See and be seen: through the dark months with OSRAM Automotive

Premstaetten, Austria and Munich, Germany (21 October 2026) – Earlier nightfall and changing
weather conditions reduce visibility on the roads in autumn. The right vehicle lighting is now an
important factor for a safe journey. As an official partner of the Light Test Weeks 2026, a vehicle
lighting check campaign in Germany, ams OSRAM (SIX: AMS) explains what drivers should
consider when checking, replacing and adjusting their headlights. Retrofit solutions such as the
NIGHT BREAKER LED SPEED H1 and the NIGHT BREAKER LED SMART ECE H11 provide suitable
options for different needs. In addition, BETTER SIGHT WIPERblades help maintain a clear view
through the windscreen, while the LEDguardian ROAD FLARE Signal TA20 NXT can increase
visibility in the event of a breakdown.

The commute starts in the dark, the journey home is rainy, and oncoming headlights reflect off the
windscreen: in autumn and winter, the right lighting makes an important contribution to safety. But brightness
is not the only thing that matters; correct maintenance and alignment are also essential. As part of the Light
Test Weeks in Germany, ams OSRAM provides drivers with practical guidance on preparing their vehicles
for the dark months and improving visibility on the roads for themselves and others.
 

See clearly and avoid glare

Headlights that dazzle oncoming traffic can quickly become dangerous. To avoid this, drivers should check
that their own headlights are correctly aligned. Regular cleaning of the headlight lenses is also necessary to
prevent glare. Dirt, snow or salt can cause stray light while also reducing the driver’s own field of vision.

“We recommend having headlights checked regularly by professionals – especially after replacing a bulb.
During the Light Test Weeks, which run until the end of October, this is available free of charge at numerous
master automotive workshops in Germany,” explains Dr. Carsten Setzer, Vice President Automotive at ams
OSRAM. “ADAC members can arrange a free check at one of the official testing stations throughout the
year.”

Replace bulbs yourself or have them replaced at a workshop?

Headlight bulbs lose brightness over time. Xenon bulbs, for example, should be replaced after around
80,000 to 100,000 kilometres. How easy it is to replace a bulb depends on the vehicle: anyone doing it
themselves should follow the vehicle and product instructions and check beforehand whether the selected
bulb is approved for its intended use.

If the headlights are difficult to access or there is uncertainty about installation, a workshop is the right
place to go – including for the mandatory headlight alignment check.

Drivers looking to upgrade can opt for modern LED retrofit solutions. OSRAM offers a range of
solutions for replacement:

  • With the NIGHT BREAKER LED SPEED H1, OSRAM introduced a plug-and-play solution in 2026 for quick installation in suitable vehicles.¹ It is mechanically compatible with conventional H1 bulbs and requires no additional caps or adapters for this installation. The bulb produces bright white light with a modern appearance, while glare is up to 50 percent below the permitted maximum values.²
  • The NIGHT BREAKER LED SMART ECE H11 is approved under UN ECE R37 and can be used in suitable 12-volt vehicles as a replacement for corresponding H11 bulbs. For this use, checking headlight approval numbers or carrying additional approval documents is generally not required.

When replacing bulbs, it is also best to replace headlight bulbs in pairs rather than only replacing the
failed bulb. Replacing both helps avoid differences between a new bulb and one that has already
aged.

A clear view starts with the windscreen

Even good lighting is of limited help when dirt and streaks impair the view. A vehicle check should
therefore include a clean windscreen – inside and out – as well as an inspection of the wiper blades. If
they leave streaks, their condition should be checked and they should be replaced if necessary.
OSRAM BETTER SIGHT WIPERblades are designed for quiet, streak-free wiping performance. On
many common vehicles, their Multi-Fit system enables tool-free installation. With this addition, OSRAM
complements its lighting portfolio with a solution for clear visibility in changing weather conditions.

Stay visible in the event of a breakdown

Being clearly visible matters not only while driving. If a vehicle breaks down, the OSRAM LEDguardian ROAD FLARE Signal TA20 NXT supplements the warning triangle with an amber light that flashes in all directions. The TA20-certified warning light is approved for use in Germany under Section 53a of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). It can be attached magnetically to the vehicle and recharged via USB-C. It does not replace the warning triangle – carrying one remains mandatory in German.

Still time to take part: the Light Test Weeks 2026

The Light Test Weeks are a campaign organised by Deutsche Verkehrswacht (the German Road Safety Association) and the German automotive trade, with OSRAM as an official partner. Vehicle owners have until the end of October 2026 to have their vehicle lighting checked free of charge at participating automotive guild member workshops in Germany. The check covers low and high beams, brake and rear lights, and indicators, among other things. Any replacement parts and major repairs are subject to a charge. Those interested can find further information, special promotions and prize draws on the ams OSRAM Instagram channel.

¹Approved LED vehicle light. Applies only in the respective countries where approval has been granted or an equivalent approval applies, and only to the vehicle models and lighting functions currently listed in the compatibility list. Further details are available at www.osram.com/nb-led.

²LED retrofit bulbs deliver up to 450 % more brightness (compared to traditional bulbs in accordance with IEC 60810), while glare is up to 50 % below the maximum permissible limits compared to the minimum requirements of ECE R112.

All image rights are held by ams OSRAM.
 

关于艾迈斯欧司朗

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“感未来，光无限” 是我们的公司理念。我们深刻洞悉光之无限潜能，引领未来创新。120年来，我们持续推动引领市场的创新技术发展，覆盖汽车电子、工业制造、医疗设备及消费电子应用领域。值此欧司朗品牌120周年之际，我们将携全球约18,500名员工持续紧跟智能移动、人工智能、增强现实、智慧健康与机器人等社会大趋势，齐心协力开发创新解决方案。目前集团在全球共有12,000多项已授予和已申请专利。集团总部位于奥地利Premstaetten/格拉茨和德国慕尼黑，2025年集团收入为33亿欧元。上市主体ams-OSRAM AG于瑞士证券交易所挂牌 (SIX Swiss Exchange)（证券代码 ISIN：AT0000A3EPA4）。 

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