The story of the H4 bulb goes way back to the 1960s when it emerged as a game changer in the automotive headlight bulb lighting world, where previously, the rather dull tungsten bulb had ruled the roost. Unlike its single-filament sealed beam predecessor, it offered separate high and low beam functions in a single bulb, boosting safety visibility and practicality in car headlights. In the 1970s, the halogen revolution dramatically improved efficiency and brightness. This, coupled with its compact size and versatility, cemented the H4’s position as one of the most popular headlight bulbs for most European cars, including those in the UK.
Today, new technology has developed brighter and more economical illumination systems, including HID (or Xenon) and LED bulbs. This technology is mostly found on higher-end cars but will inevitably trickle down and become the norm. In the meantime, halogen bulbs will continue to be the most popular, found on around 80% of vehicles in the UK.
The H4 bulb has been successful for a few decades now. Despite a gradual shift towards the new lighting technologies, it will be some time before the H4 bulb is replaced as a mainstay of car lighting. So, let’s take a look at some of the best H4 bulbs available.
Best H4 bulbs at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Philips 575528 RacingVision GT200 – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for contemporary look: Osram Cool Blue Intense H4 – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for budget: Lucas LLB472 H4 – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best H4 bulbs
Pros
- Great choice of bulbs
- Easy to select the correct bulbs for your car
Cons
- Amazon Prime may be needed for free delivery
Editor's choice
Pros
- Sharp image
- More light
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
Best for brightness
Pros
- Whiter light
- Longer beam
Cons
- Lifespan could be a bit shorter than standard bulbs
Best for long life brightness
Pros
- Whiter, more powerful light
- No compromise on lifespan
Cons
- No blue tint
Best Xenon lookalike
Rrp: £17.89
Rrp: £17.89
Pros
- Xenon lookalike
- Extra bright
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
Best contemporaty look
Pros
- Contemporary look
- Good value
Cons
- Not quite a blue light
Best single pack
Pros
- Direct OEM replacement
- Long lifespan
Cons
- No improvement to standard illumination
Best for budget
Pros
- Good value two-pack
- Improved brightness
Cons
- No contemporary look
Some frequently asked questions:
What are H4 bulbs used for?
H4 bulbs have a dual filament, one for low beam and one for main beam, enclosed within a single glass housing.
What is the average lifespan of an H4 bulb?
An H4 bulb will last between 400 and 900 hours depending on use, road conditions and other variables like temperature.
Are H4 bulbs brighter than other options available?
While H4 bulbs are effective, newer technologies like LEDs and HIDs often provide brighter and more focused light output, potentially offering better visibility on the road.
Can I upgrade my H4 bulbs to LEDs or HIDs?
Yes, many vehicles can be upgraded to HID or LED headlights. However, this might involve modifications and could affect the beam pattern or may not be legal in some cases. It’s advisable to check regulations and compatibility before upgrading. Official guidance on aftermarket upgrades is available on the GOV.UK website.
Are H4 bulbs energy-efficient?
H4 bulbs are generally less energy-efficient than LEDs, which consume less power and produce less heat. Upgrading to LEDs could result in energy savings in the long run, but again it’s worth checking the suitability and legality of this.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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