Headlight Bulb Replacement Haynes Shows You How

“Without a full set of functioning headlights you’re making night driving more difficult for yourself”

There is little need to change a bulb before it blows, but you do need to change a bulb as soon as it blows. Without a full set of functioning headlights you’re making night driving more difficult for yourself and unsafe, as your car isn't as visible to oncoming drivers.

You may want to change bulbs on an older car, just to try some of the news, brighter bulbs now offered. The quality and quality of light from a bulb does diminish with use, but the latest halogen bulbs manage to produce better light and more of it than even a brand new bulb from years ago.

All cars are slightly different, so if it is time to change your headlight bulb, use our before you begin checklist, and find your car for specific instructions.

The answer for most people is going to be, because one of them burned out. But there are valid reasons to change bulbs that still work, especially on older cars. For really old vehicles, with incandescent seal beam bulbs, an upgrade to halogen lights is probably a good idea. Even for cars from the 1980s and 1990s, there are better, brighter bulbs out there thanks to advances in chemistry and glass, so an upgrade may be in order. Older bulbs put out less light over time, but the change is so gradual you may never notice it; so you may just want to put new bulbs in after 5 years of use.

Don't forget, when a bulb goes out you risk being pulled over and ticketed by the police, although you’ll usually be given a warning and a few days to replace the bulb (and prove you’ve done it). But it is usually so easy to change the bulb, why risk the hassle?

How To Change Your Headlight Bulbs

This video is a general guide. Find the full step-by-step instructions in your manual.

A very brief summary of the task on most cars and trucks made since the 1980s:

1. Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight housing.
2. Remove the rear cover from the blown bulb. You may need to release spring clips and disconnect the electrical connectors.
3. Twist the socket/bulb holder counter clockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turn until it releases.
4. Replace the blown bulb with a new one, being careful not to touch the glass.
5. If you do touch the bulb, wipe it clean with glass cleaner to prevent premature failure.
6. Replace socket and turn to lock in place.
7. Connect electrical connectors and replace covers and housing.
8. Refer to the full Haynes steps to see details for your specific model.