Headlight Bulb Guide: Halogen vs LED and How to Find the Right Size

With shorter days in winter, drivers depend on their headlights more than ever. Bulbs dim over time, and a burned-out bulb is both a safety risk and a reason to get pulled over. Here is how to get the right replacement.

Find the right bulb size

Every vehicle uses specific bulb types, such as H11, H7, H4, 9005 or 9006. To find the right one:

• Check the owner's manual.
• Look at the base of the old bulb, where the number is usually printed.
• Use the bulb finder on the packaging or the manufacturer's website.

Low beams and high beams often use different bulbs.

Halogen vs LED

• Halogen bulbs are the standard on many vehicles. They are affordable and easy to replace. Premium halogens offer brighter or whiter light, sometimes with a shorter life.
• LED bulbs last longer and use less power. When you choose an LED replacement for a halogen headlight, make sure it is designed and approved for road use in that type of headlight housing. A poorly matched bulb can scatter light and blind other drivers.

Replacement tips

• Replace headlight bulbs in pairs. If one has burned out, the other is usually close behind, and both will match in brightness.
• Do not touch the glass of a halogen bulb with bare fingers. Skin oils can create hot spots and shorten bulb life.
• Check the aim after replacement so the beam lights the road without blinding oncoming traffic.
• Clean or restore cloudy lenses. A foggy lens can cut light output even with a new bulb.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the right headlight bulb size?
Check the owner's manual, look at the number printed on the base of the old bulb, or use a bulb finder. Low and high beams often use different bulbs.

Should headlight bulbs be replaced in pairs?
Yes. If one bulb has burned out the other is usually close behind, and replacing both keeps brightness matched.

Can I put an LED bulb in a halogen headlight?
Only if the LED is designed and approved for road use in that type of headlight housing, because a poorly matched bulb can scatter light and blind other drivers.

Bulbs we carry

RPS Distributors stocks headlight and auto bulbs from Philips, Heliolite and other brands. Browse our Auto Accessories collection.

Request a wholesale quote or call 1-855-498-7509.