LED main headlamp bulbs

[Wookey]

My Expert has standard-for-30-years H4 halogen bulbs. I just replaced one with my last spare and am just wondering if any of the LED replacements are a good idea? These lamps work in conjunction with the glass and the little shade thing inside the bulb to make the right pattern, so it seems unlikely that LED replacements will work all that well as the LEDs are not a (n almost) point source in the same way.

Has anyone tried it? LEDs use less energy and should last longer (if they don't get too hot in there), and the colour is nicer too, so it'd be nice if it does work but there is no point if the pattern will be all wrong (Annoy everyone else, fail MOT and probably not see much either).

So, is this just a daft idea or something worth experimenting with? I failed to find anything in the search already discussing this matter.

[white exec]

In general, headlight units designed around H1/H4/H7 etc halogen lamps have reflectors and optics which rely on a point source of light - the very compact tungsten filament.

Most LED slot-in replacements, in order to achieve the necessary light output, use multiple SMDs (surface-mount devices) spread over a large area of the replacement lamp. Using these results in a poorly focussed headlight, which behaves more like a floodlight than a spotlight, causing both light scatter (instead of putting the beam where it ought to go) and dazzle to oncoming traffic. Dip-beam is particularly compromised.

Although quite a heavily marketed as a popular 'conversion', it's best not to go down this route. If LED headlights are needed, then the whole headlight unit should be changed for an LED-dedicated one (usually impractical), or a point-source of light alternative should be sought.

HID conversions are no longer road legal, unless the car is equipped with both headlight washers and self-levelling suspension. Recent MoT regs have tightened permitted conversions even further, I believe.

For original halogen headlights, the best current option is to use either Philips' Xtreme or Osram Nightbreaker bulbs, which have a superb and higher light output, long life, and possess the 'original' H1/H4/H7 etc package, and the original wattage.

[Hell Razor5543]

I have, on occasion, got the 'Ultimate Speed' headlight bulbs from Lidl when they get them in. They usually have a couple of choices (but not, unfortunately, H1), such as 50% longer beam, or blue tinge), and are around £5 a pair.