So, what’s so special about H7 headlight bulbs? Surely all headlight bulbs are basically the same, right? Well, you’d be surprised just how many types of headlights there are and how they perform differently. Currently, on the market, there are filaments, Xenon bulbs, LEDs and even lasers. In fact, we’ve got a full guide to the different types of headlight bulbs available.
The H7 bulb was introduced as an improvement on the H4 bulb. The “H” refers to halogen. These bulbs contain a tungsten filament enclosed in a halogen gas-filled quartz capsule. This allows higher light output and improved efficiency compared to old incandescent headlight bulbs.
The best H7 bulbs at a glance
H7 headlight bulbs provide the light for your car’s low beams, the ones you use most often to help improve safety and visibility, especially during the winter months; they are usually the main daytime running lights, meaning they’ll also be the ones that’ll need replacing the quickest, so we’ve found the best examples for sale to help you find the right set for your car. If you want to know more about headlights we have a handy headlight guide for you
Finding the right headlight bulbs for your car
When shopping for a new pair of H7 bulbs, it’s best to have piece of mind that the set you decide on will work with your car. Services like Amazon Garage will allow you to input your car and filter products guaranteed to fir the car. It’s the perfect tool for making sure you won’t be left in the dark when bulb shopping.
The best H7 headlight bulbs, chosen by Parkers
Editor's choice
Rrp: $33.50
Rrp: $33.50
The specific colour temperature of Philips RacingVision bulbs allows your eyes to focus better and perceive contrasts in the distance, helping you drive more safely.
Pros
- Great brightness
- Top-quality
Cons
- Mediocre lifetime
Best budget H7 headlight bulb
Pros
- Simple and affordable
- Good build quality
Cons
- Not the most advanced option
Best long-beam H7 headlights
Pros
- Safe and stylish white light
- Good for upgrading original halogen bulbs
Cons
- Not as white as some reviewers expect
Best Xenon-look H7 headlight bulb
Pros
- Xenon look
- Inexpensive upgrade
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
Best for lifespan
Pros
- Striking white light
- 450 hours lifespan
Cons
- Average in other aspects
What you need to know about H7 headlight bulbs
Are all H7 headlight bulbs the same?
No, they are not. H7 refers to the fitting type, but aside from this there are a variety of headlight bulbs: Halogen, LED, and Xenon bulbs are the main examples, and they work in a slightly different way to one another to give you a different quality of light.
Even when considering the same type of bulbs, a H7 Halogen bulb for example, there are still a number of variables including brightness and colour.
Are H7 LED bulbs legal?
In the UK it is not legal to retrofit H7 LED bulbs to your car if it comes with Halogen bulbs. According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, headlight bulbs must be E-marked or have a British Standards Mark. The reason for this is that many aftermarket LED headlight bulbs don’t meet quality and safety standards, and may not have the correct intensity or beam pattern which can blind other road users. You can fail your MOT if you have retrofitted LED headlight bulbs in place of Halogen bulbs.
Cars that come with LED headlights from the manufacturers aren’t affected, and if you need to change the headlight bulbs then you should contact your local garage.
Can I change the bulbs myself?
You will be able to change the bulbs yourself, but the complexity depends entirely on what car you drive. On some cars, it’s very easy, while others are considerably more difficult. For example, some Renault Megane models require you to take off the entire bumper; some Fiat Punto models simply required the removal of a rubber seal.
In terms of tools, all you should need is a set of screwdrivers and a socket set. A basic toolset should be sufficient.
What headlights does my car use?
This should usually be listed in your vehicle’s handbook, but if not, there are ways to find out. Amazon Garage allows you to add your car and filter items that will fit it. This not only works for headlights but also for other parts, including wiper blades and pollen filters for pretty much any production vehicle. A similar service is also offered by Halfords and other car part suppliers.
Can I upgrade my headlight bulbs?
Upgrading your headlights is a rather complicated affair. If your car came from the factory with filament bulbs, then there is nothing wrong with choosing a better filament option for your car, but you cannot upgrade to an LED or laser option by law. The same is the case for xenon lights. This is because of both complexity and the fact legislation has yet to catch up with testing aftermarket options for LED and laser lights.
If your car has LED or laser lights, then you’ll need your local garage to change them should they fail.
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