Changing a headlight. Sounds like a simple enough task. Well, at least it used to be. Over the years as cars have become more complex and computerized, changing a headlight bulb has gone from a simple maintenance task to an auto repair in its own right.
Changing a Headlight Can Costs Hundreds in Parts and Auto Repair in San Diego
Just how difficult and labor intensive has this light bulb replacement auto repair become? Several Cadillac models, the Chevy Traverse and others require complete removal and replacement of the front-end bumper – over an hour of manual labor by a professional – to change the headlight bulb. Yikes!
Many VW Beetle models also required you to remove the entire headlight fixture, a cumbersome task, to replace the headlight bulb. Fortunately this chore was changed in 2014 models and later. With the addition of a simple access panel, changing the headlight has become much easier.
The Cost of Headlight Bulbs and Their Auto Repair Has Increased Significantly
In addition to requiring extensive work, replacing a headlight nowadays for many makes and models of vehicles can cost a lot of money. The purchase and replacement of modern day halogen, LED bulbs and fixtures can run up to $350 for some BMW and Mercedes Benz models.
New headlights for non-luxury Ford sedans and the Honda Civic and Accord models can cost more than a hundred bucks. Halogen headlight bulbs are supposed to last longer than traditional lights, which is part of the reason for the higher cost. This may also mean you need to replace your headlights less frequently.
You Can Probably Perform Headlight Auto Repair Yourself
While some vehicles have been designed to make headlight replacement a full-on automotive repair by a mechanic at an auto repair shop in San Diego, many have not. Plenty of vehicles still allow you to change the bulb in the simple, old-fashion way. Here are the basic steps to replacing a vehicle headlight bulb:
First check your owner’s manual and then visit your local auto repair parts store to purchase the correct replacement bulbs. The staff at these stores may be able to help you find the right one for your vehicle or explain the different options.
Is Replacing a Headlight Really an Auto Repair? You Decide
To begin this auto repair, have the bulbs and tools at the ready before you begin the replacement process. For vehicles with a molded or fixed headlight assembly, you may need to remove the full assembly piece by unscrewing the screws on the top of the assembly itself.
Take off the light bulb assembly and you can now access the headlight or taillight via the backside. Each vehicle make and model is different but generally speaking you will either have to twist off or snap off a part that attaches the bulb socket itself to the larger assembly fixture. For those headlights that don’t have an assembly unit, you may have to lift holding clamps or clips to release or pull out the socket.
You may also need to remove or unplug the power cables or electrical connectors before pulling out the dead bulb. (The vehicle and lights should be turned off when changing headlight bulbs.) Once you have the socket, you can generally pull out the bulb itself without much effort even if you aren’t an automotive repair pro.
Handle Glass Headlight Bulbs with Care when Replacing
Use care, however when replacing the dead bulb with the new one. As we stated earlier Halogen and other new headlight bulbs are expensive because they are made to last longer. Though they used to cost about 98 cents, you don’t want to drop and shatter a $45 headlight bulb. Also, many auto repair technicians suggest wearing gloves if you can to prevent fingerprints from getting on the bulbs themselves. Try to avoid banging or hitting the new bulb on any parts of the car as this could damage it. Now slide in the new bulb and make sure it is securely in place. For instance, you shouldn’t see any seals or gaskets.
Auto Repair Experts Suggest Replacing Both Bulbs at Once
Even if only one headlight bulb is blown, for instance, most experts will suggest replacing both at the same time. Headlight bulbs are generally sold in pairs anyhow and if one bulb blows, chances are the other one is going to blow soon as well.
Test and Go. You Can Perform This Auto Repair on Your Own
When you’re done, simply snap in the headlight bulb assembly and screw in (if needed). Now grab a friend and turn on your lights to make sure everything is copasetic. If you’ve replace a headlight bulb and it works but then blows out again quickly, this could signal a problem with a fuse. An electronic system automotive repair may be needed.
