Your car’s headlights are an essential piece of equipment. If a light bulb has gone out, you won’t be able to see the road up ahead after dark. Not only is this a dangerous way to drive, but it may also lead to an unwelcome stop by a police officer. Use these tips to change your car’s headlights and brighten your way easily.
Check Which Bulb Is Out
First, turn on your headlights to see which bulb is out. Try tapping the light with your fist. Sometimes the connections become loose due to road vibration, and this quick tip could make it come back on! If not, the filament is likely burned out and you’ll need to replace it.
Gather Your Tools
Of course, you’re going to need a new light bulb. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you purchase the right one for your vehicle. Your local auto parts store can also help you match the lamp with your car’s make and model. You’ll need a few alcohol wipes and some paper towels to clean and hold the new bulb, and you might need a screwdriver.
Locate the Holder
One of the most confusing steps in the process is how to access the bulb. Despite common sense, you’ll get to it through your engine compartment, not the front of the car. For safety’s sake, turn your vehicle off and remove the keys from the ignition. Open your hood and look for the bulb holder. It’s easy to spot thanks to the three-wire power connector that leads to the light.
Remove the Power Wires
Now that you’ve located the wires, you’ll notice that they are attached to a plug at the base of the headlight. There are three main connector types: a plastic catch, a screw-off cap, or a metal clip.
With a plastic catch, there’s a little lever at the top. Push it down while you pull the plug out. With a cap, merely unscrew it by turning counter-clockwise. If you’re working with a metal clip, hold onto it as you pull up and away.
Remove the Broken Bulb
Once you disconnect the wires, remove the back of the headlight holder with your screwdriver. Then, grab the bulb by the base and gently rotate it until it comes free.
Install the New Bulb
Use a piece of paper towel to handle the new bulb. You want to avoid getting oils from your skin on the glass surface. Clean it thoroughly with an alcohol wipe, then stick the new bulb into the base of the plug. Make sure the rubber gasket isn’t showing. If it is, you haven’t installed it correctly – pull it out and give it another go.
Now that you’ve installed the bulb properly, you can put the holder back in place. Then, plug the power wires back in. Finally, test it by turning on your headlights.
Replacing a burned-out headlight bulb is a relatively painless process. Use these steps to help you quickly remedy the problem, and you’ll soon see the light!
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