How to Change Light Bulb on Your Car

This is one of the most common car problems that you can handle by yourself. In this tutorial, you will learn how to change the headlight bulb on your car. This what you do When the bulb in your headlight burns out.

Most cars have proper signalization on the dashboard to warn you when the bulb is out. You’ll of course notice by eyesight, especially during night driving. If this happens during the drive, don’t worry, in most cases, you’ll be able to replace it yourself.

Changing Headlight Bulb Procedure

• Turn on the headlights and detect what light doesn’t work
• Take off the cap (or duster) on the back of the headlight casing
• Disconnect the bulb from the car installation
• Pull the bulb out previously taking off the bulb holders (on most cars it’s on a click off-on system) so it won’t be complicated.
• Take out the new bulb holding it by the connectors at the bottom. Don’t hold by the glass of the bulb. The dirt or grease on your hands can cause overheating of the bulb.
• Put it in place making sure that you have put the bulb incorrect position in headlight casing. In case you put it in a wrong position, you won’t cause any damage, but the light won’t throw a proper beam.
• Click back the bulb holders into place
• Reconnect the bulb to the installation
• Put the cap (or duster) back on the casing
• Turn on the headlights and check if it works

Something that I’ve noticed on newer cars: some cars (European brands especially) have made this simple task somewhat complicated. For example, on some cars, you can’t even reach the bulb or cap without special tools or without dismantling other parts of the car.

In this case, we advise that you try nonetheless. If it seems complicated or if you have to do a serious amount of work let a car service do it. Otherwise, do it yourself. Learn something, help yourself, and perhaps save some money.