Tips and Tricks for Changing Headlights and Tail Lights

Headlights and taillights are essential safety features that make your vehicle visible at night and in bad weather. If one or more of these lights is not functioning properly or burned out, you may receive a fine from the police or end up in an accident. To make sure that your vehicle’s lights are working well, all you need to do is turn them on and look at them. If you need to replace your headlights and taillights, you can save money by doing it yourself instead of sending your car to an auto repair shop. Here’s how.

Choosing the Right Bulbs
Different vehicles use different types of bulbs for headlights and taillights. You can find out the correct type of bulbs for your vehicle in your owner’s manual, with an online automotive bulb finder, or at your local auto-parts store. Generally, there are three types of headlight and taillight bulbs, halogen, light-emitting diode (LED), and high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. Halogens are the standard in most vehicles, but they are not as bright and long-lasting as LED and HID bulbs. You can buy these through online and local stores that sell auto parts and accessories.

Tools and Safety Tips
First, you have to read your owner’s manual to find out the locations of the bulbs and the recommended method for replacing them. Also, you may need a screwdriver if you have an old vehicle. Newer vehicles do not use screws to hold headlight and taillight parts in place. If you are replacing HID bulbs, be cautious because these bulbs are high voltage and dangerous. You can protect yourself by wearing safety goggles. Gloves can also help you avoid leaving fingerprints, which can affect the brightness of the bulbs.

Changing the Headlights and Taillights
You need to turn off your vehicle before you start. Then, open the hood and look for the bulb holder behind the headlight. The bulb holder has a trapezoid-shaped plug with three wires. In most vehicles, there is a plastic catch, metal clip, or screw cap holding the plug in place. Remove it to release the bulb. Do not tug the bulb roughly or pull it by the glass, or you may break it. Instead, grab it by the housing and pull it out gently. You may have to wiggle it a little to loosen it.

After removing the bulb, compare it with the new bulb to make sure they match. Also, clean the new bulb with a rag or tissue if you see stains or dirt on it. Then, hold the plug end of the bulb and carefully insert it into the headlight. Make sure it is all the way in and lined up evenly, with no rubber gasket showing. Plug the wiring harness back in and secure the bulb. Finally, turn on the headlights to see if they work. Changing your taillights and brake lights involves the same process, except that you need to reach the bulbs from the trunk of your vehicle.

Driving around with dim or burned out headlights and taillights endangers your life, as well as the lives of your passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Stay safe by making sure that your vehicle’s lights are always in prime working condition