Halogen bulbs in the world of automotive lighting

technology, range and usage tips

The halogen bulb - what is it actually?

Everyone knows the light bulb and encounters it every day in various situations. It is an extremely common product that has accompanied us for more than 100 years. During its long history, it has undergone many evolutions, from changes in individual materials to increases in power. However, it was difficult to maintain the bulb’s lifespan when the tungsten wire was heated to ever-higher temperatures. As the bulb worked, the tungsten would evaporate and deposit on the inner walls of the bulb. To counteract this problem, a halogen element, usually iodine, was introduced into the bulb in addition to an inert gas. This element forms a compound with tungsten vapour and circulates in the bulb bulb, preventing deposition on the glass. Furthermore, at temperatures close to the filament, this compound breaks down into tungsten and iodine, transferring the tungsten particles back to the filament. This halogen regeneration process effectively extends the life of the bulb. Why does it eventually burn out anyway? Because the tungsten particles transferred to the filament do not stack evenly, so at some point the filament breaks (twists).

M-TECH offer: Halogen bulbs

M-TECH, a respected manufacturer of automotive lighting, presents a wide selection of light bulbs for vehicle lighting. M-TECH’s offer includes both halogen bulbs (main lighting, e.g. passing or driving lights) and auxiliary bulbs, also known as signal bulbs (their applications include the vehicle interior, direction indicators or stop lights), available for 12V and 24V installations. Almost 300 references in the range, including the most popular models on the market such as H1, H4, H7, H8, H11, H18, H19, HB3, HB4, H21W or W5W, C5W/C10W, T4W, P21W, P21/5W, PY21W, W21W, W21/5W and those less popular called oddities such as P15d, H10, H12, H13, H16, HIR1, H8B, H11B, HB3A and C15W, W2W, T6. 5, WY16W, RY10W, PR21W ensures that everyone will find the model they are looking for.

Halogen and auxiliary bulbs come in several ranges: BASIC, PREMIUM, HEAVY DUTY and POWERTEC.

The BASIC range of halogen bulbs is the widest range in M-TECH’s range and is for those who want reliable automotive lighting. It confirms the principle which has guided M-TECH from the beginning, i.e. the price/quality ratio is the most important. With over 200 different models of both the most popular and niche models, few companies on the market can offer such a wide range to their customers. The range includes halogen bulbs such as the H1,H7, H1, H21W1 or HB4, which are designed for main lighting to act as dipped, main beam or fog lamps. The extremely wide range is complemented by auxiliary light bulbs, such as W5W, T4W, P21W, P21/5W, W21W, P27/7W or BAZ15d, which, as the name suggests, are used as parking lights, stop lights, reverse lights or direction indicators.

Of course, all available models meet norms and standards provided by law, which is confirmed by certificates and approvals allowing for safe and legal use on public roads in the European Union. The range includes bulbs designed for 12V (white packs) and 24V (black packs) installations, so everyone will find a product to meet their needs. In addition, it should be noted that halogen bulbs for heavy goods vehicles have a higher wattage, e.g. the H7 12V bulb has a wattage of 55W, while its 24V version has a wattage of 70W.

PREMIUM bulbs are a higher standard of halogen lighting. Their main feature, which distinguishes them from many available on the market, is the E1 homologation. It is a guarantee and confirmation that the highest quality materials were used in the production process, starting with steel, through twist, glass and the gas mixture used. They are characterised by a longer lifespan and better light quality, which translates into greater driving comfort and safety on the road.

The Heavy Duty segment is a very specific product group designed for vehicles with 24V installations with a reinforced construction (e.g. trucks). This fact means that these bulbs must meet very high standards, such as shock resistance. This is directly linked to the production process, in which the materials used are additionally reinforced compared to bulbs designed for 12V vehicles. M-TECH’s offer includes bulbs intended for main lighting (halogen), which are the most exposed to long operation often in the most difficult conditions, where dust and dirt are very often the norm. For those who are looking for products that meet the highest lighting standards, HEAVY DUTY is the ideal solution. These are bulbs with maximum durability and exceptional performance, ideal for extreme conditions on the road.

Powertec is M-TECH’s own brand created for customers who are looking for products other than standard halogen or auxiliary bulbs. The bulbs in this group are distinguished primarily by the fact that, with few exceptions, they come in DUO-BOX and blister packaging. In addition, characteristic of most models is the special painting of the glass bulb, so that we have a choice of several lines, which distinguish the effect that the bulb itself gives when mounted in the headlamp. These include headlight bulbs such as H1, H4, H7, H8, HB4 or the recently introduced H15 and HIR2 models, as well as auxiliary bulbs such as W5W, C5W, W21/5W or PY21W. They are available in several lines, among which we can choose from Platinum, Super White, Ultra White, Xenon Blue or Long Life versions. All products have a euro-hole, which makes them much easier to display, so they can be successfully sold at petrol stations or supermarkets.

Why shouldn’t you catch halogen bulbs by the glass?

Not all bulbs used in cars are halogen, but those that are, require certain precautions. Typically, halogen technology is used in headlight bulbs, which need to emit intense and extended beams of light. Both specialists in automotive lighting in the broadest sense, as well as instructors on driving courses, always point out that when replacing such bulbs, their glass bulb should not be touched with bare fingers. Why? The natural fat that accumulates on our skin, left on the coating of the glass bulb, will accumulate heat in a given area. Uneven heat distribution on the surface of the bubble can cause stress in the glass, which in turn will damage the bulb. Furthermore, the accumulated heat can cause the halogen compounds to break down with the tungsten vapour at a given location, resulting in a smoky glass bulb. It is therefore worth taking care when handling halogen bulbs to keep them in the best possible condition and ensure safe driving on the road.