Here's how to replace a car taillight, headlight, and other essential bulbs.
Time 1 hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$20-$150
Introduction
Learn how to replace a headlight bulb and keep your car's other lights shining bright with this simple step-by-step project.
Vehicle lighting systems are crucial for safety, visibility, and legal compliance on the road. Like many auto parts, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are subject to wear and eventual failure. Regular inspection and timely replacement of these lights are essential to ensure you can see the road clearly and other drivers can see you, especially during challenging driving conditions. Here’s how to determine and fix a bad headlight or taillight.
What causes headlights to go bad?
Multiple factors contribute to automotive headlight bulb deterioration. Temperature extremes—whether scorching summer heat or freezing winter cold—can significantly accelerate bulb degradation. Even though headlight housings are designed to be sealed and protect the bulbs, damage to the housing or seal can allow moisture intrusion, leading to premature bulb failure. Additionally, normal usage, vibration from driving, and the electrical system’s constant stress gradually wear down these bulbs.
Purchasing replacement bulbs
Cars require different bulbs for the different lights around the car. You can find the specific type your car needs in the owner’s manual or online. Many auto part store websites allow you to input your vehicle’s year, make, and model to determine which bulbs are compatible with your car. Remember that with headlights, taillights or other vehicle lights that exist in pairs, it’s best to replace both simultaneously because if one goes out, the chance that the other one will probably also go out soon thereafter is high.
Tools Required
- Screwdriver
Materials Required
- Nitrile gloves
- Replacement bulbs
Watch A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Car’s Lights
Project step-by-step (6)
Step 1
Replacing headlight bulbs
Locate the bulbs
Turn off the car and put on nitrile gloves before handling any working light bulbs.
In the engine bay, locate your headlight housing. Inside the housing, which may require you to unlatch or unscrew an access panel, you’ll find the headlight and front turn signal bulbs.
Step 2
Remove headlight bulb
Disconnect the electrical power wire from the bulb by pulling on the tab and removing the auto light socket from the end of the bulb.
Remove the old bulb from the housing by turning the plug end of the bulb counterclockwise and pulling it straight out into the engine bay.
Step 3
Install headlight bulb
Plug the headlight wiring into the bulb. Remember not to touch the new bulb with your hands; wear nitrile gloves. To avoid damaging them, do not drop or accidentally hit the new bulbs against anything.
Place the connected bulb into the slot and align its tabs with the slot openings. When aligned, turn it clockwise until you feel it latch into place. Then, test the light to ensure it is properly working. Once you have verified that the light is working properly, close the housing and then shut the hood.
Step 4
Replacing tail light bulbs, brake lights, and turn signals
Locate the tail light bulbs
The tail lights, brake, and turn signal bulbs are located in a taillight assembly at the back of the car. Open the trunk, unscrew the assembly with a screwdriver, and gently pull it out. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you don’t want to damage the wires running from the car to the light assembly.
Step 5
Remove the old bulb from the assembly
To remove the old bulb from the assembly, turn the auto light socket counterclockwise and pull out the assembly to release it. Gently pull out the old bulb and throw it away.
Step 6
Install the new bulb
Push the new bulb into the light bulb slot and secure the tail light bulb socket back into the assembly by turning it clockwise until you feel it lock into place. Then, gently reposition the assembly and re-install it to the vehicle with its screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to change light bulbs on your car?
Headlight bulbs are designed to last 500-750 hours, but you should replace them if you notice dim headlights or after a couple of years, LED light bulbs typically last more than double the lifespan of halogen bulbs.
When do you need to replace the entire headlight assembly?
If the headlight assembly is not functioning properly or is damaged, you should replace it. A cracked headlight assembly allows moisture to enter, decreasing visibility and interfering with the light bulbs.
What’s the difference between tail lights and brake lights?
Brake lights activate only when the brake pedal is pressed, while tail lights remain always on. Tail lights inform other drivers of your presence, while brake lights indicate that your vehicle is decelerating and are brighter than tail lights.
What kind of bulb types are best to use?
LED bulbs are more efficient and last longer than halogens, but they are more expensive. Xenon HID bulbs are known for their extreme brightness, which would be a good headlight option for drivers who often drive through very dark areas.
