How to change a car headlight bulb

Changing a car headlight bulb is a simple process that can be carried out at home or by a qualified mechanic.

With some basic tools – and a bit of patience – doing this when your headlights start to fade will keep your vehicle safe and legal to drive.

Failing to keep your car’s headlights in good working order can seriously affect your visibility and puts the driver and other road users in danger.

Car maintenance is important for all car owners. This guide looks at all you need to know about replacing car headlight bulbs.

Types of car headlight bulbs

Before you take your vehicle to have the bulbs replace, or before you order them to carry out the work yourself, it is important to know what type of bulb is needed for your vehicle.

Here are the most common types of car headlight bulbs:

• Halogen bulb: These use a tungsten filament and halogen gas to produce a light. They are the common, cost-effective bulb for the majority of vehicles.
• HID bulb: Known as High Intensity Discharge, these xenon bulbs use an electric arc between tungsten electrodes to produce light, with xenon gas to help start the arc. These are brighter and have a longer lifespan.
• LED bulb: Light emitting diode are increasingly popular with drivers in modern vehicles. They produce light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor material, causing electrons to emit light. This is a process known as electroluminescence. LEDs have a long lifespan and typically consume less energy.

Although these are the most common types of headlights in cars in the UK, there are a few other options.

They are plasma bulbs, halogen infrared reflective (HIR) bulbs, bi-xenon bulbs, and laser headlights.

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Average cost to replace headlight bulbs

Although it can depend on the make, model, quality, and type of bulb used in the vehicle, the average cost to replace a car headlight bulb can range from £20 to £100.

The three most common bulbs are similar in price but HID and LED are typically more expensive.

Call a mobile mechanic or visit a local garage if you are not confident in replacing your headlight bulbs. Driving without working lights is illegal. It also puts yourself and other road users in danger, so it is important that your car is in top working order.

Change car headlight bulb – a step-by-step guide

Changing a car headlight bulb can be done with basic tools and some patience, so if you are confident, here are the steps needed to help you replace your headlight bulbs.

Before you get started, make sure that you have the correct bulb for your car. This information will be in the owner's manual for the vehicle.

Alternatively, a local garage or mechanic will know what type of bulb you need.

You may need a screwdriver, with the correct head to carry out the work. It might also help to have gloves to avoid getting dirt, lubricants, or oils on you.

Park the car and turn off the engine

Once you are ready, ensure that the car is parked on a level surface with the gearbox in neutral or park if it has an automatic transmission. The handbrake must be engaged. The engine, lights and ignition should be switched off.

If it is likely to rain, make sure that you and the car are protected from the elements.

Open the bonnet of the car, and prop it open securely.

Find the headlight assembley and remove casing and electrical components

From here, you’ll need to find the headlight assembly. The vehicle owner's manual will help you locate this. It might require removing a dust cover or other components, depending on your car model.

Modern vehicles sometimes have other components that are linked to the headlights, which means you may require a basic level of technical knowledge to change the bulb. If you are unsure, speak to a mechanic.

However, if you are confident to continue, remove the electrical connector. This will disconnect the power from the back of the bulb. This might involve pressing a clip or sliding a lock to release it from its housing.

Remove the bulb

Next, you’ll remove the bulb. A lot like household lightbulbs, this may be a twist and pull, unclip, or unscrew. This can vary depending on make, model, and age of the vehicle.

Clean the area surrounding the housing if necessary.

Place new bulb in headlight casing

Install the new bulb and reconnect the electrical components. Replace any covers and ensure that they are clipped securely in place.

You’ll now need to test the headlights, as driving without working ones is illegal. Turn on the headlights, and safely walk to the front of the vehicle to check.

Close the bonnet, and you have successfully replaced your car headlight bulbs.

If you are unsure about any of the instructions, or what type of bulb you need, then your car’s manual will have specific instructions and illustrations for changing the headlight bulb.

New car headlight bulb doesn't work - what do I do?

If your new car headlight bulb isn’t working, then a likely culprit is an issue with the fuse or wiring.

In most cases, however, it is because the wrong bulb has been fitted.

Whatever the case, you should seek advice from a qualified professional. We would suggest one of our RAC Mobile mechanics or visiting an approved garage.