How To Change Your Car’s Headlight

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve had to deal with a a burnt out headlight on your vehicle at one point or another. Unlike some other car issues, changing a dead bulb is a relatively quick and easy fix. Below, we walk you through the general steps to replace your car’s headlight.

Step 1 – Open your car’s hood. This is the first step in determining which bulb is burnt out.

Step 2 – Locate the back of the headlight and determine which tools you’ll need to get in the headlight compartment. Grab a screwdriver or other tool as necessary.

Step 3 – Determine which bulb needs to be replaced. All makes and models are different, but you’ll want to make sure you purchase the right type of bulb, be it headlight or fog light bulb.

Step 4 – Obtain a new bulb. Your local auto center can help you find the right bulb, and it’s typically listed in your owner’s manual. Don’t drive to the shop at night though, as you can be pulled over!

Step 5 – Follow your owner’s manual on specific instructions to replace your bulb. As oxymoronic as it may seem to write a list of steps in which the last step tells you to read your owner’s manual, every car model is so different that it’s not as straightforward as changing your oil or jumping your car. Generally speaking, your headlight probably snaps or pops into the circuit, so look at your owner’s manual to determine how to remove the dead bulb. Once you remove the dead bulb, attach the new bulb while doing your best to avoid touching the halogen bulb with your fingers. Once installed, lock the bulb back in it’s original position.

Helpful Videos

Reading directions is one thing, but watching someone else preform the task can help visual learners better understand the steps. Again, you’ll want to look up instructions for your specific vehicle, but here are a few links to help find Youtube videos for replacing headlights on certain car brands.

General Car Bulb Replacement

Toyota Corolla

Honda Accord

Ford 150 and Expedition

Mitsubishi Montrero

Subaru Forester

Nissan Altima

Chevy Malibu

Dodge Ram Truck

BMW 325i

Cadillac STS

Again, if you’re going to preform a headlight replacement on your own, please reference your owner’s manual, and if you’re interested in watching a video, search for your specific make and model on Youtube. If you don’t want to preform this service on your own, we’ll be happy to do it for you!