How to change headlights

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Our car experts choose every product we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page. It's worse than running at night with one eye closed: You've lost the illumination from one of your headlights. Either a bulb has burned out or a minor accident has claimed the lens, reflector, or perhaps the lamp's entire housing. Besides the obvious danger, there is also the risk of a citation, not to mention the possible gouge from a repair shop's hourly rate. But you can handle the situation yourself, saving precious greenbacks while feeling the warm glow of accomplishment by replacing a broken headlight yourself.

How to change headlights

Working headlights are essential for driving any car safely, but they occasionally go out. Knowing how to change a headlight and what to look for when the front of your car goes dark can help you quickly remedy the problem. Determining the cause of a headlight issue begins simply by observing. There are usually three wires attached to the base of the lightbulb. Push down the clip or cap holding them in place. Every car is different, Zullo cautions. Sometimes the battery or the air filter housing is in the way and sometimes you have to take the inner fender out and get behind it. This means seeing how the bulb is locked in and carefully unlocking it. Gently screw in the new bulb without touching the glass of the bulb; oil and dirt on your hands can cause the bulb to burst once it heats up. Close the hood of your car.

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Many of you have probably wondered how easy it is to change a car headlight bulb. Well, it really depends on the make, model and age of your car. Or bulbs, because we always recommend replacing your bulbs in pairs for safety, convenience and cost-efficiency. Finding the right replacement bulbs is easy. The next step is to locate the headlight under your bonnet and remove its cover. There will usually be three power wires attached to the base of the bulb and the bulb will be held in place with some kind of locking mechanism.

Our car experts choose every product we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page. It's worse than running at night with one eye closed: You've lost the illumination from one of your headlights. Either a bulb has burned out or a minor accident has claimed the lens, reflector, or perhaps the lamp's entire housing. Besides the obvious danger, there is also the risk of a citation, not to mention the possible gouge from a repair shop's hourly rate. But you can handle the situation yourself, saving precious greenbacks while feeling the warm glow of accomplishment by replacing a broken headlight yourself. We at Car and Driver know you can. Here's how to do it. The best way to start this job on the right foot is to identify which bulb you need to replace. Is it the high-beam bulb?

How to change headlights

Working headlights are essential for driving any car safely, but they occasionally go out. Knowing how to change a headlight and what to look for when the front of your car goes dark can help you quickly remedy the problem. Determining the cause of a headlight issue begins simply by observing. There are usually three wires attached to the base of the lightbulb.

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A shop has the expensive aiming gear to do the job right. Why should you buy a convertible? Florida Ave N. Once you locate the bulb you need to replace, you'll want to figure out which replacement bulb you need to buy. If the manual is missing but you know the make, model, and year of your car, you can consult with a counter person at an auto-parts store or refer to the headlamp booklet that usually resides in the parts store's headlamp aisle. It will be near the front of your car. Unfortunately, this really depends on your vehicle. We recommend throwing on a new set of gloves before handling new bulbs, just in case. Once everything is free, simply remove the housing and take it to a bench for the next step. View Website. If you need help in determining what is wrong, seek help from a local mechanic. Do this with the accessory in the On position to prevent starting the vehicle with previously removed parts that could throw a check engine light. Or bulbs, because we always recommend replacing your bulbs in pairs for safety, convenience and cost-efficiency. Transfer everything over properly, and you're ready to install.

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Pop the hood and look behind the headlight housing—locate the plug you need to remove, and then you're ready for step 2. There are usually three wires attached to the base of the lightbulb. Disconnect the power wires Usually, there will be three of them to disconnect. Collin Morgan Commerce Editor. Every car is different, Zullo cautions. The changes in temperature can impact the lightbulb filament, which is very delicate. The best way to start this job on the right foot is to identify which bulb you need to replace. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Cosigner? When is a car too old to buy? Test the bulb. Phone Email Text Message. This can range from a few simple plastic pieces to the grille or the entire front fascia. Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. Once everything is free, simply remove the housing and take it to a bench for the next step. And if replacing an entire headlight housing requires removing parts like a bumper cover, you'll probably also need access to slightly more sophisticated hand tools.