It happens more often than you think – a headlight bulb goes out or gets dim.  Once this happens your car could be easily mistaken at night for a motorcycle as it then only has one working headlight.  This is very dangerous as it both greatly impairs your vision and night time driving safety, but also limits the ability of others to see your vehicle and even misjudge your exact vehicle and space requirements.  Any of a number of things could cause the headlight bulb to burn out from the jarring from a light accident to old age or even an electrical short (this is rare and would need to be fixed first so more bulbs aren’t burned out). The purpose of this article is to give pretty much everyone the ability to easily change the headlight bulbs on pretty much any car, SUV or truck.

First, while leaving the car headlights on, walk to the front and see which headlight is actually out.  Also, flick on your high beam headlights as these could also be out.  On some newer cars with all kinds of fancy LED’s, gizmos and multiple lights this can be a little harder to find the actual burned out bulb.  After determining which bulb is out go to your local automotive parts store or Walmart and use the headlight bulb code book.  It will have the unique code and model number for the headlight bulbs specific to your car.  The good news here is that headlight bulbs are quite cheap.  You can splurge a little and buy the latest white or bright lights, but without the proper set up for HID headlights there won’t really be that much difference to justify the higher price.    

How to clean headlights

Next, pop the hood and you will need to access the back of the headlight assembly.  In some cars or SUV’s with limited under hood area (very small engine compartments) you may have to lift, raise or even remove the headlight assembly to get at the back area.  Most cars or vehicles that require moving the headlight assembly actually make this easy by having install mechanisms that will allow you to easily lift and then replace the unit for easy access.

It is wise to consult the vehicles owner’s manual for actual detailed information on this step so you don’t break anything by pulling in the wrong way or similar.  Once access is afforded to the back of the lens, there will usually be two access ports or round rubber seals.  Pull back the appropriate one for the bulb that is burned out.  You will have to unplug the bulb and then turn it counterclockwise to remove it.  Be careful to not push too hard as these items are plastic and you could break the housing assembly or bulb (which would be a very expensive mistake).  

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This next step is pretty easy.  You just replace the old headlight bulb with the new headlight bulb.  Turn it clockwise to lock it in (be careful to turn it only until it returns to its previous locked position – do not over turn it).  Then re-plug in the light wiring (there is a specially shaped adapter plug that can only attach in one way that will lock in when completely attached.  Now it is important to note here that car and truck headlight bulbs burn very intensely and create a lot of heat.  Do not touch the bulb glass at any time during installation.  This will leave grease from your fingers and fingerprints (it doesn’t matter how clean you are) and this print will cause the glass to heat unevenly and burst. 

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It’s not a matter of if, but when.  So do not ever touch the glass part of the bulb.  Use a paper towel or similar or even latex gloves if you think you need them to avoid touching the glass part of the bulb.  Then replace the rubber covers or seals, replace the headlight assembly if it had to be moved and you are done.

And that’s it.  It is actually quite simple to replace a burned out headlight bulb and regain better night time vision and driving safety.  There really is no reason to be driving around at night with a burned out headlight bulb, but I see people doing this every day.  If this concerns you and your vehicles, please take the time to fix and repair it as it greatly affects your safety and the safety of those driving around you. 


Article provided by MDWholesale.com headlight cleaning, headlight restoration kit, how to clean headlights.


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