How do I know what headlight bulb I need?

Knowing which headlight bulb your vehicle requires is crucial for maintaining proper lighting and ensuring safe driving. The process of identifying the correct headlight bulb can seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can easily determine the right replacement bulb for your car or truck.

Locate the Headlight Bulb Information

The first step is to find the specific headlight bulb information for your vehicle. This information is typically located in one of the following places:

• Owner's manual: Check your vehicle's owner's manual, which should list the recommended headlight bulb type and size.


• Headlight housing: Look inside the headlight housing, as the bulb type may be printed on a label or sticker.


• Vehicle information sticker: There may be a sticker located in the driver's side door jamb or under the hood that lists the headlight bulb specifications.

If you can't find the information in these locations, you can also consult an auto parts store or search online for your vehicle's make, model, and year to determine the correct headlight bulb.

Understand Headlight Bulb Types

Headlight bulbs come in a variety of types, including halogen, LED, and HID (high-intensity discharge). Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as brightness, lifespan, and power consumption. It's important to match the bulb type to your vehicle's headlight system to ensure proper fit and performance.

Measure the Bulb Size

Once you know the bulb type, you'll need to determine the size of the bulb. This is typically indicated by a number and letter combination, such as 9003 or H11. Measure the diameter and length of the existing bulb to ensure you purchase the correct replacement.

Consider Additional Features

Some headlight bulbs offer additional features, such as increased brightness, longer lifespan, or improved beam pattern. If you're looking to upgrade your headlights, you may want to consider these features and how they might benefit your driving experience.

By following these steps, you can easily identify the right headlight bulb for your vehicle and ensure that your headlights are functioning properly and safely.

How do I know what headlight bulb to get for my car?

Simply plug in your vehicle's make, model, and year and see which bulbs are compatible. This will show you the headlights that are the right size and fit for your housing. Common headlight bulb sizes include H11, 9005, H4, 9006, and H7.

Which is brighter, 9005 or H11?

H11 bulbs are designed for use as low beam headlights, while 9005 bulbs are typically used for high beams. This results in a higher brightness level for the 9005 bulbs compared to the H11 bulbs.

What happens if you put a 60W LED bulb in a 40W socket?

Putting a 60W equivalent LED bulb in a 40W socket is generally safe because the actual power consumption (wattage) of the LED is much lower than the socket's rating. The "60W" on the LED bulb packaging is an equivalent to an old incandescent bulb and refers to its brightness, not its actual power draw, which is often around 9-11W. The primary danger comes from using a higher-wattage incandescent bulb, which creates too much heat for the socket.
 
Key takeaways

• "Wattage equivalent" is a measure of brightness, not power consumption. An LED labeled "60W equivalent" uses significantly less energy than a traditional 60W incandescent bulb. 
• The actual wattage of the LED is what matters for heat. Check the bulb's packaging for the "actual electrical wattage" (e.g., 9W or 11W) to confirm it is well below the 40W socket limit. 
• Overheating is the main risk with higher-wattage bulbs. The 40W rating on the socket is a safety limit to prevent the fixture and its wiring from overheating. Using a high-wattage incandescent bulb would exceed this limit and create a fire hazard. 

When to be cautious

• Enclosed fixtures: If the fixture is fully enclosed, an LED might have a shorter lifespan because the heat can't dissipate properly, even though it's well within the socket's power rating.
• Dimmer switches: If the socket is connected to an older dimmer switch, it may not work correctly with the LED's lower wattage. 

In summary, it is safe to use a 60W equivalent LED bulb in a 40W socket as long as you verify the actual electrical wattage of the bulb is less than 40W. This is a common and safe practice to get more light while saving energy.

How do I tell which light bulb I need?

To find the right light bulb, first check the old bulb for its base type (like E26 screw-in) and shape (like A19). Then, look at the fixture's label for the maximum wattage and choose a replacement bulb with the correct base, a compatible wattage (or higher lumens if you want brighter light), and the desired color temperature (measured in Kelvin) and technology (like LED). 
This video explains how to choose the right light bulb based on its characteristics: 58sFeit ElectricYouTube · Sep 29, 2022
1. Identify the base and shape 

• Look at the old bulb: Find markings on the old bulb itself. Common examples include an "E26" for a medium screw base or "B22" for a bayonet cap. 
• Measure the base: If there are no markings, measure the diameter of the base. An E26 base is 26mm, and you can multiply the diameter in inches by 8 to find the number for a corresponding shape code like an A19, notes Techlicious and this YouTube video. 
• Use the fixture's label: Some fixtures have a label with information printed on them, especially older ones, or you can take a photo to show an associate at a hardware store. 

You can watch this video to learn how to measure the base of a light bulb: 53sAMRE SupplyYouTube · Jul 5, 2020
2. Determine the brightness

• Check the fixture's maximum wattage: Look for a label on the fixture itself to find the maximum wattage it can handle. Never use a bulb with a wattage higher than this limit. 
• Use lumens for brightness: With modern bulbs like LEDs, it's better to use lumens, which measure the actual brightness, rather than watts. A higher number of lumens means a brighter bulb. 
• Find the equivalent: Look for a "wattage equivalent" on the packaging of new bulbs, which helps you choose a new LED bulb that has the same brightness as an old incandescent bulb you are replacing. 

This video explains how to choose the right light bulb based on brightness: 59sGE Lighting, a Savant companyYouTube · Jun 30, 2014
3. Choose the technology and color 

• Consider LED: LEDs are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting option. 
• Select the color temperature: The color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). 
  • Warm White: Lower Kelvin numbers, like 2700K, create a cozy, yellowish light. 
  • Cool White/Daylight: Higher Kelvin numbers, around 5000K or more, produce a bluer, brighter, and more stimulating light. 
• Be consistent: It is best to choose one color temperature and use it consistently throughout a room or even the whole house for a uniform look.