How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Headlight Bulb? 2023 Tips

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When it’s dark, you can see where your vehicle is going with the help of your headlights, which allow you to see other vehicles coming toward you.

A car owner’s primary concern is usually the cost when it comes to repairing the lights of his or her car, regardless of whether this is due to aesthetic reasons or to provide better visibility on the road.

Rather than replacing the entire headlight, modern cars allow the replacement of just the headlight bulbs – making maintenance more economical.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Headlight Bulb?

In the local auto market, you mainly find two types of bulbs available: Halogen Bulbs and LED bulbs or Xenon bulbs. Compared with xenon bulbs, halogen bulbs are less expensive.

According to 2023 estimates, the average cost of replacing halogen headlight bulbs is $10 to $30. On the other hand Xenon headlight bulb replacement cost between $45 and $120 to replace.

The price will vary depending on where you live. General stores will charge you around $100 to $120 for a xenon bulb. The price of xenon bulbs online is less than $50.

Headlight Bulb Replacement Cost Summary

According to the following estimate in the 2023 report, the cost of replacing a headlight bulb is as follows:

Type of Replacement	Price Range
Headlight Bulb Cost	$10-$120
Labor Cost	$40-$50
DIY Cost	$100
Professional Cost	$45-$155

The Key Factors that Determine the Cost of Replacement Headlights

There are mainly two major factors that affect the cost. one is the replacement of the headlight assembly and the other one is the cost of labor.

Assemblies for Replacement Headlights Bulb in 2023

If your car needs more to replace the bulb then you need to pay more for the other assembly parts. The first step towards replacing your headlight is to get a replacement assembly.

Your vehicle’s design will determine how much it will cost. Assemblies with more complexity may be more expensive. For this cost can go up to grand. But if you don’t have the issue then it can be fixed for a couple of dollars.

Professional Headlight Bulb Replacement 2023: Labor Cost

If you don’t have any idea about the headlight of the car then we suggest you inspect your car with an experienced mechanic. They will take a few minutes and may charge $40 to $50. They will finish the job within 10 to 20 minutes.

So Average cost will increase if you hire a technician or go-to auto shop. You have to add $40 to $50 for labor costs. Now that you know how headlight repair costs are determined, you can estimate your costs.

I am sure you have noticed that there is still a lot of wiggle room. What is a reasonable amount to invest? Saving time or money depends on what you are trying to save the most.

Average Headlight Bulb Replacement: DIY Cost in 2023

Choosing the DIY is always a cost-effective solution for anyone. Replacing your headlight bulb assembly at home will be more expensive unless your time is worth more than $100 per hour.

You can do it by yourself if you have the tools and experience with the car’s headlight. You will so many tutorials on the web. Otherwise, find a good tutorial on youtube that is best for your car. Then you can change the headlight bulbs easily.

To finish the task you may take an hour if you have a little experience. It’s quite simple. Remember, however, that your time is valuable. You’d have to spend an hour of your life.

Calculate the value of your time and add that to the cost of a replacement OEM headlight assembly. You’ll know how much it costs to replace your headlight at home. You just need to pay the equipment bill and time.

Why Do LED and HID Bulbs Cost So Much More than Halogens?

Compared to halogen bulbs, they last much longer because they don’t contain a fragile filament that is prone to breaking. Headlight bulbs are difficult to forecast precisely because the voltage going to them varies during each trip, depending on factors like outside air temperature.

It is estimated that the average life of a tungsten halogen bulb is between 500 and 1000 hours, and that of an HID one is about 2500 hours. Some experts say LEDs can last 10 years.

Replacing headlight bulbs can be very expensive, depending on the type of bulb and where it is purchased. As far as we are aware, auto parts stores offer more expensive xenon bulbs than what you will find online. On the internet and in auto parts stores, halogen bulbs cost about the same.

When to Replace Vehicle’s Headlights Bulb, Consider These 3 Things!

If you drive your car regularly you will notice these symptoms very easily. After noticing these symptoms you will know when you should replace your headlights. We discuss those symptoms with you down below:

The first thing is blowing out a bulb. If a bulb fails, it is replaced along with all other types of bulbs. This is true in most cases.
Second, there is a dimming of the bulb. It is common for some bulbs, particularly halogen bulbs, to produce less light as they age. Light sources such as LEDs and HIDs do not dim with age, so they are generally only replaced if they have failed.
Third, failure of the headlight circuit. It is important to understand that sometimes the bulbs themselves are not the issue. It is more likely that a problem with the wiring, terminal connections, bulb sockets, or system components is at the root of the problem.

Note: I would recommend that you think about replacing your headlight bulbs as soon as possible if one of them has burned out.

How Do You Change Broken Headlights in Four Steps?

It is a very task to carry on. You need some tools to open the entire headlight assembly. After collecting those tools you just need to follow a few steps.

Here are those steps, it just takes 5 minutes to change your broken headlight bulb:

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is locate the headlight holder. It is easiest to replace your headlight bulb from inside your engine compartment, rather than from the outside.
Step 2: After that, you must disconnect the electrical connection which is attached to the headlight housing.
Step 3: Then you need to put out the bad headlight and clean the entire headlight housing.
Step 4: Last you need to put on the new bulbs and check the light output.

Point to be Noted: The most important thing you need to do is test the fuses and the wiring in case you replace the headlight bulb and it still doesn’t work.

How Do You Safely Change an HID Bulb at Home?

Installing a high-intensity discharge lamp in your car involves the following steps:

Removing the original lamp from the vehicle is the first step.
Take off the dust-proof cover.
Unplug the plug and remove the screw.
Let’s take a look at the HID bulb, the ballast, and the IV.
Glue the lamp’s parts together.
Finished assembling.

If you follow those 6 simple steps, you can easily replace your HID bulb at home.

What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Car Headlight Bulbs?

As the main source of visibility at night time or in foggy weather or heavy rains, your headlights are crucial, and if they’re not working, you don’t only decrease visibility, but you also make your vehicle harder to see by other drivers and pedestrians.

With dim headlight, you can’t see far which can be a big issue while you driving. Faulty headlights can cause serious accidents. When driving your car in bad weather you must need bright lights.
Our Analysis, 2022

Operating a vehicle with a blown headlight bulb is also illegal. The local authorities will probably charge you a heavy fine for you for this. So it’s very important to check your vehicle’s headlights before you go for a long drive.

Important Things to Remember When Replacing Headlights Bulb on New Cars

An experienced Mechanic may first test to see if a bulb has power and if there is no visible filament that can be inspected and tested. If the electronics in your circuit are malfunctioning, your LED lights or xenon lights, and halogen lights may fail.

To achieve equal illumination levels on both sides of your car, replace halogen lights and sealed beams in pairs. Many headlights have plastic lenses that degrade over time. The bulbs in your vehicle’s lighting system can be replaced if there are no issues.

To ensure proper and reliable operation of the headlights, an automotive technician should examine the condition of the bulb sockets, the ground connection, the fuses, and all other components of the circuit.

Is it Safe to Drive with a Headlight Problem?

After dusk, you must always drive with your headlights fully operational to remain safe. You can delay fixing a failed headlight if your car is driven only when daylight is adequate.

It is necessary to use the car headlights whenever it is on a public road from sunset to sunrise and in numerous other specific conditions in addition, such as when it is raining or when visibility is reduced by smoke, fog, and other factors.

Here are some of the most common questions people ask regarding (Headlight Bulb Replacement): FAQ

Can you get pulled over for having a headlight out?

It is lawful to use headlights from sunset until sunrise in most states. Hence, if one of your headlights burns out, you may be pulled over (and most likely also).

How much is a headlight ticket?

The punishment for driving without headlights or failing to use them can range from $120 to $200, along with mandatory attendance in a traffic school class, along with the accompanying fee, which has the potential to range from $50 to $75.

How long do headlight bulbs last?

The lifespan of HID lights is longer than that of halogen lights, but not as long as a tungsten-xenon bulb. Normally, this kind of headlight can last between 2,000 and 2,500 hours, depending on a variety of factors.

How do you clean headlights?

Put toothpaste-laden cloth to work – Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to a cloth and rub lightly on your headlights. For each light to be cleaned, add water and toothpaste as necessary. Let the material air dry after rinsing with water.

Should you replace both headlights at the same time?

You may question if you should replace both bulbs or only the burned-out one when one headlight is out. With time, your headlights dim, which can be dangerous if not balanced. You should replace both bulbs simultaneously for a few reasons.

Are headlight bulbs universal?

The H1, H4, and H7 headlight bulbs are universally compatible. If you purchase the appropriate fitting for your vehicle, they will fit regardless of the manufacturer or the place you buy them from.

How often should you replace your headlights?

Most car headlights last 500 to 1,000 hours, but the lifespan can be impacted by various factors. Some headlight bulbs are so efficient that they can last well over 30,000 hours.

Can I drive with one headlight out?

Generally, drivers are required by law to use their headlights between sunset and sunrise. The law also requires that all motor vehicles (unless it’s a motorcycle) be equipped with two headlights. It is, therefore, possible that you’ll be stopped if you have a burned-out headlight.

Do brighter headlights burn out faster?

There is no way to predict when halogen, xenon, and other types of headlights will burn out because each has a different life expectancy. Halogen bulbs that are substituted for the OEM bulbs are often brighter, so the shorter lifespan is often offset by an increase in brightness

Why my car headlights are not bright enough?

If a headlight doesn’t get bright enough, there may be a problem with either too much voltage or a faulty bulb, or the lens may be oxidized or faded. Otherwise, there may be a problem with the headlamp’s lens. Checking these things would be necessary.

Do fog lights count as headlights?

If you’re following another vehicle or approaching an oncoming vehicle, turn off your fog lamps when you are within 350 feet of them. It is necessary to separate fog lights from regular headlights. A fog light cannot replace a headlight.

Final Verdict on “Headlight Bulb Replacement Cost” in 2023

This guide will help you reduce the cost of replacing your car’s headlight bulbs. Please share any experiences or questions you have about this in the comments below.

For more information about headlights, tail lights, brake lights, dyno tuning, dent repair, automobiles, and other related topics, please visit our other article.

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