What is my headlight bulb type?
The quick answer is that most cars use one of a few common bulb bases—such as H11, 9005, 9006, H7, or H4—and you can confirm yours by checking the owner’s manual, inspecting the bulb or housing for markings, or using the vehicle’s VIN to look up the original equipment. Knowing the exact bulb type ensures proper fit, brightness, and legality for road use.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify your headlight bulb type, what information to gather, how to distinguish halogen, HID (xenon), and LED setups, and practical steps to verify the correct replacement. The goal is to help you avoid buying the wrong bulb and to understand the options available for modern headlight systems.
Step-by-step method to identify your bulb type
Use this checklist to determine the correct bulb type before purchasing a replacement. If you can’t access some steps safely, consult a professional shop.
- Check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s official documentation for the specified bulb type and replacement procedure.
- Safely access the headlight and inspect the bulb itself for markings on the base or glass, such as a code like H11, H7, 9005, 9006, D1S, D2S, etc.
- Look at the headlight housing or nearby labels for a stamped bulb type or part number that can be cross-checked with a parts catalog.
- Identify the base shape and filament configuration (for example, single-filament vs. dual-filament) to distinguish common halogen types.
- If you can’t read markings or access the bulb, use your car’s VIN to look up OEM specifications or consult a reputable parts retailer's online lookup by make, model, and year.
Using these steps will usually yield an exact bulb type. If you’re unsure after checking these sources, bring the old bulb to a retailer or service center for confirmation.
Common bulb base types you’ll encounter
Car headlights fall into several broad categories based on technology and base shape. The list below covers the most frequently encountered halogen bases and what they’re typically used for, with a note that many vehicles now use HID or LED assemblies instead of traditional halogen bulbs.
- H11 — Common for low-beam headlights on many modern cars; many replacements are this base.
- 9005 (HB3) — A widely used high-beam/low-beam option on various makes; check your manual for exact position.
- 9006 (HB4) — Often used for low-beam applications in certain models; verify position in your vehicle.
- H7 — A popular single-filament base for low beams on many European and Asian cars.
- H1 — A single-filament bulb used in some fog lights or high-beam configurations on select models.
- H4 (HB2) — A dual-filament bulb that provides both low and high beam in one unit on older and some newer designs.
Note: Many newer vehicles use HID (xenon) or LED headlamps rather than halogen bulbs. HID bulbs have a ballast and a different base designation (for example, D1S, D2S, D3S, D4S), while LED headlamps may be integrated into a headlight module with no simple replaceable bulb. Always confirm the exact type before purchasing a replacement.
Understanding halogen, HID, and LED headlamps
Headlights fall into three broad technologies, each with its own replacement considerations. Here’s a quick primer on how to tell them apart and what to expect when replacing them.
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs are the traditional form of headlight lighting. They use a tungsten filament inside a quartz capsule filled with halogen gas. Common base codes you’ll see include H11, H7, H4, H1, and 9005/9006, among others. Replacements are generally straightforward and affordable, but halogen performance can degrade with age and temperature.
High-intensity discharge (HID) / Xenon
HID headlights use an electric arc, formed in xenon gas, and a ballast to regulate current. They produce bright, white-blue light and often have different bulb codes such as D1S, D2S, D3S, or D4S. Replacing HID bulbs usually requires handling the ballast and may involve dealer or aftermarket installation services; mismatched components can affect performance and legality.
Light-emitting diode (LED) headlights
LED headlamps use semiconductor diodes for illumination and are often integrated into the headlight assembly. Replacements are not always simple plug-and-play; many vehicles require matched LED modules or specific kits. If your car uses LED headlights, consult the manufacturer’s guidance or a qualified technician to ensure proper fit, beam pattern, and regulatory compliance.
Summary
To determine your headlight bulb type, start with the owner’s manual, inspect the bulb or housing for markings, and use a parts lookup by VIN if needed. Common halogen bases include H11, H7, H4, H1, 9005, and 9006, but many modern vehicles now use HID or LED assemblies that require different replacement approaches. By confirming the exact bulb type and technology, you’ll ensure correct fit, lighting performance, and legal compliance on the road. If in doubt, consult a professional or a reputable retailer to verify compatibility before purchasing a replacement.
How to solve the light bulb puzzle?
Which light bulbs will be turned. On. So how can we solve this puzzle. Let's work through it logically. And go through it step by step a good starting point is just to focus on light bulb.
Is H11 or 9005 low beam?
H11 is typically the low beam bulb, while 9005 is the high beam bulb. They are not interchangeable because they have different base types and intended uses; the 9005 provides a brighter, more powerful light for high beams, and the H11 offers a lower-lumen output for low beams.
| Feature | H11 | 9005 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Low beam or fog light | High beam |
| Brightness (Lumens) | Lower output (around 1350-1700 lm) | Higher output (around 1700-2100 lm) |
| Wattage | 55 watts | 65 watts |
| Socket | PGJ19-2 base | P20d base |
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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.
How do I find my headlight bulb type?
Every headlight is designated with a bulb size. For a bulb installed in your car, you can find the number stamped or printed on the side of the bulb. It's also listed in the service manual and in an auto bulb guide. Only the correct bulb size will fit in the headlamp housing and connect to the factory wiring.
