How to change headlights

Working headlights are how to change headlights 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.

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.

How to change headlights

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? Some cars have separate bulbs for these, and you'll want to figure out where that bulb is in the housing before you get started.

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Progressive Logo Progressive. However, you may need a replacement headlight if you have an older car. We asked Ganther how to replace a headlight yourself and when to seek out a professional. Begin by determining if the problem is with a faulty lightbulb or a dead fuse. If both lights are out, then you may have blown a fuse. The two most common methods for installing and removing headlights are the twist-and-lock and spring clip systems.

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.

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.

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Step 5: Install the new bulb Reverse the previous steps to install your new bulb. Even one fingerprint on the glass of your bulb can cause it to burn out quickly. Or bulbs, because we always recommend replacing your bulbs in pairs for safety, convenience and cost-efficiency. We recommend throwing on a new set of gloves before handling new bulbs, just in case. ZIP Code: required. Staying awake on the road Sedans with spacious interiors How to prevent heatstroke in your vehicle Best navigation apps to use in your vehicle Does fuel efficiency decrease during summer? Test the bulb. There are a couple of important things to be aware of during this step: Always wear gloves while handling the new bulb. Some headlight bulbs can be changed out in a matter of minutes, others can take up to an hour. Remove the old bulb. If you feel your car shaking or vibrating when you brake while driving, it could be a sign that you have a bad rotor. They're designed to be disconnected by pressing a certain spot with your thumb and pulling, but beware! What is a credit score? Pop the hood and look behind the headlight housing—locate the plug you need to remove, and then you're ready for step 2.

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On the Road. Install the fasteners that hold the housing to the vehicle, and plug in all electrical connections. Pop the hood and look behind the headlight housing—locate the plug you need to remove, and then you're ready for step 2. But don't grunt too much—you don't want to damage the retainer that means a headlight assembly replacement, cha-ching! How to build credit quickly? At the back of the housing are the wiring-harness connections, which must be removed. Luckily, the bulbs themselves are pretty cheap and replacing them is relatively easy. View Website. Multiple engine options available in used Ford Taurus models offer perfect combination of power and efficiency See the power, capability and style of the Ford F pickup truck in these 6 Instagram photos Drivers easily qualify for a bad credit used car loan in Bradenton, FL when shopping for a vehicle at OkCarz Used Ford Focus models are loaded with technology features and comfort options OkCarz highlights the sporty looks and style of the Ford Focus on Instagram Knowing where to get a used car loan is the key to saving money on your next pre-owned vehicle in Brandon, FL Lengthy list of technology features and comfort options helps make the Ford Taurus a top choice for a used sedan Multiple engine options available in used Ford F pickup trucks help give drivers the horsepower and torque they need every day Chevy Tahoe shows off its versatility, capability and style in 6 Instagram photos Drivers find a used car loan in St. Word of advice: Give yourself as much room as possible before trying to remove the bulb. Determining the cause of a headlight issue begins simply by observing. You don't want to be that person that blinds everyone in their rear-view mirrors.