What Are the Types of Car Bulbs?
2 Answers
Car bulb models are mainly divided into H-class and D-class, which can be distinguished by the number of lamp pins and tabs. Common models include H1, H3, H4, H7, H11, etc. Here is the relevant information: 1. Timely bulb replacement: As car lights are used, the brightness of the bulbs will gradually decrease. This normal physical phenomenon is called light decay. Dim car lights can easily cause accidents, so once the lights dim, they should be replaced promptly and not wait until they fail. Choosing high-quality bulbs can delay color decay, extend service life, and provide more safety for driving. It is recommended to replace bulbs in pairs every 20,000 kilometers. 2. Bulb selection: If the color temperature exceeds 6000K, the light penetration decreases, which is not conducive to driving in rainy or foggy weather. Therefore, car bulbs with safe and effective color temperatures should be selected.
There are indeed many types of car bulbs, and I've encountered numerous varieties while servicing different vehicles. For headlights, H4 and H7 are commonly used. The H4 has a dual-filament design, suitable for older models, integrating both high and low beams; whereas the H7 is single-filament and mostly found in newer cars. For taillights, the 1157 model is quite popular, featuring two contacts corresponding to brake and parking lights respectively. Turn signals often use 3156 or 3157, where the numbers indicate the bulb base shape—alignment is crucial during installation. Fog lights might utilize H3 or the 880 series, with different colors affecting light penetration. Small bulbs like license plate lights are typically model 194 or 168, which are relatively compact. Nowadays, LED bulbs are gaining popularity, such as H11 LED or 9006 LED, offering higher brightness but requiring attention to local regulations for modifications to avoid legal issues. When selecting bulbs, always refer to the vehicle manual or measure the socket size to prevent mismatches that could lead to short circuits or blown fuses. I recommend regular checks on bulb conditions, especially during rainy seasons when frequent usage can accelerate filament wear.
