How to Replace Your Headlights

Are you trying to figure out how to replace your headlights? It’s actually simple to do it, and once you know how to replace them yourself, you’ll get to save some money in the process. It’s also a good skill to have so you won’t have to be fully dependent on a car technician whenever you need to replace your car’s headlights.

How do Headlights Work?

Every car has headlights and sidelights. With older vehicles, they usually have halogen bulbs. If this is the case with your car, then it’s straightforward and much easier to replace. As for newer vehicles, their light bulbs are filled with xenon gas. It allows the car to have whiter and brighter lights. This type of light bulb is called high-density discharge light (HID) or Xenon light. 

Before you change an HID light bulb, it’s important that you proceed with caution. HID light systems produce high voltages and in the event of a shock, you might be seriously injured. The voltage can stay in the circuit even if the headlight switch is off or you’ve taken the key from the ignition. That’s why it’s not recommended to remove the headlight housings. You can go to a garage and spend a few pounds to get a professional to do this instead. 

When Should I Change the Headlight Bulbs?

As soon as your headlight bulbs fail to work properly, you need to change them. If you don’t have a complete set of fully functional headlight bulbs, it will make driving difficult and it is also dangerous since you’re not visible to other drivers and pedestrians. 

The police may also hand you a vehicle defect rectification notice. With it, you have 14 days to replace the light bulbs and then prove to the police that the necessary repairs have been made. You can do this by presenting your car or the receipt from the garage for the repair. 

Why You Need to Change Your Car’s Headlights

Like any other part of the car, the headlights deteriorate after a while. Halogen bulbs won’t be as bright as they used to be because of the graduate deterioration of the filament. If you’ve been driving the same car for years and haven’t had the chance to replace the headlamps, it might be a good time to do so. 

Another reason to change old headlights is that the technology for such bulbs has improved a great deal already and it would benefit you when it comes to making sure you’re safe while driving your vehicle in the dark. Besides, it’s not very expensive to upgrade your car’s headlights or have a professional change them for you. For this one, the advantages truly outweigh the cost. 

If you’re looking for the right bulbs, check that they’re compatible with your car. To be sure, you can check the car’s handbook so you’ll know the details of the required bulbs as well as the process of how to change them. You may also check online retailers to see the list of compatible headlight bulbs for your vehicle. They usually have a tool where you can simply enter the make, model and year of the car and then show you which bulbs will work well for it.

Changing Your Cars Headlights

For this task, it won’t take more than five minutes to set things up. Make sure you’ve bought the right replacement bulb so that everything will work well. Consult your vehicle handbook first so you can check if there are any specific procedures you need to follow in terms of dismantling and installing headlight bulbs. Usually, the steps on how to replace your headlights are as follows:

1. Pop the hood open and find the back of your car’s headlight housing. 
2. Remove the cover to see the blown headlight bulb. 
3. Depending on your car, you may have to release the spring levers or twist out the connector so you can disconnect the headlight’s electrical connectors. 
4. Once that’s done, you may now remove the bulb. 
5. In installing the new headlight bulb, do so carefully and don’t let it touch your skin. Your skin secretes oil that may heat up once the bulb is lit and it can damage the glass. 
6. Ensure that the new headlight bulb is connected securely before returning the headlight housing. 
7. Now, it’s time to check if the new headlight bulb is working properly. 

Headlights may seem like a small component of your car but they’re very important in keeping you safe while driving. That’s why you need to put in the effort to make sure they’re well-maintained. If you take care of your car’s headlights, it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. The bulbs will last longer, you’ll drive safer, and you won’t have to face any fines when you’re pulled over for having a blown headlight. With bright headlights, you’ll see any road markings, unexpected obstacles, and signs more clearly. 

Gradually, the headlights will be covered in grime and the bulbs will eventually dim and burn out. It’s important to check that your car’s headlights are working properly before going for a drive, especially a long one. You want to make sure that the headlights produce ample lighting for night driving. Remember that having good car headlights will allow you to see where you’re going and allow you to react faster whenever there are unexpected obstacles along the way. In driving, it’s crucial that you can see clearly and that you’re also seen by other road users.