Halogen & HID Bulbs
Are your headlights shining yellow and weak, or has a bulb gone in one of the smaller lights? Here you'll find halogen and xenon bulbs with bases such as H1, H4, H7, H9, 9006 and BA7s. This category is for you if you want to replace a faulty bulb or upgrade the lighting in your car.
Halogen or xenon – what's the difference?
A halogen bulb fits directly into the socket and runs on the car's 12 V system. Xenon bulbs work by gas discharge and typically require a ballast and a headlight designed for them. Note that a term such as "Xenon White" in a product name may describe the light colour rather than the technology itself, so always check the product data. If you're considering a different technology, you can compare with our LED bulbs.
How to choose bulbs
- Base: The type, e.g. H7, H9 or 9006, is listed in the owner's manual or on the old bulb.
- Wattage: The range spans from e.g. Hella 9006 12V 55W to Hella Optilux H1 100W. Higher wattage can create more heat in the headlight and put extra load on the wiring.
- Light colour and beam pattern: Whiter light is not the same as better visibility. The beam pattern also depends on the reflector and lens in your headlights.
- Approval: Whether a bulb is road legal depends on the product and the car. Check the E-mark for the specific part number.
In this category you'll find brands such as Hella, ORACLE Lighting, Putco, Diode Dynamics and ANZO.
Installation and maintenance
Avoid touching the glass of a halogen bulb with your fingers, as grease can cause hot spots and shorten its lifespan. Ideally replace bulbs in pairs for even lighting, and check the headlight alignment afterwards. You'll find accessories and other lights under car lights and lighting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 100 W bulbs on the road?
It depends on the specific bulb and car. Bulbs with a higher wattage than the headlight is designed for are often not approved for road use. Check the E-mark for the part number before installing.
Can I fit a xenon bulb in a halogen headlight?
Typically not without modification, because xenon requires a ballast and a headlight designed for it. An incorrect beam pattern can dazzle oncoming traffic. Always check what your headlight is approved for.
Why should I replace bulbs in pairs?
A new bulb can shine differently from an older one of the same colour and strength. If you replace both sides at the same time, you get a more even beam pattern, and the other bulb is often worn too.
