H4 Upgrade Info

...I'm no bulb expert but I've found H4 upgraded bulbs useful over standard ones. Used them for years in various cars with H4.

The UK press periodically provide a bulb comparison test and make recommendations for example this from a motoring weekly

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/access...ght-bulbs-2019

And an earlier one from 2018 in a British monthly car magazine.



https://www.evo.co.uk/features/21014...018-group-test

Typically over the years I've done these upgrade I just read the latest review and buy the recommended upgrade brand and type because the market and spec changes. Used in kids and other family runaround cars I've only had one fail and even that lasted years and many miles.

The original accessory emergency bulb kit (in grey box) I have was Osram brand and their modern upgrade offering fared well in this 2019 test it seems. Philips another OEM bulb and spare bulb kit supplier back in the day (in the clear /blue box) had previously been top of the earlier similar best buy comparative H4 test list.

Hope the info in these links help.

Steve

it would be interesting to know the increased electrical "load" these "150%" lights put on our old wire harnesses.

I would recommend installing a relay kit for the headlights. You will most likely see less load on switches, less voltage drop, and consequently better light output.

The links to the magazines were posted in response to an upgrade H4 product being offered by a member/vendor -- but that FS post was withdrawn by its author. My post became an orphan; as a result of being retained/moved it lost context. In original context it was providing product review information about H4 upgrades of a similar type to the FS product offering that I'd read in several magazines. Tests published in magazines own www sites so presumably they're in the public domain. Both are very popular car magazines published in the UK. How objective and thorough these two magazine product tests were I don't know, although one of the bulb manufacturers included furnished a test facility! Who knows what manufacturer advertising contracts are in place with the publisher. Also the specification/ relative performance of these things tested might change over time.

For avoidance of doubt any bulb upgrade should be fitted by a qualified individual and the whole system should be checked to ensure it is capable of handling the proposed upgrade safely and legally in the country region etc laws and vehicle regulations. I was once told H4 were never offered on 911 ( not legal) in USA? Also some upgrade bulbs are not legal for road use. It is up to the car owner and their professional specialist to define what course of action (if any) to take based on magazine product reviews and other information about bulb upgrades . While I've had no problems in using legal H4 upgrades that are commonly available here in the UK I'm not recommending an upgrade as don't know the specifics of any one else's car or situation. Some of the wiring in these circa 50 year old classic cars have seen better days and rodents like to nibble them for breakfast!

Incidentally I found this post ( link below) on a forum. Had no idea there was such a forum providing information on H4 bulbs. I thought early PORSCHE forum was niche and went in for anoraking on obscure points! Like any information posted/found on www through a Google search I can't vouch for objectivity, quality and accuracy of any tests nor any aspect of the content posted on that forum or this link. Also it is from a few years ago. Simply sharing links to information as found, for what it is worth.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...-test-results&

No affiliation. No products to sell.

Steve