Collection: W5W bulbs

W5W or T10: it's the same bulb

The most frequent confusion regarding this reference: W5W and T10 refer to exactly the same bulb:

• W5W = CEE designation (European standard) — W for Wedge base, 5 for 5 watts, W for clear glass.
• T10 = American designation — T for Tubular, 10 for the diameter in mm.

Both codes refer to exactly the same bulb format: W2.1×9.5d base, 10 mm diameter, 5W. You will find one or the other designation depending on the manufacturer's manual, the merchant website or the packaging — it is always the same product.

What is the W5W / T10 bulb used for?

• Parking lights (front position lights) — the most visible. An LED upgrade instantly transforms the vehicle's appearance with modern white light.
• Rear license plate light — must be white by traffic law. Pure white LED is ideal.
• Trunk, storage compartments, glove box — intermittent interior lighting.
• Reverse lights on some compact vehicles.
• Side marker lights on some sedans.

Converting your W5W to LED: what you need to know

• Direct replacement without tools — 2 minutes per bulb, unclip and clip.
• Choose the shade: cool white (6,000 K, modern xenon effect), pure white (5,000 K, daylight), or warm white (3,500 K, closer to halogen).
• No color restriction for exterior use (white is legal for parking lights and license plate).
• Canbus: modern W5W LEDs are generally compatible without a resistor — check for the "canbus" mention on the product sheet if your vehicle displays errors.

How many do you need?

Most vehicles have 2 front parking lights + 1 or 2 rear license plate bulbs. Plan for a pack of 4 W5W LED bulbs to do the whole set in one order.