Rating of H7 bulbs for low beam
To choose the best H7 bulbs, it is worth studying the results of independent tests and drivers' reviews. There are many models on sale, they are divided into groups depending on the features and brightness of the light. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of using the car, the mode of light use (only in the dark or and daytime as running lights).
How to choose the best H7 lamp
This type was developed for dipped beam headlights and is used in many cars. The quality of this type of product must comply with ECE 37, an international quality standard unified for all countries. Products sold in Russia, necessarily checked for compliance with GOST, confirming the marking or sticker must be on the package.
When buying, preference should be given to reputable companies. The price should not be too low, saving on bulbs will affect the quality of lighting and life. Do not buy products at markets and near roads, as they often sell fakes under the guise of original products. To make it easier to understand the issue, study the basic designations that are applied to the packaging:
- The marking +30%, +80%, +120% etc. indicates increased brightness values. These variants give high-quality light that exceeds the standard. But it should be taken into account that in products the coil is heated more, so its lifetime is shorter.
- The inscription "All-Weather" is on the boxes with universal lamps. They provide normal light in different weather and are recommended for cars that do not have separate fog lights. In addition, this option works much better when it rains.
- If a halogen bulb is marked "Xenon"., it means a higher color temperature. The light in this case is white, which resembles xenon and improves visibility. Differences in color temperature, the most comfortable light is given by lamps in the range from 4000 to 6500 K. A higher color temperature distorts the color rendering, the light gives off blue.
- Labeling "DayLong" or "LongLife indicates that these are bulbs with an extended service life. They will be suitable for those who use dipped beam as daytime running lights. Usually the service life of such products is one and a half to two times longer. Some manufacturers guarantee operation for at least 4 years.
Many sellers suggest replacing halogen bulbs with LED as a better and more durable alternative. But this can be done only if the design of the headlight is suitable for diode light sources (there should be a marking "LED" or "L". In other cases, the effect of use will be unpredictable, since LEDs have a different distribution of light flux than halogen. In addition, for this you can get penalty in the amount of 500 rubles.
Xenon headlight bulbs may be installed only if the design provides for such. It is often necessary to reequip the headlamps with a special lens or change the whole detail. Homemade xenon does not provide a normal quality of light, it can not be adjusted. In addition, for installing such lighting foresees Disqualification from driving for up to 1 year.
Standard H7 halogen lamps
This option is standard in most cars and is put most often. It is characterized by normal performance, long life and light quality that meets the standard.
BOSCH H7 Pure Light
The model can be called average in all respects. The lamps are inexpensive, as good as their class competitors in terms of performance and have the high quality inherent in the German manufacturer.
The near-beam light is of high quality, evenly distributed in the lane and highlights the curb as required by the standard. It is not distinguished by a long distance, but it is enough for comfortable driving in the city, even if the road is not additionally lit.
Of the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the short lifespan. It corresponds to the norm, but most often slightly exceeds it. Therefore, analogs work longer, which is important for those who often drive with light. In general, the quality is good, the percentage of defects is low, and the light is comfortable for the eyes, Your eyes don't get tired even when you're driving for a long time.
Video: Bosch Pure Light night test in snow and slush.
Osram Original 64210.
A representative of the middle segment, which provides normal light distribution and well illuminates the curb. It is worth noting that the far segment of the sidewalk does not stand out very much, but at speed limits in the city it will not present much of a problem.
The lamps last a long time, increasing the life is facilitated by the normal operation when the rated voltage is exceeded. This model reacts to this aspect much less than the others and the service life decreases insignificantly. Also it is necessary to mention good resistance to vibration and shockThat makes it the solution of choice when driving on bad pavement or off-road.
The light distribution is normal but shifted closer to the car, at low speeds it's a plus. But it is a disadvantage for fast driving, because the road is lit up for a short distance, and it is difficult to see pedestrians or traffic obstacles from afar.
Narva Standard H7.
Inexpensive bulbs that are suitable for urban environments. All standards are met, while the quality of lane lighting is slightly worse than the first two types.
The main plus can be called a good illumination of the right shoulder, including its far segment. This makes the Narva well suited for badly lit streets and country roadsAs it allows you to see pedestrians from afar.
Resource of the products is good, they serve more than the norm, and often exceeds the terms of the regulation one and a half times. Lamps are not afraid of vibrations and normally tolerate a slight overvoltage.
All lamps can provide good illumination only with the proper setting of the headlights. Therefore, it is worth to go to the service and check this aspect at least once a year. Then you can be sure that the light is distributed correctly and there are no "blind spots".
Extended-life H7 bulbs
This type of headlight bulb is characterized by a long life, in the standard it is about one and a half times more. It is used by those who frequently use dipped beam and do not want to change bulbs every few months.
Osram Ultra Life
The manufacturer gives Guarantee for 100,000 km or 4 years of operation. But at the same time, to activate the warranty from the manufacturer it is necessary to register on the site and enter the lamp numbers, which is not very convenient.
The quality of light is average, it will provide normal visibility in standard urban driving. It should be noted good resistance to vibration, this is important for long periods of use of the lamps, when the spirals have already thinned and can rupture if you exceed the allowable level of shaking.
In general, it is an average option in this segment, not standing out for any performance, but it works one and a half times longer than the standard.
If you enter the data on the website, you can get an extended manufacturer's warranty.
Video comparison: OSRAM Original vs Ultra Life.
Bosch H7 Longlife Daytime
Good option, according to the manufacturer, serves three times longer than the standard models. The service life is really long, and from the name it is clear that they are also designed for daytime operation. This is also a plus, because when using dipped beam as running lights, the lamps work most of the day and can overheat if not designed for this.
The light at the same time is not dim, it meets all requirements and normally highlights both the roadway and the curb. Due to the good tolerance of high voltage life is not greatly reduced, even if the lamps do not work in normal mode.
The model is not often found in auto stores, but it can be ordered on websites.
Philips H7 LongLife EcoVision
This variant does not impress with the quality of light. It is frankly yellowish and does not give good brightness. Here we used the traditional trick of manufacturers - the coil lasts much longer due to underinflated. The lamp has a great life, but the light is mediocre.
It is best for those who drive mostly on lit city streets. It is also good for daytime running lights.
It is important that the reflector is good and the alternator provides a voltage of at least 14.2V, if it falls below 14V, the light will become even worse.
Video comparison: Philips LongLife EcoVision vs OSRAM Ultra Life.
H7 bulbs with high luminous flux
H7 high luminance car lamps provide better light quality. Often you can solve the problem of dim lighting with these bulbs, you don't have to change headlights or fix reflectors.
Osram H7 Night Breaker Unlimited
The manufacturer promises a 110% increase in brightness, but the price will be noticeably higher. The quality of the light in this version is really good, it highlights both the traffic lane and the curb. Brightness is at a high level, color rendering is also of high quality.
Service life is noticeably shorter than that of the standard version. Especially over-voltage or strong engine vibration affects the life of the lamp. But in general, the bulbs are decent, provide safe driving in the dark.
For these bulbs it is important to fine tune the headlights. If it is not set correctly, the bulbs will overlight the oncoming lane.
PHILIPS H7 Vision Plus +60%.
The light is worse than the previous bulbs, but the difference is claimed to be 50% less. However, you should note the good quality and comfortable driving due to the fact that the light is distributed competently and covers all the necessary areas.
In the Philips line there are models with a large increase, but the difference with the lamps in question is small. If you consider that the +60% model lasts much longer than a higher brightness model, it becomes the most preferred model.
If the light is well tuned, and the reflectors and diffusers in normal condition, the lamps are enough for comfortable driving.
Video comparison: Philips LongLife EcoVision vs Philips VisionPlus 60%
Bosch H7 Plus 90
These bulbs really shine 90% better than the standard model from Bosch. At the same time the brightness is comfortable and driving with the light will be comfortable. Specialists highlight the excellent light distribution of the bulbs, both the roadway and the roadside can be seen equally well.
With good brightness, the life of the products is an order of magnitude greater than average. In normal operation they work not much less than the standard.
To achieve the best effect, the headlights should be adjusted. It is desirable that the car has a corrector, because under load the light flux rises and blinds oncoming drivers.
Best H7 bulbs for lensed low beam optics
If there are lenses in the passing beam headlights, it is best to buy halogen lamps with a xenon effect. Due to the increased brightness and white light they are effective in the lens optics. The rating includes 3 proven models.
Osram Cool Blue Intense H7
Color temperature of 4200 K and the brightness of 1500 Lm provide good light, which is not much inferior to xenon. Variant features compliance with all standards and good light distribution. Increasing the brightness has not worsened the light, driving with it is comfortable.
The lamps highlight well both on the roadway and on the side of the road. They serve their intended purpose and don't cause any complaints to the drivers. The main thing is to adjust the headlights and monitor their condition.
Video comparison: Night Breaker Laser Cool Blue Intense Original line.
PIAA H7 Hyper Arros 5000K
The Japanese bulbs, which are not as well-known as the others, are as good as they are. With a color temperature of 5000 K, the bulbs have good brightness and give a cool, but not blue light. The quality of the products is high, so the products last a long time.
Specialists note the good illumination of the road, you can see both the curb and all the irregularities of the roadway, even in unlit areas. With the right setting you can provide perfect visibility.
Thanks to the metal ring-fix on the bulb the lamps are not afraid of vibration and last much longer.
PHILIPS H7 Diamond Vision 5000K 12V 55W.
The lamps with color temperature 5000K provide good visibility at night. The light is comfortable to see and allows you to control the traffic situation, both in the city and on country roads.
The life is normal, the quality of light is almost unchanged throughout the life of use. The lamps are moderately bright, while not blinding oncoming drivers and pedestrians due to the correct light distribution.
Disadvantage can be called a common problem for all variants with a high color temperature. In rain, fog and other precipitation, visibility deteriorates sharply because the white light is strongly reflected by water droplets.
Selecting H7 bulbs for dipped beam headlights is not difficult. The main thing is to determine which type is suitable and choose proven models from the list that have proven themselves in operation.