LED bulbs for car headlights
Car device,  Vehicle electrical equipment

LED bulbs for car headlights

There are four main types of bulbs used in the vehicle lighting system: conventional incandescent bulbs, xenon (gas discharge) bulbs, halogen bulbs and LED bulbs. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The most common for use remain halogen, but LED lamps in headlights are gaining more and more popularity. Several factors contribute to this, which we will discuss in more detail in this article.

What are LED lamps in car headlights

This type of lamp is based on the use of LEDs. In fact, these are semiconductors, which, by passing an electric current, create light radiation. With a current power of 1 W, they are capable of emitting a luminous flux of 70-100 lumens, and in a group of 20-40 pieces this value is even higher. Thus, automotive LED lamps are capable of producing light up to 2000 lumens and operating from 30 to 000 hours with a slight decrease in brightness. The absence of an incandescent filament makes the LED lamps resistant to mechanical damage.

Features of the design of LED lamps and the principle of operation

The disadvantage is that the LEDs get hot during operation. This problem is solved with heat sinks. Heat is removed naturally or with a fan. Tail-shaped copper plates are often used to dissipate heat, such as in Phillips lamps.

Structurally, automotive LED lamps consist of the following main elements:

  • Heat conducting copper tube with LEDs.
  • Lamp base (most often H4 in head light).
  • Aluminum casing with heatsink or casing with flexible copper heatsink.
  • LED lamp driver.

The driver is a built-in electronic circuit or a separate element that is required to stabilize the applied voltage.

Varieties and marking of LED lamps by power and luminous flux

The rated power of the lamp is indicated in the characteristics of the vehicle. According to the power, fuses and wire cross-sections are selected. To ensure a sufficient level of illumination of the road, the luminous flux must be sufficient and appropriate for the type of product.

Below is a table for different types of halogen and the corresponding LED wattage in comparison. For the main and low beam headlights, the cap marking with the letter “H” is used. The most common bases are H4 and H7. For example, an H4 ice lamp will have a separate high beam diode group and a separate low beam diode group.

Base markingHalogen lamp power (W)LED lamp power (W)Luminous flux (lm)
H1 (fog lights, high beam)555,51550
H3 (fog lights)555,51450
Н4 (combined long / short)6061000 for close

 

1650 for long range

H7 (head light, fog lights)555,51500
H8 (head light, fog lights)353,5800

As you can see, LED lamps consume much less energy, but have excellent light output. This is another plus. The data in the table has a conditional meaning. Products from different manufacturers may differ in power and energy consumption.

LEDs allow more control over lighting settings. As mentioned, this is achieved by using two or one LED block in the lamp. The table below shows single-beam and double-beam models of led lamps.

A type Base marking
One beamH1, H3, H7, H8/H9/H11, 9005, 9006, 880/881
Two beamsH4, H13, 9004, 9007

Types of LEDs in the field

  • High beam... For high beam, LED lamps are also great and provide good illumination. Plinths H1, HB3, H11 and H9 are used. But the driver should always remember to calibrate the light beam, especially with high power. There is a possibility of dazzling the oncoming traffic even with low beam.
  • Low beam... Led lighting for low beam gives a stable and powerful luminous flux compared to halogen counterparts. Matching plinths H1, H8, H7, H11, HB4.
  • Parking lights and turn signals... With LED, they will be more visible in the dark, and energy consumption will be reduced.
  • Fog lights. Led in PTF provides a clean glow and is also energy efficient.
  • Inside the car... Individually, diodes can emit the entire basic color spectrum. Competent LED lighting in the cabin can be adjusted using the remote control at the request of the owner.

As you can see, the range of application of diodes in a car is wide. The main thing is to adjust the light on a special stand. Also, LED lamps may not fit the size of the headlamp, since they are always structurally longer. The radiator or tail may simply not fit in, and the casing will not close.

How to replace conventional lamps with diode

It is not difficult to replace ordinary "halogens" with LEDs, the main thing is to choose the appropriate base, choose the correct color temperature, on which the color of the light will depend. Below is a table:

Light shadeLamp color temperature (K)
Yellow warm2700K-2900K
White warm3000K
Pure white4000K
Cold white (transition to blue)6000K

Experts advise starting the replacement with side lights, interior lighting, trunk, etc. Then match the LEDs in the head light with the appropriate cap type. Most often it is H4 with two beams for near and far.

LEDs significantly reduce the load on the generator. If the car has a self-diagnosis system, then low power consumption may show a warning about faulty bulbs. The problem is solved by adjusting the computer.

Is it possible to install LED bulbs in headlights

It is so easy to take and replace ordinary light bulbs with diode ones. First you need to make sure that your headlamp meets the specifications and safety standards. For example, the HCR and HR markings allow you to easily replace halogen lamps with diode lamps of the corresponding type from the factory. This will not be an offense. It is also advisable to use only white in the head light. Installation of a washer is optional, and you cannot make changes to the vehicle itself during installation.

Additional installation requirements

There are other mandatory requirements when changing the type of lighting:

  • the light beam should not dazzle the oncoming stream;
  • the light beam must “penetrate” a sufficient distance so that the driver can distinguish possible hazards on the road at speed;
  • the driver must distinguish between color markings on the road at night, so white light is recommended;
  • if the headlamp reflector does not allow the installation of diode lighting, then the installation is prohibited. This is punishable by deprivation of rights from 6 months to a year. The beam refracts and shines in different directions, blinding other drivers.

It is possible to install LEDs, but only in compliance with technical and legal requirements. This is a great solution for improving the quality of lighting. According to experts, over time, this type of lamp will replace the usual.

Questions and answers:

What are the markings on diode headlights? All equipment used in LED lamps is marked with the abbreviation HCR. The lenses and reflectors of the ice headlights are marked with the LED symbol.

How do I know the headlight markings? С / R - low / high beam, Н - halogen, HCR - halogen bulb with low and high beam, DC - xenon low beam, DCR - xenon with high and low beam.

What kind of LED bulbs are allowed in the headlights? LED lamps are considered by law as halogen, so LED lamps can be installed instead of standard ones (halogens are allowed), but if the headlamp is marked HR, HC or HRC.

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