168 VS 194 Bulbs: Difference, Which One is Best
168 and 194 are two of the most popular interior light bulbs that are commonly used in vehicles. Upon a closer look, you may assume that both bulbs are exactly the same, but in reality, they are not. When it comes to their lifespan and performance they both are different from each other.
What’s a 168 Light Bulb?
A 168 is a type of Light bulb commonly used in automobiles for lumination inside the vehicle. The bulb comes along with the T10 wedge base design which means you don’t have to screw it instead just push it into the socket and you are all good to go.
It consumes around 5 watts of power and produces 50- 55 lumens of light. Typically, these bulb lasts between 1000-1500 hours, but their actual lifespan depends upon the usage conditions. They are mostly used as warning lights all thanks to it’s their remarkable luminosity these are majorly used in glove compartments and around the license plate.
What’s a 194 Light Bulb?
A 194 is a miniature light bulb that can be used for interior and exterior lighting in vehicles. It also comes along with the T10 wedge base making the installation a piece of cake even if you don’t know anything about it.
Being an energy-efficient bulb, it consumes 3.8 watts of energy and produces 40-45 lumens of light. The Average lifespan of a 194 bulb is around 1000-2000 hours but it can change depending upon the actual usage conditions.
When it comes to comparison with the 168 bulb, its long-life, energy efficiency, and low maintenance make it an ideal choice both for interior as well as exterior purposes.
Detailed Comparison Between 168 and 194 Lighting bulbs:
| Characteristics | 168 Bulb | 194 Bulb |
|---|---|---|
| Base Type | T10 wedge | T10 wedge |
| Size | Slightly smaller | Slightly larger |
| Voltage | 12V | 12V |
| Wattage | ~5 watts | 3.8 – 4 watts |
| Brightness | 3 Candle Power | 2 Candle Power |
| Current Draw | ~0.42 amps | ~0.32 amps |
| Lifespan | 1000-1500 hours | 1000-2000 hours |
| Common Uses | Instrument panels, Dome lights, Some license plates | Instrument panels, Dome lights, License plates, Trunk lights |
| Advantages | Fits in compact spaces, Lower power consumption | Brighter output, Often longer lifespan |
| Disadvantages | Less bright than 194 | May not fit in all 168 |
| LED Replacements | Available | Available |
Difference Between 168 and 194 Lighting Bulbs
Power Consumption
168 lighting bulbs typically consume around 4.9-5 watts of energy while the 194 bulb only consumes around 3.8 watts, making it more energy efficient than the 168.
To let you know, the 168 bulb draws approximately 0.42 amps of current while the 194 bulb draws approximately 0.32 amps of current. If you are planning to interchange and use one in the place of another so keep this aspect in your mind.
Brightness
Seeing the power consumption, it’s pretty clear that both the bulbs have a bit of difference in terms of brightness.
168 bulbs are a bit brighter rated (at about 3 candlepower) when compared with the 194 bulbs which are rated at about 2 Candlepower. In case you, require more lumination then 168 is the bulb you should go with.
Heating Issue
Many people have complained that the 168 bulbs are a bit hotter than the 194 bulbs when they are used in real life. If this persists for a longer time it can also potentially melt or damage vulnerable plastic parts of that particular section.
Although the difference in terms of heat is not that big which makes both the bulbs totally safe for moderate use.
LifeSpan
As the 168 bulbs consume more energy & are brighter than the 194 bulbs but when it comes to their lifespan the scenario is totally different.
In the case of regular use, the 168 bulbs have a lower lifespan of around 1000-1500 hours when compared with the 194 bulbs which have 2000-2500 hours of lifespan. This is one of the many reasons why people choose 194 bulbs over 168.
Purpose
The 168 bulbs are most commonly used as warning lights and glove compartment lights. These bulbs are designed to be used in places that are not used very often and require a bit brighter light than usual. In some cases, 168 bulbs may be used for certain exterior lights, such as side marker lights or license plate lights.
However, the 194 bulbs are used in those places where continuous lighting is required. These bulbs are mostly used as the interior lights inside vehicles as they tend to glow for longer periods.
Are 168 and 194 Bulbs are Same?
No, both 168 and 194 bulbs are not the same, they are totally different when it comes to their usage and average life span. The 168 bulbs consume more energy which makes it more brighter than the 194 bulbs. But when it comes to their lifespan the 194 bulbs are more reliable and are a better choice than the 168 bulbs.
Can I use a 168 bulb in place of a 194?
Yes, you can use a 168 bulb in place of a 194 bulb but there are a few things that you do need to keep in mind. The 168 bulbs are typically brighter due to their higher wattage, so you might notice a slightly more intense light where you are planning to use them. Secondly, the 194 bulbs are designed so they can be lit for longer periods and generate less heat compared to the 168 bulbs.
However, the physical dimensions and base type of both 168 and 194 bulbs are usually compatible but you are not supposed to swap these two as it can cause issues in the electrical system of the vehicle.
Things to Keep in mind if you are swapping 194 with a 168 bulb :
- Overheating: The 168 bulb is significantly brighter than what the fixture(socket) and wiring is designed for, which may lead to overheating or other electrical issues. So, you are all on your own.
- Compatibility: While 168 and 194 bulbs are completely interchangeable, there might be some rare cases where specific vehicle models or fixtures require a particular bulb type. If you are planning to do it make sure you check the vehicle compatibility first.
It’s totally up to you whether you want to swap the 194 bulbs with the 168 or not. But my take on this is a big ‘NO’. The 194 bulbs are designed to last while providing a decent lumination compared to the 168 but if you swap them the 168 may cause overheating issues and damage the socket and the surrounding plastic parts.
My Thoughts: 168 vs 194 Bulbs
It’s really tough to choose between the 168 vs 194 bulbs as both have their pros and cons and they have great usability in different case scenarios.
The 168 bulbs are generally brighter when compared with the 194 but when it comes to their lifespan 194 is a more reliable choice than the 168. The 168 bulb has more brightness and they are specifically designed to be used for shorter durations, while the 194 bulbs are designed to last long with a continuous and longer duration of usage.
Keeping all of these differences in mind, if you want a brighter option then go ahead with the 168 bulb but if can accommodate the lightning(brightness) then the 194 bulb is a perfect choice for you. Rest id up to you.
