Replacing your headlight bulbs is simple to do and can save you money. You can buy replacement bulbs at auto parts stores or online.
You’ll need a socket wrench, socket, and screwdriver on hand when replacing your headlight bulbs. You may also want to purchase a new pair of gloves to protect your hands from getting cut by sharp edges on the light socket.
Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight assembly
The first step in replacing the headlight bulb is to open the hood.
Locate the back of the headlight assembly. You will see two wires connected to the back of the bulb. Remove these wires by pulling them out gently. Do not pull them out too hard, or you could break them and have to replace them as well as the bulb.
Once you have removed these wires, remove any screws that may be holding a metal bracket in your headlight. There may also be some plastic clips holding this bracket in place. Use an awl or screwdriver to pry these clips out carefully, so they don’t break off and cause problems later on down the road. After spending all this time taking apart your car, the last thing you want is for some small piece of plastic to get stuck somewhere inside it and remain there forever.
Now that we’ve gotten all those pesky little pieces out of our way, we can finally get down to business and change out our burned-out headlights.
Use your fingers to remove the rubber cap on top of the bulb. This will expose the metal base that holds the bulb in place. Remove the base by turning it counterclockwise until it’s loose. If you have trouble removing the base, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off gently.
Do the wiring and install the new bulb
If you’re replacing both headlights at once, unplug one of them from its wiring harness so that both light sockets are empty. Slide an electrical connector onto each end of each new halogen headlight bulb or use an adapter for HID headlights. Insert one end into your empty socket, then push it all through until it clicks into place on the other side. Repeat this process with your second new bulb until both are installed properly. Please turn on your lights and make sure they work correctly before continuing.
Who knew it’d be this easy to breathe new life into your car’s headlights without having to involve a mechanic? It can take as little as fifteen minutes and a few simple tools. Before you know it, you’ll have functioning headlights and be closer to safety when driving in the dark.