What are the best non-hid replacement halogen headlight bulbs for our vehicles?
What are the best non-hid replacement halogen headlight bulbs for our vehicles?
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: SC
2003 Lincoln LS V8
The best bulbs out right now are Osram Nightbreakers, Philips Xtreme Power and GE Nighthawk Platinum. They don't produce much more light than normal bulbs (since they're all regulated to the same specifications), but due to better craftsmanship (more precisely placed filaments) they allow the headlights to focus the light on the road more effectively.
If your car uses 9005 or 9006 bulbs, you can upgrade to HIR bulbs 9011 and 9012. These are significantly brighter than 9005/9006 bulbs at the same wattage (read about them here). All you need to do is cut the tabs to fit them into the 9005/9006 sockets. Since they're brighter than the 9005/9006 spec, I'd only recommend using them in your high beams.
One last note: Avoid blue tinted bulbs like the plague. The blue coating reduces the amount of light the bulbs produce. Consequently the manufacturers usually use a hotter/brighter burning filament that burns out much more quickly than a standard filament. This allows the bulbs to produce more light than they would with a standard filament, but probably not more light than a premium clear glass bulb.
(Search for the bulbs to find the best price. The links above are just for examples.)
If your car uses 9005 or 9006 bulbs, you can upgrade to HIR bulbs 9011 and 9012. These are significantly brighter than 9005/9006 bulbs at the same wattage (read about them here). All you need to do is cut the tabs to fit them into the 9005/9006 sockets. Since they're brighter than the 9005/9006 spec, I'd only recommend using them in your high beams.
One last note: Avoid blue tinted bulbs like the plague. The blue coating reduces the amount of light the bulbs produce. Consequently the manufacturers usually use a hotter/brighter burning filament that burns out much more quickly than a standard filament. This allows the bulbs to produce more light than they would with a standard filament, but probably not more light than a premium clear glass bulb.
(Search for the bulbs to find the best price. The links above are just for examples.)
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Sydney
'07 C320 CDI
For performance...go with the philips xtreme power bulbs
For cosmetic.... go with the philips diamond vision bulbs
Can't go wrong with philips bulbs, whatever your application. Steer clear from cheap china / taiwan made bulbs. Stick with a high quality made bulb like philips for overall performance.
