You can change most headlight bulbs yourself in 15 minutes with no special tools
A burned-out headlight is one of the easiest car repairs you can do yourself. Most vehicles let you access the bulb from inside the engine compartment, unscrew or unclip the old one, and install a new bulb without removing any panels or taking the car to a shop. The whole job takes about 15 minutes once you know which bulb your car uses and where to find it.
The process varies slightly depending on whether your car has a traditional screw-in bulb, a twist-lock bulb, or a clip-in design — but the basic steps are the same. You'll open your hood, locate the headlight assembly, remove the old bulb, and insert the new one. The trickiest part is usually just reaching into the tight space behind the headlight, not the actual replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Check your owner's manual or the inside of your hood to find the exact bulb type your car needs — the wrong size won't fit or work.
- Most headlight bulbs cost between $10 and $30 at an auto parts store, and you should buy the replacement before you start.
- Let the headlight cool for a few minutes after turning off the car, since the bulb and housing get hot during use.
- Handle the new bulb by its base or plastic collar, never the glass, because skin oils can shorten its lifespan.
- If you can't reach the bulb or the housing is damaged, a mechanic can do it for $75 to $200 depending on the vehicle.
Find out what bulb type your car needs
Your owner's manual lists the exact bulb size in the maintenance or specifications section. If you don't have the manual, look inside your hood — many cars have a label on the back of the headlight assembly or on the hood itself that shows the bulb type. You can also call your car's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and year, or take a photo of your current bulb to an auto parts store and ask them to match it.
Common headlight bulb types include H7, H11, 9005, and 9006, but your car may use something different. The bulb type is printed on the box and on the bulb itself. Don't guess — buying the wrong size means a wasted trip back to the store and a headlight that still doesn't work.
Buy the replacement bulb before you start
Visit an auto parts store like AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, or NAPA with your bulb type and vehicle year. You can also order online from these retailers or from Amazon, though ordering online means you'll need to wait for delivery. Headlight bulbs typically cost $10 to $30 per bulb depending on the brand and type.
Some stores offer installation for free or a small fee if you buy the bulb from them. If you're uncomfortable doing the work yourself, this is worth asking about — it may save you time and frustration, especially if your car has a tight engine compartment.
Turn off the engine and let the headlight cool
Turn off your car and wait at least five minutes before touching the headlight housing or bulb. Headlights get very hot during use, and touching a hot bulb or housing can burn your hand or damage the new bulb you're about to install. Open your hood and locate the headlight assembly on the side that burned out.
Look at the back of the headlight housing — you'll see either a plastic connector, a rubber boot, or a metal housing with a bulb inside. This is where you'll work. Take a moment to see how the bulb is held in place: some bulbs screw in, some twist counterclockwise to unlock, and some clip in with a wire or plastic tab.
Remove the old bulb
If your bulb screws in, grip it gently and turn it counterclockwise until it comes free. If it twists to unlock, push it in slightly and turn counterclockwise — you'll feel it click when it's ready to pull out. If it's held by a clip or wire, look for a small tab or lever you can press or pull to release it. Once the bulb is loose, pull it straight out of the housing.
Set the old bulb aside — you don't need it anymore, and you can throw it in the trash. Don't touch the glass part of the new bulb with your bare hands. Skin oils can create hot spots on the bulb surface, which shortens its life or causes it to burn out faster. Hold the new bulb by its plastic base or the metal connector at the bottom.
Install the new bulb and test it
Insert the new bulb into the housing, making sure it sits all the way in. If it screws in, turn it clockwise until it's snug — don't force it. If it twists to lock, push it in and turn clockwise until you feel it click. If it clips in, slide it into the housing until the clip or wire locks it in place. The bulb should be find and not wiggle when you gently tug on it.
Close your hood and get in the car. Turn on your headlights to make sure the new bulb works. If it doesn't light up, turn off the car, open the hood again, and check that the bulb is fully seated in the housing. If the bulb still doesn't work after you've reseated it, the bulb may be defective — take it back to the store for a replacement.
What to do if you can't reach the bulb or the housing is damaged
Some vehicles have headlight assemblies that are difficult or impossible to access from the engine compartment without removing trim panels, the wheel well, or the entire assembly. If you can't reach the bulb after opening the hood, or if the housing is cracked or the connector is broken, a mechanic is your best option. Most shops charge $75 to $200 to replace a headlight bulb, depending on how much work is needed to access it.
If only one headlight is out, you can still drive during the day, but you should get it fixed before driving at night. A burned-out headlight reduces your visibility and makes it harder for other drivers to see you. If both headlights are out, don't drive — you won't be able to see the road safely, and it's illegal in most places.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do headlight bulbs usually last?
Most traditional halogen headlight bulbs last 500 to 1,000 hours of use, which is roughly two to three years for the average driver. LED and HID bulbs last longer — often 5 to 10 years. The exact lifespan depends on how often you drive at night and the quality of the bulb you buy.
Can I replace both headlights at the same time even if only one is burned out?
Yes, and many mechanics recommend it. If one bulb has burned out, the other is probably getting close to the end of its life too. Replacing both at once means you won't have to do this job again in a few weeks, and both headlights will have the same brightness and color.
What's the difference between cheap and expensive headlight bulbs?
Cheaper bulbs typically last shorter and produce dimmer light. More expensive bulbs often last longer, produce brighter light, and have a whiter color. For most drivers, a mid-range bulb ($15 to $25) offers good brightness and lifespan without overpaying for premium brands.
Do I need to replace the rubber boot or connector when I change the bulb?
No, the rubber boot and connector usually last the life of the car. Replace them only if they're cracked, melted, or corroded. If the connector is loose or damaged, that's a sign the headlight assembly itself may need repair, and you should have a mechanic look at it.
Is it safe to drive with a headlight out during the day?
You can drive during daylight hours, but get the bulb replaced before you drive at night. A single working headlight won't light the road well enough for safe driving, and it's illegal in most states. Many police departments will stop you for a burned-out headlight, especially after dark.