Which Headlight Bulb Does My Car Need?
The fastest way to find your bulb is to read the code on the old one, or check the owner's manual. That code (H4, H7, HB3 and so on) tells you the shape of the base and how many filaments are inside, and it has to match exactly or the bulb will not fit your headlight.
Where to find the code
- The old bulb. The code is usually stamped on the metal base or the glass collar.
- The owner's manual. Look for the section on replacing bulbs; it lists low beam, high beam and fog lights separately.
- The shop's search. If you only have the make and model, search the shop and confirm against the old bulb before you buy.
Many cars use a different bulb for low beam and high beam, and some use the same one for both, so check each lamp.
The common types at a glance
| Code | Filaments | Typical use | Hella bulb in the shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| H4 | Two (low and high beam in one bulb) | Older cars, 4WDs and many utes | Hella 8GJ178555001 H4 12V 60/55W |
| H7 | One | Low or high beam on many European and Japanese cars | Hella 8GH007157121 H7 12V 55W |
| H1 | One | Separate low or high beam, often with driving lights | Hella 8GH002089153 H1 |
| H3 | One | Fog and driving lights, some older headlights | Hella 8GH178555061 H3 12V 55W |
| H11 | One | Low beam and fog lights on many newer cars | Hella 8GH178555111 H11 12V 55W |
| HB4 | One | Low beam and fog lights | Hella 8GH178555091 HB4 12V |
| HB3 | One | High beam on many cars | Hella HB3 Platinum White Plus kit |
H4: one bulb, two beams
An H4 has two filaments, one for low beam and one for high beam, so a single bulb does both jobs. If one beam works and the other does not, the bulb has likely blown one of its filaments, and the whole bulb needs replacing.
H7, H1, H11, HB3 and HB4: one filament each
These have a single filament. Cars that use them often fit a different bulb for each beam, so when only the low beam is out you replace only that bulb. The bases are not interchangeable: an H7 will not seat in an H11 socket, even though both look similar at a glance.
Standard or brighter?
Once you know the type, you can usually choose between a standard bulb and a brighter halogen of the same type. Brighter halogens use the same fitting, so there is no wiring change, but they generally have a shorter life than a standard bulb. If you want more light and are staying on halogen, see our Platinum White Plus kits and other high performance globes.
Check before you buy
- Match the code exactly, including any letters after it.
- Check the voltage. Cars are 12V; some trucks and buses are 24V.
- Replace bulbs in pairs where you can, so both sides match.
If you are still unsure, contact us with your make, model and year and we will point you to the right bulb.