What Are the Types of Car Bulbs?
4 Answers
Common types of car bulbs include: H1, H4, H7, 9005, 9006. The methods to distinguish car bulb types are: 1. Check if the headlight is a combined high/low beam unit. If it is, the bulb type is H4; 2. Open the engine hood, remove the headlight protective cover, and take out the bulb to identify it by the pins and base; 3. If the headlight has 1 pin and a flat rectangular metal base, it is H1; 4. If the headlight has 3 pins and a round metal base with 3 protruding tabs on the outer edge, it is H4; 5. If the headlight has 2 pins and a round metal base with 1 protruding tab on the outer edge, it is H7; 6. If the headlight has 2 pins and an oval socket with a longer protruding tab on the lower edge, it is H11; 7. If the headlight has 2 pins and an oval socket with a smaller protruding tab on the upper edge, it is 9005. If it has 2 smaller protruding tabs on the upper edge, it is 9006.
Car bulb models are indeed quite diverse. From my experience, common headlight models include H4 and H7, which are still used in many older vehicles. Newer models tend to use high-brightness types like H11 or 9005, while xenon headlights use D2S or D2R. For taillights, 1156 and 1157 are classic models, with W5W or T10 commonly used for turn signals and parking lights. Small lights and auxiliary taillights are usually labeled W5W or 7440. Remembering the correct model is crucial - choosing the wrong bulb may cause failure to light up or damage the wiring, which is dangerous while driving. Therefore, I recommend checking your vehicle's manual to confirm the correct model. When replacing bulbs, don't overlook details like wattage and voltage compatibility. Some imported vehicles use special models, so avoid buying cheap knockoff products.
When it comes to car bulb models, let me keep it simple. Last time my headlight went out, the mechanic told me that halogen bulbs like H4 and H7 are common for headlights, while SUVs often use H9 or 9006. For parking lights, W5W or T10 are typical, taillights usually take 1157 or 7443, and brake lights are generally 1156. Be careful when replacing them yourself – wrong models can result in poor brightness or even short circuits. I’ve also heard high-end cars use LED models like 9005, but those are much more expensive. The key is to drive to the shop and check the exact model instead of guessing. Driving at night without proper lights is dangerous, so get them fixed quickly to avoid fines.
Talking about car bulb models, I've encountered many car enthusiasts asking about this. The mainstream models include H4 and H7 halogen bulbs, and the 9005 high beam bulbs are also good; taillights commonly use 1157 or 1156. Small bulbs usually use W5W, which are easy to replace. When selecting a model, it's important to match the vehicle's year, as some European cars are labeled with H11 or D2S series. Safety is crucial—don't drive if the lights aren't working properly, and get them checked at a professional shop promptly. Changing them yourself is quite simple, but using the wrong model can result in poor reflection or battery drain, affecting lifespan.
