H11 vs H8 vs H9 vs H16: Car Light Bulb Comparison

Introduction

This article provides vital information about H11, H8, H9, and H16 bulbs, offering detailed insights to help you grasp the similarities and differences among these four specifications. Whether replacing existing bulbs, upgrading to LED lighting, or making post-purchase adjustments, this blog equips you with valuable information.

H11, H8, and H9 are commonly used sizes for automotive headlight bulbs, while H16 bulbs are less prevalent and typically found in a limited number of American vehicles. Notably, the European market utilizes a different H16 bulb, the 5202, which has no connection to the American H16.

Bulb Specifications

Bulb Size	H11 Bulb	H8 Bulb	H9 Bulb	H16 Bulb
Filament	Single filament
Base Type	PGJ19-2	PGJ19-1	PGJ19-5	PGJ19-3 / PSX24W
Wattage	55 watts	35 watts	65 watts	19 watts
Lumen	1350 lumen	800 lumen	2100 lumen	500 lumen
Beam Type	Low Beam / Fog Light	Fog Light	High Bean	Fog Light

Key Similarities and Differences

Shape and Connectors

H9, H11, H8, and H16 share the same connector because they are identical bulbs with the same plug. As illustrated above, it has a traditional right-angled structure: two closely spaced prongs enclosed in a plastic oval casing, which includes a plastic divider at the center and two tabs on either end.

Filament Type

All these bulbs feature a single filament design.

Voltage Ratings

They have a rating of 12 volts, a standard for most automotive headlights and fog light bulbs.

Lighting Technology

H11, H8, H9, and H16 are available in halogen, LED, and HID lighting technologies. Although factory versions are typically halogen, all can be upgraded to LED or HID bulbs.

Applications and Usage

In various automotive applications, each bulb serves a distinct purpose:

H11: Widely employed in low-beam headlights and as fog lights.
H9: Typically utilized in high-beam headlights.
H8: Commonly designated for fog lights.
H16: Frequently positioned in fog light applications.

Brightness

The luminosity of standard halogen bulbs varies among different types:

H11: 1350 lumens
H8: 800 lumens
H9: 2100 lumens
H16: 500 lumens

It's essential to note that these values are indicative and may vary based on the manufacturer. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that in comparison to halogen bulbs, LED bulbs generally offer even brighter illumination.

Average Lifespan

The H8 has a life of 320 hours, H9 has 240 hours, H11 has 270 hours, and H16 has the shortest lifespan at 150 hours for basic halogen bulbs.

Socket/Size Compatibility

The power cord and socket for H8/H9/H11 LED bulbs are universal, with the only difference being the width of the PIN pin on the power cord and the width of the clips on the card holder. Users may need to adjust the spacing of the PIN pins during installation.

Upgrading to LED

While the factory versions of H11, H8, H9, and H16 bulbs are often halogen, upgrading to LED bulbs is a popular choice. The advantages include increased brightness, longevity, and energy efficiency. However, it's crucial to ensure compatibility and make informed decisions based on individual preferences.

FAQs

For halogen bulbs, converting H9 to H11 involves removing a small tab from the inside of the bulb base, allowing the factory H11 harness to plug directly into the H9 bulbs.
For most LED bulbs, H11, H8, H9, and H16 share identical connectors, as they essentially feature the same bulb design with a consistent plug.