue lamp showed the highest value of the luminous flux in high beam mode. And the record low illumination in the same mode was shown by the XENOBRITE H4 Superwhite lamp. Here, however, it should be noted that this is also one of the cheapest lamps in this category. Probably, such a pricing policy of the manufacturer and such a low value of the luminous flux are interconnected.
Good results in this operating mode were shown by the GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Superblue and NARVA H4 Range Power Blue lamps. They are followed by PHILIPS H4 Blue Vision.
Among lamps with standard dipped beam power, NARVA H4 Range Power Blue showed the best result. It is followed by OSRAM H4 Cool Blue and GENERAL ELECTRIC H4 Superblue with approximately the same results. The fact that OSRAM also showed the best value in high beam characterizes this lamp very well.
The record low value of the luminous flux strength in the low beam again belongs to the XENOBRITE H4 Superwhite, which, we recall, is the cheapest lamp in this category.
IPF Gran Bluez Bulb has the largest color temperature. No wonder the manufacturer claims that the color of the light emitted by it is completely similar to the color of xenon headlights. Another IPF lamp has a very high color temperature. The White Max Neo Bulb model of this company will also shine with white light. Interestingly, at the same time, the manufacturer announces that such a lamp is suitable for all-weather use, although usually white light, for example, in rainy weather, is inconvenient for the driver.
A little lower, but still a very high color temperature for OSRAM H4 Cool Blue.
HIGH POWER LAMPS
In addition to H4 headlights with a standard power of 60/55 W, models with increased power are presented on store shelves. Moreover, such lamps often have a low price. As a result, some car enthusiasts use such devices to get "more light" at minimal cost.
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Even without touching on the issue of the quality of these products, it can be argued that such a practice will not lead to positive results. Firstly, all high power lamps are designed for off-road use, as they always blind other road users. This is primarily due to other geometric dimensions of the lamp spirals. Due to the mismatch between the geometry of the lamp and the design of the headlight, the entire optical system does not work correctly. Secondly, the consequence of the use of such lamps is overheating of the car's electrical wiring and accelerated aging of the headlight.
And yet, we wondered: do these lamps really give more light, and is it possible to buy a cheap high-power lamp and, as a result, get increased brightness lighting.
HIGH POWER LAMP TEST RESULTS
Two samples of ZENON Power Gold, ZENON Plasma were selected for testing.
In the high beam mode, both lamps showed a very low value of the luminous flux. The result of ZENON Plasma was especially depressing. Moreover, this lamp showed a record low value when switching to low beam. Thus, according to this parameter, the device does not withstand any criticism at all.
The luminous flux of the ZENON Power Gold lamp in low beam mode, on the contrary, turned out to be excessively high. Interestingly, this value was not too different from the intensity of the glow in the high beam mode of the same lamp. This feature only indicates the low quality of the product. Due to the too high value of the luminous intensity when the dipped beam is turned on, such a lamp will be simply dangerous.
In the diagram and in the table, we deliberately put these two lamps next to the standard Osram lamp. After such a comparison, it becomes clear that even a standard lamp loses very little, or even wins over high-power lamps. At the same time, Osram H4 Standard is completely “legal”, that is, it will not blind other road users, harm headlight elements and overload the car’s production.
In conclusion, we note once again that all eminent companies produce high-power lamps. Such lamps are often really capable of giving much more light. But such devices are designed only for use during "off-road" driving and cannot be used on a regular track.
The factory installs ordinary Osram lamps or, at best, Philips, 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.
Summing up
You can add KOITO White Beam III lamps to the list of leaders, but they cost simply fabulous money and are not available on the shelves of specialized stores. Narva lamps, related to budget proposals, have proven themselves to be excellent, and it should also be noted that ordinary General Electric lamps of American origin have a fairly long life. The three variants of light bulbs in the H4 base presented in the comparative review are the most technologically advanced and pleasant offers on the market in terms of price and quality. However, not every store will offer you three options at once to choose from. For example, expensive Bosch is much harder to find than the very popular Osram. Make the right choice and keep the fine quality of the optics in your car.Good visibility of the road is one of the important safety factors for all road users. Most of the accidents happen at night. Therefore, the choice of lighting fixtures is of particular importance. Today there are many varieties of lamps. Halogen types are recognized as one of the most reliable and efficient devices.
On sale are various with white light. They can be used both at night and during the day. What parameters you need to pay attention to when choosing, as well as the main differences between the products on the market, will be discussed further.
general characteristics
There are a wide variety of headlights on the market today. The classic option is considered for H4 cars with white light. This type of plinth has been produced for a long time, so the manufacturers have improved this design as much as possible.
The presented type of lamps has two spirals. One of them provides high beam, and the second - low beam. Today, car owners can purchase, in addition to halogen, LED and However, for certain reasons (high price, the need to purchase additional equipment), these varieties have not yet become so widespread.
Today they are in demand. They differ in a number of characteristics. Such devices are installed in the headlights of cars of various brands. The products of the companies Philips, Osram, Bosch were recognized as the highest quality. There are other options that may be inferior to the manufacturers presented in some respects.
plinth
The H4 type base is a classic option for car headlights. It appeared earlier than other varieties. Halogen lamps of this type cannot have a power higher than 55-60 watts. Only special devices can exceed this figure.
If the vehicle is driven off-road, such as an off-road vehicle in the wilderness, it may use more powerful H4 (24V) white light bulbs. They are highly luminous. However, such devices require a special headlight design. If such a device is installed in a system not intended for this, it will increase the load on the electrical system of the vehicle. This may cause it to fail. Also, a high power lamp can melt the headlight elements.
For driving conditions in the city, the highway is recommended to purchase standard devices. They have two helixes. The flask is filled with a special gas. Some manufacturers have improved this design. They use a special coating for the flask, choose a special gas or material for the spirals. This design today is almost impossible to improve.
glow temperature
To determine the shade that will characterize the glow of the headlight, the indicator of the temperature of the light flux is used. It is measured in Kelvin. The white type of glow is as close as possible to daylight. Therefore, it is the most familiar to the eye.
When deciding which H4 white light bulbs to choose, you need to pay attention to the temperature indicator. He will indicate what shade of white light the lamp will emit. To do this, you need to pay attention to the temperature range developed for these products.
If the driver wants to get the color emitted by the headlights without a tint, he must purchase a 5000-5500 K lamp. This is the most pleasing color for the eyes. White light with a yellow (warm) tint is emitted by 4000-4800 K devices. Blue or blue (cold) color is inherent in 5500-8000 K lamps.
Shade selection
Depending on the purpose of the lamp, it is necessary to choose the shade of the glow. The white light H4 halogen lamp can produce warm, cool or neutral beams. Warm shades are more often used for all-weather appliances. However, yellowish light can make the driver's eyes tired. Truckers and freight forwarders purchase devices with a neutral (pure) glow shade for headlights.
To create the head light of a car, devices with 4600-6000 K are optimally suited. The driver's eyes are less tired. He remains collected, concentrated. The bluish glow improves the appearance of the headlights, bringing them closer to more expensive xenon models. Therefore, many drivers prefer to install just such types of lamps in their headlights.
The neutral and cold shade of the white glow has one drawback. In fog, rain, the rays are reflected from the drops and blind the driver. In such weather, it is preferable to turn on lamps with a warm glow.
The best classic lamps
The reviews of drivers and experts will help you choose H4 lamps with white light. They claim that the best classic models in this category are Mtf-Light Longlife, Phillips Vision, Osram Original. The first two lamps received a score of 9.9 out of 10. The Osram model is rated by consumers at 9.8 points.
The Phillips Vision model costs about 700-800 rubles. It is known for its reliability and durability. The intensity of road lighting increases by 30%.
The Mtf-Light Longlife lamp is cheaper. It can be purchased at a price of 500-600 rubles. The presented device is known for its reliability. Its service life is higher than that of competing products.
The Osram Original model is also of high quality. Its disadvantage is the high cost of 950-1000 rubles. According to its performance characteristics, it is practically not inferior to the first two lamps.
Increased brightness
There are H4 lamps on the market with increased white light output. They consume the same rated power, but emit a more intense luminous flux (by 30-50% or more). This is affected not only by the design of the lamp itself, but also by the headlights.
The disadvantages of such products include a shorter service life than other varieties. However, the advantage of such lamps is that the headlights do not overheat. When properly adjusted, such a lighting device will not blind oncoming drivers.
High-brightness lamps are recommended for drivers with low vision and over the age of 60. The best high-brightness devices are Philips X-Treme Vision + 130% (900 rubles), Mtf-Light Argentum + 80% (850 rubles), Osram Night Breaker + 110% (950 rubles).
Improved visual comfort
Drivers who love the pure and bright white light of the H4 24V lamp, but who are unable to install such a device on their car due to existing restrictions, will benefit from varieties of increased visual comfort. They have an increased light temperature, which in its appearance resembles the rays of xenon (more modern and expensive) lamps.
Such lamps increase the concentration of the driver at night. To create such a luminous flux, high-quality manufacturers use special light filters. Cheap models have only a special coating on the flask. Such products, on the contrary, tire the eyes.
Improved visual effect works back in bad weather. The white light of the lamp will reflect off the asphalt, blinding the driver. The best in this category are Mtf-Light Titanium (1000 rubles), Phillips White Vision (900 rubles), Koito White Beam (1100 rubles).
Increased resource
Under certain weather conditions, it is necessary to turn on the headlights even during the day. In this case, the operating time of a conventional lamp is significantly reduced. In rainy weather, fog, also when driving on the highway, turning on the headlights, according to statistics, reduces the number of accidents. Therefore, such a precautionary measure is justified.
To extend the life of the lighting fixture, special designs have been developed. They differ in the increased term of operation. The best in this category are Philips Long Life, Osram Ultra Life H4 white light bulbs. Their cost is about 900-1100 rubles.
Users recognized the best model of Philips. It has the longest working life. The lamp can function even when constantly turned on up to 4 times longer than a classic lamp. The model from the Osram company has a resource of 2 thousand hours more than the standard varieties.
High power lamps
In some cases, drivers use H4 high-power white light bulbs. This is justified when driving off-road, in the presence of a special headlight design. Most often, these lamps are used for headlights of various industrial equipment, as well as for off-road vehicles.
Users noted that the best models in this category are Phillips Rally, Osram Offroad Super Bright. Their cost does not differ from standard varieties and is about 900-1000 rubles. Brand models are of high quality. They have a power of 80-100 watts.
To use the presented lighting fixtures, it is required to upgrade the headlights. They are not high resource. However, for those who often travel to nature, are fond of trophy raids, these models will become simply indispensable.
