What should you never do when changing your headlight bulbs?

Author: Adelle Roberts III  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

Don't Touch Halogen Bulbs with Bare Hands If you're not careful when replacing halogen bulbs, you just might find this happening to you. If your fingertips touch the bulb, the oil from your fingers may cause the bulb to heat unevenly. Before long, it will likely burn out.

Do I need to disconnect the battery when changing headlight bulbs?

When performing any electrical work on your vehicle, you should err on the side of caution by disconnecting the battery. You don't have to remove the battery. Rather, you just need to disconnect the ground cable (the black cable) until you are finished replacing the blown headlight bulb.

Why is my headlight still out after replacing bulb?

The likely cause is a fuse, headlight relay, headlight switch, dimmer switch or a wiring fault. About the only cause that is an easy fix is a blown fuse. Consult your owner's manual to locate the main fuse for the headlight circuit and replace that fuse with one having the same amp rating.

Do you need to wear gloves when replacing car headlights?

Replacing headlight bulbs is easy if you have instructions. Always wear clean disposable rubber or white cotton gloves when handling new halogen headlight bulbs. Fingerprints on bulbs cause premature failure. Autostores sell nitrile gloves that are like an extra tough medical rubber/latex glove.

Should I replace both headlight bulbs at the same time?

It's generally recommended to change both headlight bulbs at the same time, even if only one has burned out. Here are a few reasons why: Even Performance: Headlight bulbs tend to dim over time. Replacing both ensures that you have consistent brightness and visibility.

How to Replace a Headlight Bulb (Tips and Tricks)

Do more expensive headlight bulbs make a difference?

Premium bulbs might be a good choice if you prefer a more intense or whiter light, but don't expect big changes in the distance you can see compared with standard or new OE bulbs.

Why are both my headlights burning out at the same time?

Vibrations from a rocky road or worn-out tires can cause the headlight's filament to break. They also happen when the bulb isn't mounted securely.. Touching the headlights repeatedly causes hot spots to form on the bulb. The physical contact causes uneven heating, so use gloves when handling the bulbs.

Will AutoZone replace my headlight bulb?

Will AutoZone change my headlight bulb? For bulbs purchased at AutoZone that are straightforward to change, an associate can assist you. For more complex types, we can help you find a Preferred Shop to install it for you.

Why don't cars use glass headlights?

Back in the 1980s, vehicle manufacturers stopped making headlights out of glass and started using polycarbonate or plastic for the lenses as it's easier to manipulate to create the perfect shape for car design headlight shapes.

Why do my brights work but not my headlights?

One of the common causes we frequently encounter for the malfunction of low beam headlights, while high beams continue to function, is a faulty headlight relay. In essence, relays serve as electrical switches, and both the low and high beams have their dedicated relays.

Do you have to buy a whole new headlight if the bulb goes out?

Some vehicles require simply replacing a bulb, while others might need an entirely new headlamp module when a light is damaged or burns out.

Why are my headlights so dim even with new bulbs?

The opaque shade caused by oxidation does not let as much light pass through as clear lenses. This will leave your headlights looking dim, even if you have brand-new bulbs. The solution here is simple: headlight restoration service.

Do headlights drain battery when car is off?

Leaving headlights or interior lights on can drain your car battery completely, especially if your vehicle doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature. Parasitic draws, such as interior lights, door lights, or faulty relays, can drain the battery even when the car is off.

How much does it cost to replace a headlight bulb?

The price of headlight bulb replacement at the shop can be surprisingly variable. Most drivers can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a typical bulb.

Who makes the best headlight bulbs?

Top Picks for Best Headlight Bulbs
  • SYLVANIA XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulbs. ...
  • SYLVANIA Basic Headlights. ...
  • SYLVANIA LED Fog and Powersport Headlights. ...
  • SilverStar zXe Headlight Bulbs. ...
  • SilverStar Ultra Headlight Bulbs.

Why did my headlight go out when I just replaced it?

Fuses and Relays: There could be a blown fuse or a faulty relay related to the headlights, then inspect and replace as necessary. Wiring and Connectors: Inspect the wiring leading to the headlamp for any signs of damage, fraying, or disconnection. Also, make sure all connectors are secure and free of corrosion.

Do LED headlight bulbs last longer than halogen?

In terms of life span LED bulbs are a clear winner. Halogen bulbs last for around 1000 hours, whereas LED bulbs last for at least 15,000 hours! It will save you money not having to replace your bulbs regularly, and it is better for the environment to not be wasting glass and plastic.

How much does Walmart charge to replace headlight bulbs?

If you need your headlight bulbs changed, a technician at a nearby Walmart Auto Care Center will install them in your vehicle for $10.00 per light. This does not include the price of new headlight bulbs, which typically cost between $15 and $25 each at Walmart depending on the type of light you need.

Can you replace headlight bulbs yourself?

Replacing a broken headlight is—in most cases—a reasonably easy thing to do on your own. Not only will doing this task yourself save you a few greenbacks, but it'll also give you that warm glow of accomplishment that comes with DIY work.

How much is a headlight bulb?

The cost to replace a headlight bulb can be as low as $15 for the parts, if your headlight is a simple halogen bulb. If you have more complicated HID or LED headlights, you can expect to pay up to $100 or more per bulb.

Why is one of my headlights not working even with new bulbs?

A blown fuse can prevent power from getting to the headlights. Rust or corrosion on headlight connectors can reduce or prevent electrical continuity. A bad relay can prevent power from switching to the headlights on demand. Moisture inside the headlight housing can damage bulbs, wiring, and other parts.

How to check if a headlight bulb is bad?

Touch the multimeter probes to the two contacts on the headlight bulb's base where the wires were connected. The multimeter should display a resistance reading. A reading of infinite resistance (OL on the display) indicates a broken filament and a faulty bulb. A reading close to zero resistance indicates a good bulb.

Does each headlight have its own fuse?

Your headlight high and low beams have separate fuses, so if either fuse blows, that light will go out. Each headlight also has its own built-in relay switch. Relays are meant to last for ages, but over time heat, resistance and constantly switching on and off can cause them to fail.

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