Miniature / automotive bulbs are identified by an ANSI Code, which is typically 4 numbers imprinted directly on the bulb itself ("1234" in the example photo").
Please enter this code into the search box below:

Automotive Bulb Finder

If replacing the light bulbs in your car, SUV, truck or motorcycle, simply select the vehicle's year, make and model to view the bulbs and locations:

Automotive Light Bulbs Customer Reviews

Without the proper lights, a car becomes a safety hazard. That’s why it is so important to make sure that you have the right bulbs in your car and that you keep them up to date.

To find the right automotive light bulb, our website offers an easy to use bulb finder. Simply enter in your vehicle’s year, make, and model and our system will bring up a list of bulbs that are made specifically for your car. You will then be able to pick out your bulb according to the application it is needed in. There is also an option to enter in the light bulb’s ANSI code and find an exact match that way.

How to Choose Automotive Light Bulbs

The first aspect of your automotive bulb to decide on is whether you want to go with halogen, LED or Xenon bulbs. Here are a few benefits to help you choose the best for your car and your lifestyle:

Halogen light bulbs have a long lifetime and are usually priced well making replacement costs low. They produce a standard amount of light and are a warmer color than LEDs. Halogens also come in several sizes for several models making them more versatile than other lights.

LEDs are a good option for many people because the lights are considered to be more energy efficient. They produce a brighter light than other lights. LEDs are also installable in many applications that work to produce a concentrated light beam. Most of them are easier to install than halogens because they come with a plug and play feature and they are less prone to get damaged during installation.

Xenon lights, which are also known as high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, can produce a brighter light and with less heat than halogen bulbs. They emit a blue-white light that is extremely bright and is excellent for visibility at night or during bad weather. They are also cost efficient because while they require a large amount of power when they first turn on they require much less energy to maintain the brightness.

After choosing LED, halogen or Xenon all that’s left is to find out what kind of light bulb is needed for your car, truck, SUV, etc. The easiest way is to match the ANSI code from the old bulb with the new bulb. The ANSI code can typically be found on the base of the bulb and is a row of numbers and letters. If you are uncertain of what the ANSI code is our bulb finder can assist you with your selection.

How to Remove Automotive Light Bulbs

Before replacing your car lights, it is important to find out if your car has removable or sealed beam headlights as the process is different for both. Both techniques can be found on automotive sites with step by step instructions for removal.

While headlights, tail lights, and signals are typically the ones everyone thinks of for replacement, there are others that need attention as well. They can be easily replaced with the right tools and bulbs. The most important tool to use when replacing automotive bulbs is gloves for protection of both the bulb and you. Here are just a couple options of lights:

Dome lights are usually on the roof of the car and act as a backseat light. These use a torpedo shaped bulb such as a T3 or T3.25 with a festoon base. Using a screwdriver to remove the covering should reveal the light bulb underneath. These can be removed by releasing one side and pulling the bulb out similar to a battery.

Another one to keep track of is fog lights. Make sure to reach underneath the headlights to unplug the fog lights first. The bulbs can be replaced by reaching behind the lamp assembly till you reach the light bulb. Remove by turning counterclockwise and install the new bulb by turning it clockwise.

Automotive Light Bulbs FAQs

How can I tell what kind of headlights are in my car?

The first place to check for which headlights your car has is the owner’s manual. If you don’t have an owner’s manual or it doesn’t list the lights for your car, then the next best thing is to bring your car to the nearest mechanic to check it out.

If you are more hands on, then you can remove the bulb from the headlight and check it yourself. The fitting size can be found around the casing of the bulb as well as the brand and ANSI code. Taking those you can match them to the new bulb and replace it.

What kind of bulbs can I put in my car?

Most cars use halogen or xenon lights, but a popular option is to switch them out for LEDs. While you can change your lights to LED, it is best to look into getting an LED conversion kit which can be found in various auto work stores. Consult with your local mechanic as well about which bulbs would be compatible with your car. Regardless of your choice, make sure to check up on your state’s rules for vehicle inspections to make sure your car lights would be up to date.

What is the brightest light bulb for a car?

Xenon light bulbs are considered to be brighter than other light bulbs, even LED, and they produce less heat than halogen lights. The brighter light is produced by a gas called xenon passing over an electrical charge and this has better results than a simple filament design bulb. These light bulbs are a popular option especially for headlights during the winter or darker months.

What do all the numbers mean on automotive light bulbs?

The numbers and letters on each miniature bulb are referred to as the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code. This code shows that the bulb meets certain standards for lamp specifications such as base type, beam spread, etc. When you are looking for a replacement bulb you can use the ANSI code to match to the new bulb you need.