Can I use H4 instead of H7 bulbs? This question confuses many car owners. The answer is no. There are big differences between H4 and H7 bulbs, so they cannot be used interchangeably. So, how do we distinguish H4 from H7, and what are the differences between H4 vs. H7 bulbs? Next, we will help you understand H4 and H7 bulbs from a professional perspective so that you can eliminate these problems and make the right and wise choice.
What are H4 and H7 bulbs
H4 bulbs
H4 headlight bulbs were originally used only for racing lighting, but they later gradually became one of the most popular car bulb models in Europe. However, in the United States, the beam pattern of H4 bulbs does not meet legal requirements and cannot be used for car lighting. To solve this problem, 9003 (HB2) bulbs came into being, which are suitable for automotive use and will not dazzle passing drivers. Today, H4, 9003, and HB2 are interchangeable, and all three models are usually marked on the packaging.
H7 bulbs
H7 headlight bulbs have been popular since 1993 due to their small size, especially in Germany and other European car brands. However, unlike H4, H7 does not have interchangeable replacement models.
|
|
H4 |
H7 |
|
Wattage |
55/60 Watts |
55Watts |
|
Brightness |
1000/1650Luman |
1600Luman |
|
Lifespan |
600Hours |
300Hours |
|
Beam Type |
Low Beam/High Beam |
Low Beam/High Beam |
|
Base Type |
P43t |
PX26d |
Main Differences Between H4 vs H7 Headlights
Number of Filaments
H4 halogen bulbs have two filaments, one for the low beam and one for the high beam. However, H7 has only one filament, and since H7 headlight bulbs use a single filament design, each headlamp needs to be installed with two H7 bulbs: one for low beam and the other for high beam. When the low beam is enabled, one of them lights up; when the high beam is enabled, the other lights up.
Base
H4 and H7 bulbs have different base types, which is why they cannot be used interchangeably. The base type used by H4 headlamp bulbs is P43t, and the base type used by H7 bulbs is PX26d.
Sockets
The plugs of H4 and H7 headlight bulbs are exposed, similar to our common household plugs. However, H4 bulbs have three pins, while H7 bulbs have only two pins.
After understanding the main differences between H7 vs H4, I believe you should have learned to distinguish between H4 and H7 bulbs. Then, if you want to continue to understand the parameter differences between H7 and H4 headlamp bulbs, you can continue to read below.
Parameter Differences between H7 vs H4 Headlight Bulbs
Application
As we have just learned above, H4 bulbs have two filaments, so an H4 headlamp can be used as both a low beam and a high beam. H7 bulbs are single filament structures with only one beam mode, and an H7 bulb can only be used as a low beam or a high beam.
Power
The power of H4 bulbs varies according to the lighting mode. In high beam mode, the power is 60W, and in low beam mode, the power is 55W. The power of H7 bulbs is more stable, generally 55W.
Brightness
In terms of brightness, the difference between H4 vs H7 bulbs is still relatively large. The brightness of H7 bulbs can reach 1600 lumens. The brightness of H4 headlights can reach 1650 lumens in high-beam mode and only 1000 lumens in low-beam mode.
Lifespan
The lifespan of ordinary H4 halogen bulbs is 600 hours, while the lifespan of H7 bulbs is even shorter, only 300 hours.
However, this may not be accurate. Because the lifespan of H4 and H7 headlight bulbs is not only determined by parameters, but also affected by actual usage. For example, if H4 bulbs are used for low beams, they are used more frequently every day, and their lifespan will naturally be consumed faster. Therefore, when comparing the service life of H4 and H7, the specific usage environment and habits must be considered.
In general, the difference between H4 vs H7 bulbs is huge, and learning how to judge can make the right choice. If you happen to want to replace H4 or H7 bulbs recently, then you need to spend some time reading the following content, because we will give you better advice to help you make a wise decision.
H4 vs H7 headlight bulb, which one do I need?
Determine the required bulb model.
First, it is very important to find the right bulb for your vehicle model. Generally, the relevant bulb model will be recorded in your owner's manual. This is the most accurate method. Of course, you can also check the base of the original bulb. Generally, the base of the bulb will have the corresponding bulb model. Finally, you can also find the bulb you need through RIMTHIN's bulb finder. Just enter your vehicle brand, year, and model to find it easily.
The benefits of upgrading bulbs to LED
Upgrading bulbs to LED is something that many car owners think is worth celebrating. The brightness of LED bulbs on the market is generally higher than that of halogen bulbs, which means safer driving at night. LED bulbs have a longer lifespan. One LED bulb can be equivalent to dozens of halogen bulbs. RIMTHIN's H4 and H7 LED bulbs can last up to an amazing 50,000 hours, which means you can use them for several years without changing the bulb.
FAQ
H7 vs H4 bulbs, are they the same?
No, there are big differences in the appearance, structure, and parameters of H4 and H7 bulbs.
Can I use H4 instead of H7?
No, the base type of H4 is different from that of H7, so they cannot be used interchangeably.
H4 vs H7 headlamp bulbs, which one is brighter?
The brightness of an H7 bulb can reach 1600 lumens. The brightness of H4 in far-off mode can reach 1650 lumens, and the brightness in low-beam mode is only 1000 lumens.
H7 vs H4 bulbs, which one is better?
There is no difference between H4 and H7 bulbs, it depends on the application of the bulb.
