Halogen bulbs for front headlight – H1, H4, H7 and more

The most commonly used references are H7 (single-filament, main headlamp on the majority of vehicles since 2000), H4 (dual-filament low beam/high beam, common on older vehicles and motorcycles), H1 (long-range) and H11 (fog lights and recent low beams). HB3 (9005) and HB4 (9006) mainly equip Japanese and American vehicles. Each reference has a specific base, not interchangeable. AGM Vision offers all these references in permanent stock, with vehicle compatibility sheets.

Switching from a standard 55W bulb to a 100W high-power version significantly increases the luminous flux, but involves risks. The excess heat can damage the plastic optics, melt the connector, and overload the electrical circuit. In addition, 100W bulbs are not approved for road use and lead to a failure at the technical inspection. As an alternative, +130% or +150% bulbs keep the 55W power while optimizing the filament and the gas to produce more lumens, fully legally.

A xenon-effect halogen bulb is a standard bulb whose glass is treated with a bluish coating that filters yellow wavelengths in order to produce a white light between 5000K and 6000K, similar to xenon lighting. It keeps the same base and the same power of 55W, installs without any modification and remains ECE-approved for road use. The result is more modern and aesthetic than a classic halogen at 3200K. The trade-off is a slight loss of brightness compared to a standard bulb. AGM Vision offers these versions for all common bases.

The most reliable way is to remove the existing bulb and read the reference engraved on the base. The H4 has three flat pins and a wide base with locking tabs, while the H7 has two thin pins and a smaller base. You can also consult the vehicle’s maintenance booklet or use the compatibility tables available on the AGM Vision product pages. As a general rule, vehicles from before 2000 and motorcycles use H4, while more recent models have switched to H7 with separate optics.

No, you must never touch the glass of a halogen bulb with bare fingers. Traces of sebum and sweat deposited on the quartz create a localized hot spot when the bulb reaches its operating temperature (about 300°C). This hot spot causes deformation of the glass, which can cause the bulb to burst or considerably reduce its lifespan. Always handle the bulb by the base or wear cotton gloves. If you touch the glass accidentally, clean it with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol before installation.

The majority of H-series halogen bulbs are designed for 12V (cars, motorcycles, light commercial vehicles). For heavy goods vehicles, trucks and buses in 24V, there are specific versions with a filament adapted to this higher voltage. Installing a 12V bulb on a 24V circuit would destroy it instantly, while a 24V on 12V would produce very weak lighting. Check the rated voltage indicated on the packaging or the technical data sheet. AGM Vision offers both versions and clearly indicates 12V or 24V compatibility on each product sheet.