H16 Bulb vs 5202 Bulb: Understanding the Differences and Applications

Let’s say a customer purchases an H16 bulb and finds it doesn’t fit. What is going on, and how come it doesn’t fit?

The problem is that many aftermarket LED manufacturers call the 5202 bulb an H16. However, in Japanese vehicles, the H16 bulb is part of the H9/H11 bulb family. The biggest difference between H8, H9, H11, and H16 bulbs are both the wattage levels they run at and whether or not they have paint on the reflector cap at the top of the glass tube. H16 bulbs are most commonly used in fog lights, whereas H11 bulbs are most commonly used in headlights. Therefore, you’ll see that H11 bulbs look almost identical to H16 bulbs but have higher wattages than H16.

From the photos below, you will see that the H16 is quite different from the 5202.

Key Differences Between H16 and 5202 Bulbs

When you find your car fog light is an H16, if the car is a Japanese vehicle (such as Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Subaru), the fog light is an H16 (you can also use an H11 to replace it). However, if the car is an American vehicle (such as Chevrolet, GMC, Ford), then the fog light is a 5202 instead of an H16.

Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring you purchase the correct bulb for your vehicle. Always check your vehicle’s manual or consult with a professional before making a purchase.

Summary of Differences:

  • Application: H16 bulbs are often used in Japanese vehicles’ fog lights, whereas 5202 bulbs are used in American vehicles’ fog lights.
  • Compatibility: H11 bulbs can often replace H16 bulbs in Japanese vehicles.
  • Wattage: H11 bulbs typically have higher wattages compared to H16 bulbs.

By being aware of these distinctions, you can avoid the common mistake of purchasing an incorrect bulb for your vehicle.

Let’s say a customer purchases an H16 bulb and finds it doesn’t fit.

What is going on and how come it doesn’t fit?

The problem is all aftermarket LED manufacturers call the 5202 bulb an H16. But in Japanese vehicles, the H16 bulb is part of the H9/H11 bulb family. The biggest difference between H8, H9, H11 and H16 are both the wattage levels that they run at and whether or not they have paint on the reflector cap at the top of the glass tube. H16 are most commonly used in fog lights, whereas the H11 is most commonly used in headlights. Therefore, you’ll see that H11 bulbs look almost identical to H16 bulbs but have higher wattages than H16.

From the below photos, you will find the H16 is quite different with 5202.

So basically, when you find your car fog light is a H16, if the car is Japanese Vehicles (such as Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, Subaru), the fog light is a H16 (you can also use H11 to replace it), but if the car is American Vehicles (such as Chevrolet, GMC, Ford), then the fog light is 5202 instead of a H16.

 

Keywords: H16 bulb, 5202 bulb, LED bulb compatibility, Japanese vehicles, American vehicles, fog lights, H9/H11 bulb family, aftermarket LED manufacturers, bulb wattage, reflector cap.