Car owners who want to upgrade to brighter and more durable headlights may find themselves stuck between choosing from the 9005 to the 9012.
Both bulbs have distinct features that make them suitable for different motorists. If you are stuck choosing between a 9005 or a 9012 bulb, we will explore both options and recommend why you should pick one over the other.
What is a 9005 Headlight Bulb?
9005 headlight bulbs are popular amongst Japanese and US carmakers. Generally, 9005 is the specific size of a headlight bulb, and it can be used to imply either an LED or halogen bulb.
A 9005 is fitted in the top socket in cars with a dual-beam design. 9005 headlight bulbs are made by a wide range of companies such as Fahren, Sealight, the popular Sylvania, and Philips.
You should know that the 9005 goes by different names in other parts of the world. For instance, in Europe, it is known as HB3. Here in the US, it is known as 9005.
The 9005 has certain features that make it stand out from other bulbs in the market. For instance, it has a power rating of 65W. The power output will differ depending on the manufacturer. Certain brands can make 9005 bulbs with a power rating of up to 100W.
While discussing wattage, it’s crucial to know that a bulb can have a higher watt rating, but it doesn’t guarantee that it will be brighter. Similar to other electrical components, a 9005 bulb will have a 12v.
Another characteristic of 9005 bulbs is that they are used in cars with a dual-beam system. Just as the name suggests, a dual-beam features two beams; high and low. The 9005 size mostly suits the high beam.
But some vehicles can fit the 9005 as a low beam. The best way to find out if a 9005 is ideal for your car is by looking into the manual. They should mention the size 9005 or HB3.
For those of you whose primary goal is to upgrade to a brighter bulb, you should know that 9005 bulbs have a lumen rating ranging from 1700 to 4800.
As a rule of thumb, you should always confirm with the authorities on the lumen limit. Having an extremely bright bulb can affect other motorists’ visibility and lead to accidents.
As we mentioned earlier, 9005 bulbs are divided into two; halogens and LEDs. The LED options can provide you with 30K hours of use, whereas the 9005 halogens can offer 1K hours of use.
The brightness of 9005 bulbs will depend on the lumen rating, which differs from one brand to another. 9005 bulbs are pretty durable and don’t need any maintenance. Whenever they start becoming less visible, all you have to do is replace them.
When switching to a 9005 bulb, one of the things you have to be keen on is compatibility. The best way for you to determine whether this bulb is compatible or not is by reading through the manual.
If the manual isn’t present, allow us to briefly go through some car models that can fit a 9005-headlight bulb.
The 9005 can work in nearly all Lexus models, Nissan Titan, Altima, and Armada. You will also find the 9005 compatible with a wide range of Toyotas and Subarus.
In any Jeep with a dual-beam system, you fit a 9005. In Hondas, you can give the 9005 a try. But know that it may not fit in CRVs. If you own a GMC with a dual-beam system, don’t hesitate to get a 9005.
The 9005 bulbs can be fitted in certain Chryslers, Cadillacs, and BMW models. We can’t list all car models for obvious reasons because it will take us forever.
With some adequate research, you should be able to find out whether it’s an exact fit for your car.
What is a 9012 Headlight Bulb?
Like 9005 bulbs, 9012s are quite durable and offer the best performance when it comes to enhancing visibility at night. 9012 bulbs are made by a wide range of companies, such as Fahren.
Compared to regular bulbs that your car comes with from the manufacturer, these are three times brighter. These bulbs promise up to 5K lumens worth of brightness. That goes to show you how powerful 9012s are.
Depending on the manufacturer, some 9012 bulbs are dust and waterproof. This is a critical feature that will prolong the lifespan of your bulbs.
9012 headlight bulbs are designed to provide premium heat dissipation. They are also flicker-free and provide more extended coverage.
If you get your hands on a quality 9012 bulb from a reputable brand, you are assured of up to 30K hours of usage. That’s a pretty long period for a bulb to stay on.
As great as 9012 bulbs are, especially when it comes to performance, they may require professional installation.
These bulbs feature modern edge technology and may not be compatible with most older models. Like the 9005, research is crucial, and looking into your manual can help you know whether this bulb is a perfect size.
Another crucial feature of the 9012 bulbs is the cool color temperature, ranging from 3K to 4K. with such a color. You will get more natural-looking light and less glare.
That’s a safety feature that will ensure maximum visibility and won’t blind other motorists in the process. Even though it costs more than the typical headlight, a 9012 bulb offers better performance and features.
How Are They Similar?
• Serve the Same Purpose
Whether you go for the 9005 or 9012, you have to understand that they serve the same purpose: to illuminate bright light when driving at night.
Both options are upgrades from the stock headlights that come from the manufacturer. No matter what you choose, you are assured of a boost in the amount of light produced.
• Equally Durable
Another similarity between the 9005 and 9012 is that they are equally durable. Being upgrades from the stock headlight bulbs you may get from the carmaker.
They are made using durable components that ensure they serve you for the longest time possible.
How Are They Different?
• Different Sizes
The 9005 and 9012 have different sizes. As a result, they are suitable for different types of cars. Regarding the 9005, we have mentioned some of the car models it is compatible with.
Despite the difference in compatibility, the 9005 and 9012 can only be used in a selected number of vehicles. Before buying these bulbs for your car, make sure they are compatible.
• 9012 Better Color Temperature
From comparing 9012s against 9005s, you will realize that the 9012s have a better color temperature. You may be wondering, what color temperature has to do with a headlight. It’s simple.
An enhanced color temperature ensures the light produced is neutralized and doesn’t affect the visibility of oncoming motorists.
• Different Brands Create Bulbs with Varying Features
Despite the difference in size between the 9005 and the 9012, you also must know that different manufacturers will create bulbs with varying features.
For instance, certain 9005 bulbs will be more power-efficient than 9012s. The only way to get your hands on a decent bulb is through research.
• 9005s are More Popular than 9012s
When you visit various forums, you will discover that 9005s are more popular than 9012s. This could be because 9005s are more compatible with cars than 9012. However, there are allegations that 9005s are brighter.
We can’t verify this as a fact because there are 9012s with higher lumen ratings than 9005s. As discussed earlier, the brightness of a bulb narrows down to its lumen ratings.
What’s Better about 9005 Bulbs?
Many things make the 9005 bulbs better. The most important is that they are compatible with a wide range of cars.
This advantage comes in handy when you decide to settle on the 9005. There’s a big chance that it will fit in your dual-beam and provide your car with better lighting, performance, and durability.
What’s Better about 9012 Bulbs?
When analyzing the benefits of a 9012 bulb, one of its features is its durability. Most 9012 bulbs are made with water and dust-resistant materials.
As a result, the bulb can serve you for an incredibly long period. Even though a 9012 bulb will cost more than a standard option, it will offer a return on investment.
Who Should Get a 9005 and Why?
If you are tired of the mediocre performance offered by the bulbs made by the US and Japanese automakers, a 9005 bulb will provide more light and less flickering, and you will enjoy more hours of use compared to a typical bulb.
If you want a bulb that will most likely be compatible with your car, the 9005 is an excellent option.
Who Should Get a 9012 and Why?
We recommend getting a 9012 if your car specifies it in the manual. These bulbs are quite choosy, and they may not fit in the headlight socket. First, confirm if your vehicle is compatible.
The other reason you should get a 9012 is if you want a powerful bulb that doesn’t cause glare for other motorists. The 9012 is packed with tons of new technology beneficial for the modern motorist.