Owning a car is a great pleasure and being able to work on your car yourself is part of that experience. There is plenty that you can do yourself when it comes to car maintenance and repairs. You just need a little bit of info and the right supplies and you can handle a lot in your own garage.
Headlights are an item on your vehicle that do need some servicing from time to time. Maybe you have a burned out bulb or notice that one is not as bright as the other. No problem! You can tackle this issue by yourself in just a few steps and with the right tools. Let’s take a look at how to maintain your car’s headlight bulbs.
Why should you keep up with bulb maintenance?
Headlights play an important role in vehicle and road safety. Having headlights that work properly enable you to see when driving in the dark. They allow you to see other cars, people and objects so that you can avoid accidents. They also allow other drivers to see you. Because headlights are crucial to safety, most states have laws about them working correctly. It stands to reason that if you have a burned out bulb, you will get pulled over by the police.
How do I know when it’s time to change my bulbs?
The obvious answer is that it is time to change your bulbs when you notice that one is burned out. However, you should make it a point to check your bulbs periodically. Bulbs dim over time and since we use them every day we are not likely notice this gradually dimming. Bulbs are like your wipers and should be replaced from time to time to ensure you have bulbs that are working optimally.
How can I check how bright or dim my bulbs are? Do headlight bulbs dim over time?
To really get a good idea of how well your bulbs are functioning, be sure that your clean your headlights. Removing dirt and grime from the headlights will allow the light from the bulbs to shine unfiltered. Then you can assess how bright or dim they truly are.
How long will changing my bulbs take?
Changing headlight bulbs is a quick job. It should take about 20-30 minutes to change both bulbs. You can take your car to a mechanic or auto shop, but you will be paying for labor as well as the parts. This is why it is better for your wallet if you can change them yourself.
Only 1 bulb is burned out, so shouldn’t I only replace that one?
While it may be true that only bulb needs replacing, it is best to replace both at the same time. It is the recommendation that bulbs are replaced in pairs. If one is out, then the other is probably close behind it. And replacing them in pairs is a good way to make sure that both lights are always properly working. It eliminates the need to try and remember which one needs replacing next.
Where can I go to get it replaced?
If you are not comfortable changing the bulbs yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic or auto shop. The mechanics can easily change your bulbs for you. Just be sure to call ahead and check if you need an appointment. It is an easy job, but the mechanic may have other work ahead of yours.
If you use a mechanic to replace your bulb, you can expect to pay $50.00 on average just for labor. You will also have to pay for the cost of the bulbs, which will average about $20.00.
How do you change the bulb yourself?
Easy! Here are the tools and parts you will need before you start.
- The very first step is to make sure you purchase the correct replacement bulbs for the make and model of your vehicle.
- A screwdriver, cotton gloves, hex/torque bits
If your car has removable headlight here are the steps you can take to replace the bulbs.
- First remove the protective shield from the back of the headlight assembly.
- Turn and then loosen the plastic harness where the bulb is located.
- Remove the harness and bulb from the assembly.
- Remove the clip that holds the bulb in place and remove the headlight.
- Wearing the gloves, carefully insert the new bulb into the harness.
- Reinstall the clip that holds the bulb in the harness and push the harness back into the headlight.
- Twist it back into place so that it locks.
- Check that your headlights are working by turning them on.
If your car has sealed beam headlights, here’s how to change those bulbs.
- Remove any mounting screws, mounting frames, or plates that are holding the headlight in place. Do not remove the aiming screws (enable headlight adjustments) yet.
- Remove the headlight and wiring socket from the back of the headlight assembly.
- Plug the wiring into the new sealed beam assembly and place it back into the mounting bracket.
- Replace the screws and trim.
- Check that the new headlights are working by turning them on.
How much do the new headlight bulbs cost?
If you need to replace a halogen bulb, that can cost between $15.00-$20.00 per bulb. If you need to replace an HID bulb you can expect that to cost you at least $100.00. And remember, you should be replacing both bubs at the same time, so you will need to purchase 2 bulbs.
Does AutoZone replace headlight bulbs?
While AutoZone does not replace the bulbs for you, they can help you select the correct bulbs for the make and model of your car. They have an extensive inventory and are happy to help you select the right bulbs. They will also help you make sure you have the proper tools for the job.
Thoughts to Remember
Having properly working headlights is crucial for vehicle safety. It helps you to see others in the dark, and for you to be visible as well. Most states have laws about maintaining headlights, so you want to be sure yours are working.
Headlight bulbs can and do dim over time. Because you use them so frequently, you may not notice that they are not as bright as usual. Be sure to check them periodically to assess their brightness. If you do need to replace a bulb, be sure to replace them as a pair. If one light bulb is burned out or on its way, chances are the other one is not far behind. Checking your bulbs regularly will help you notice when they are starting to dim.
Changing the bulbs can be done by yourself at home. You just need to make sure you purchase the correct bulbs for the make and model of your car or truck. This information can be found in the driver’s manual. If you don’t have one, a retailer like AutoZone can help you select the correct ones. Halogen bulbs cost about $15.00-$20.00 per bulb. HID bulbs cost about $100.00 per bulb.
If you aren’t comfortable changing them yourself, your local mechanic can do it easily. Just keep in mind that in addition to the bulbs, you will also have to pay for the labor.
Conclusion
Changing your headlight bulbs is a job that is easy enough for a beginner to do and learning to do this will enhance your pride in vehicle ownership.