How Much Does A Headlight Replacement Near You Cost?

A headlight replacement costs depend on your vehicle’s make, your locality’s labor, and spare parts costs. That’s why most Google searches are localized or why most people search for headlight replacement near me.

Usually, you can expect to pay around $120 – $170 to replace your headlights. This includes spare parts cost ($90 – $115) and labor charges ($30 – $55).

How Urgent Is A Headlight Replacement?

It’s best to replace your headlights immediately as soon as they go out. Ignoring your failing headlights will affect your night visibility on the road and attract heavy fines. 

So if you notice your headlights flickering or dimming, replace them ASAP to ensure safety and compliance with the law. 

Note: If one of your headlights goes out, it’s recommended to replace both as the other bulb will also likely go off soon.

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Headlight?

To keep your headlights bright for a safe drive, here are some warning signs you should know:

• Dim headlights: A dim headlight won’t provide the proper visibility and make it difficult for you to see the road while driving. It usually indicates that the bulb is going to go out soon.
• Flickering headlights: Worn out or damaged filaments usually cause flickering headlights. It indicates that the bulb is close to burning out completely. However, a lousy harness or connection also causes flickering headlights. 
• Low beams don’t work: If your low beam doesn’t work even after swapping the high-beam bulb with the low-beam one, you may have a blown fuse that needs a replacement.
• The headlight is out: Over time, headlights are bound to burn out and would need to be replaced. This is a serious issue as you’ll have minimal visibility while driving in low lighting.

Headlight Replacement FAQs

It’s not only important to find a qualified mechanic to perform a headlight replacement near you, but also to get yourself acquainted with the issue. Here are some queries related to headlights and their answers:

1. What Causes Headlights To Fail?

Headlights usually fail because of damaged filaments, which are brittle and work at high temperatures. 

Here are some more reasons why your headlights go bad:

• Damaged relay: If you have a damaged relay, it won’t be able to complete the electrical circuit and deliver the required electricity to the headlights to function. This is why high and low beams have different relays, so one may still work if the other fails.
• Wiring problems: Wiring issues may blow out blubs by passing excess current through the system.
• Intense vibrations: Driving on rough roads could lead to vibrations that could damage the brittle filament, causing the headlights to go out.
• Excess heat: Using the headlight for extended periods, like frequent nighttime driving, could increase the temperature and result in premature filament breakage. 
• Water leaking into the housing: Condensation in the housing reflects water leakage. This could lead to a short circuit or cause the bulb to blow as water and electricity don’t mix well. 

2. How To Replace Your Headlights?

The difficulty level of headlight replacement depends on the headlight type and your vehicle’s make. Headlight replacement may require specific technical and mechanical knowledge, so it’s best to leave it to a certified mechanic. 

However, here’s a guide for headlight replacement:

1. Begin by locating the headlight assembly’s rear. Typically, it’s mounted in a gap in the front bumper. This can be easily accessed from under the bonnet.
2. Disconnect the power cable from behind the headlight assembly. A plastic catch or screw fitting usually secures the cables. 
3. Next, remove the bulb from the headlight from the assembly. 
4. Remember to wear gloves before installing the new bulbs. This will protect the bulb from fingerprints and moisture.
5. After you install the bulb, wipe it clean with an alcohol-based solution to ensure that it’s clean from lint or any other substance that’ll cause headlight issues.
6. Once done, reconnect all connectors and wirings. You should test if the bulbs are working before taking your car out for a drive.