So, what’s so special about H7 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. Below, we’ll be focussing on H7 bulbs.
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.
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.
The best H7 bulbs at a glance
Editor’s Choice: Philips RacingVision +150% H7 headlight bulb – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best budget H7 headlight bulb: Bosch Headlight Bulbs Pure Light H7 – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best long-lasting H7 headlight bulb: OSRAM XENARC ULTRA – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best H7 bulbs
Editor's choice
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 long-lasting H7 headlight bulb
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- Fits xenon (HID) headlights
Cons
- No good for halogen cars
Best Xenon-look H7 headlight bulb
Pros
- Xenon look
- Inexpensive upgrade
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
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.
Pros
- Really easy to filter the correct H7 bulbs
- Great selection of products to get your hands on
Cons
- You'll need Prime for free delivery
What you need to know about H7 headlight bulbs
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.
How do I change my H7 bulbs myself?
If you want to change your headlight bulbs yourself, then we’ve made a handy guide to help with what can quickly become an irritating experience:
• Each car is different, but usually, you access the bulb from the engine bay without removing the headlight.
• There should be a plastic panel on the rear of the headlight unit that you need to remove in order to access the bulbs. Find the bulb you want to replace (H7 in this case) and carefully remove the old bulb from its housing.
• Put on some gloves and take your new bulb out of its packaging (the oil on your hands may blow it immediately), and carefully insert it in the correct location.
• Reattach the plastic panel and give your new bulbs a test by enlisting the help of a friend to check they’re working or by simply walking around the front of the car and having a look yourself.
In a pinch, an emergency bulb kit can keep your car’s lights working, even if the bulbs aren’t the best.
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.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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