How To Change Car Headlights Bulb – Easy Tips

A working headlights is an important feature to have on every vehicle. Headlights don’t only give your car a sophisticated look, they also provide safety. Simply put, Headlights are a safety feature that illuminates the road ahead of a vehicle. Usually, they are located in the front of your vehicle and feature both high and low beam settings depending on your environment.

Having busted headlights shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, I mean, it happens once in a while. Truth is, changing your car’s headlights is one of the simplest vehicle maintenance you can do for yourself. In this article, I’ll be giving your 8 straightforward DIY steps to changing your car’s headlights.

But before that, why do headlights get busted or damaged?

Why Do Headlights Get Busted Or Damaged

OLD AGE

Sometimes, it is simply a case of old age. Once the headlights reach its peak of performance, it just gives up. Do well to check your headlights from time to time to observe when it’s beam starts getting low. That may be a sign to start looking out for a new replacement.

Extreme heat and cold

Extreme heat and cold can affect the lightbulb filaments in your headlights. Once these filaments are damaged, your headlights can no longer give it’s beam.

Cracks in the bulb housing

Cracks in the housing of your headlights expose it to damage. These cracks will allow the seeping in of moisture which can damage the halogen bulbs

Now, let’s get to business. How do you change your headlights bulb?

• Tool list
• Screwdriver
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Part list
• Replacement bulb

8 Simple Steps To Change Your Car’s Headlights

Step one: Buy the right bulb replacement for your car

There are different kinds of light bulbs for cars, hence you need to get what’s compatible with your car. The best way to know the best bulb is to check the owner’s manual. If you have misplaced the manual, then use the specifications of the damaged bulb to get a new one.

Step two: Turn off the engine

It’s not safe to do a headlight replacement on your car when the engine is running. That’s like asking for an accident! In fact, it’s proper to wait a while for the Engine to cool down if you just turned it off before you begin the replacement process.

Step three: Open the hood.

If your car is like most cars, you will need to open the bonnet before you can access the headlights. If you are uncertain where the headlights are, consult your car’s owner manual

Step four:  Disconnect the lamp connections

In many car models, you will need to disconnect the lamp connections before you can change the bulb. Sometimes you have to remove the battery or air filter to reach the headlights. Simpler car models allow you to just replace the bulb without making any disconnections. If you find it hard to do yourself, it’s wise to just get a mechanic.

Step five: Unscrew the bulb

Using a screwdriver, unscrew the bulb. Once unscrewed, check the connection and clean if needed.

Step six: Insert the new bulb

Using gloved hands, insert the new bulb and perfectly screw it in to keep it firm.

Step seven: Reconnect everything

If you had to disconnect your car battery or any other part of your car to replace the bulb, once you have inserted the bulb, carefully reconnect them back.

Step eight: Test the new bulb

Now that everything is said and done, it’s time to test the new bulb. Turn on the headlight switch and check if the bulb is functioning well. Observe both high and low beams to ensure the bulbs are working. If it isn’t, maybe you didn’t screw it in properly or something else is wrong with the car. At this point, you need to consult a mechanic. However, if all works well, you have done well and changed your headlights successfully!

CONCLUSION

Like I said earlier, changing a car’s headlights is one of the simplest vehicle maintenance you can do yourself. Don’t dare the risk of driving with busted headlights especially in the dark. It could result in accidents or earn you issues with the police. You can avoid these by following these easy tips to change your car’s headlights.