Collection: Car (12V) > Headlights & Fog Lights

Your Car's Headlights: A Safety Issue

Headlights and fog lights are primarily responsible for your safety on the road—seeing and being seen, in all weather conditions. A burnt-out or weakened bulb reduces your visibility and can result in a failed technical inspection. Pharos Boutique offers all suitable references for your 12V car.

Types of headlight bulbs: halogen, LED, or xenon?

Three technologies currently coexist:

• Halogen — the universal standard, compatible with all vehicles. Controlled price, simple replacement in minutes. 500 to 1,000 hours lifespan. R37 standard guaranteed.
• CE approved LED — 2 to 3 times brighter, white light close to daylight, 5 to 10× longer lifespan. Mandatory approval for main headlights since 2023.
• Original Xenon (HID) — reserved for vehicles factory-equipped. Never convert a halogen headlight to xenon without a complete system modification.

Most common bases: H4, H7, H1

H4: dual-filament bulb (low beam + high beam in a single bulb). Found on the majority of vehicles up to the 2000s. P43t base with 3 lugs.

H7: became the standard on post-2000 vehicles. Single-filament for the low beam only. Often paired with an H1 or H9 for high beams.

H1: used for high beams and some fog lights. 55W, P14.5s base with a flat tab.

H4 and H7 difference: the H4 manages two functions (low beam + high beam) with its two visible filaments; the H7 has only one filament and only provides the low beam. Visually, a single filament in the bulb = H7, two filaments = H4.

HB3, HB4, and HIR2: premium and Asian bases

HB3 (9005) and HB4 (9006) equip American and Asian vehicles (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, some BMWs). The H15 combines daytime running light and high beam on modern VAGs (Audi, Volkswagen). The HIR2 equips some Toyotas and Hondas with an infrared coating that increases brightness by 15%.

Front fog lights: H8, H11, H3

Front fog lights use different bases than low beam headlights. The most common: H11 (PGJ19-2) on modern vehicles, H8 and H16 on some specific models, H3 (PK22s) on vehicles before 2010. Allowed color: white or selective yellow.

How to find the right bulb base for your car

Three simple methods:

• Vehicle manual — lists the bulb for each light (low beam, high beam, fog)
• Existing bulb — the reference is engraved on the base or glass ("H7 PX26d 55W 12V")
• License plate search websites — allow you to find manufacturer references