H3 Light Bulb Replacement Guide

Common bulb fittings

H7 9005 H11 H9 H13 9006 H1 9003 9012 194 9004 H8 9007 168 921 912 DE3175 H8 LED D1S H11 LED 7443 Show more

What Is An H3 Bulb?

H1 bulbs are a type of halogen bulb, which means they're approved for general use in fog lights, turn signals, etc. as well as headlights in the European Union, the US, and Japan. Usually, they are slightly whiter in color than standard halogen bulbs, but not as white as pure xenon HID bulbs.

These lamps have only one filament which means they cannot be used as a headlight and a fog light at the same time.

Their nominal power in major/minor filament is 6 V & 12 V: 55 W or 24 V: 70 W. That also means that the H3 bulb is a single-beam headlight. Such nominal power allows for a decent light output of around 1,500 lumens. The stock halogen bulbs emit 450 lumens per bulb. That is 300% brighter than what regular old bulbs would put out. 

While they may not be as bright as HIDs, they will still give your car a more modern look and provide better visibility in poor weather conditions. If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to upgrade your headlights, H3 bulbs are a great option. Their lifespan ranges up to 30,000 hours and that is pretty good! Most lamps don’t even come close to that because they only have a lifespan of 1,000 hours.

H3 bulbs are more energy-efficient than your regular light bulb. That is because they use less power to produce the same amount of light and they don’t heat up as much as other types of light bulbs.

Are H3 And H4 Bulbs Interchangeable?

All the bulbs included in this article - H1, H3, H4, H7, etc. - are classified under Group 1. These are typically used as headlights. Even though they're in the same category, they still can't be used interchangeably. H3 is for odinary outside use, like decks and fences. H4 contact with the ground level, such as posts or garden edgings.

Of course, these two lamps have similarities as well. For instance, they both have a P22d base and they're used in 12V systems. The major difference lies in their filament position and design, which ultimately results in a different light beam pattern.

H3 bulbs have a slightly different light beam pattern than H4 bulbs. H3 bulbs produce more light in the center of the beam, while H4 bulbs produce more light on the sides of the beam. This is because H3 bulbs have a single filament, while H4 bulbs have two filaments that are stacked on top of each other.

So, while H3 and H4 bulbs may be in the same category, they are not interchangeable. If you need an H3 bulb, make sure to get an H3 bulb!

Are H3 Lamps Worth It?

There are several benefits and drawbacks that each driver must know before they choose to switch out their regular halogen bulbs for H3s.

Benefits:

• H3s are much brighter than regular halogen bulbs, so they will provide better visibility in poor weather conditions.
• H3s have a longer lifespan than regular halogen bulbs, so you won't have to replace them as often.
• H3s are more energy-efficient than regular halogen bulbs, so they will save you money in the long run.

Drawbacks:

• H3s are not as bright as HIDs, so they may not give your car the same "modern" look.
• H3s are not interchangeable with H4 bulbs, so you need to make sure you get the right type of bulb for your car.

Overall, H3 bulbs are a great option for drivers who are looking for a budget-friendly way to upgrade their headlights. They are much brighter than regular halogen bulbs and have a longer lifespan, so you won't have to replace them as often. Plus, they are more energy-efficient than regular halogen bulbs, so they will save you money in the long run. However, keep in mind that H3 bulbs are not as bright as HIDs and they are not interchangeable with H4 bulbs. So make sure you get the right type of bulb for your car!