How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Headlight Bulb?

When it gets dark, you can see where your vehicle is going with the help of the headlights, so you can see other vehicles approaching you. A car owner’s biggest concern is usually the cost of servicing the lights, whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or to provide better visibility on the road. Modern cars don’t need to replace the entire headlight, but only the headlight bulb, making maintenance more economical. The cost of replacing a headlight bulb starts at around $20 and can increase to over $100, especially if the headlight assembly has to be removed from the vehicle.

What Is A Headlight Bulb?

Headlight bulbs work on the same principle as the bulbs in your home. They are glass bulbs with a filament inside that emits white heat when an electric current is passed through it. This glowing filament provides the light output, which is then directed forward through a specially angled reflector within the headlamp.

Symptoms Of A Bad Headlight Bulb 

• One headlamp is dimmer than the other
•  Headlights not working
•  When turned on, the headlight bulb flashes

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Headlight Bulb?

In your local car market, you will mainly find two types of bulbs halogen bulbs and LED bulbs or xenon bulbs. Compared to xenon bulbs, halogen bulbs are cheaper.

According to 2022 estimates, the average cost of replacing a halogen headlight bulb is $10 to $30. On the other hand, replacement xenon headlight bulbs cost between $45 and $120.

Prices will vary depending on where you live. The average store will charge you around $100-120 for a xenon bulb. Xenon bulbs are available online for less than $50.

Factors that Determine the Cost of Replacement Headlights

There are two main factors that affect the cost. One is to replace the headlamp assembly, and the other is labor costs.

Replace Headlamp Assembly

If your car needs more money to replace the bulbs, then you’ll need to pay more for other assembly parts. The first step in replacing a headlamp is to replace the assembly. The design of the vehicle will determine its cost. More complex assemblies can be more expensive. Because this fee can be as high as $1000. But if you don’t have that problem, it can be fixed for a few bucks.

Labor Costs

If you don’t know anything about your car’s headlights, then we recommend checking your car with an experienced mechanic. They take a few minutes and can cost $40-50. They will get the job done in 10-20 minutes. So, if you hire a technician or go to a car shop, the average cost goes up. You have to add $40-50 in labor costs.

Now that you know how to determine headlight repair costs, you can estimate your costs. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, there’s still a lot of wiggle room. What is a reasonable investment amount? Saving time or money depends on what you most want to save.

When to Replace Vehicle’s Headlights Bulb

If you drive a lot, you’ll notice these symptoms easily. After noticing these symptoms, you’ll know when it’s time to replace your headlights. We discuss these symptoms with you below:

The first thing is to blow out the light bulb. If a bulb fails, replace it with all other types of bulbs. This is the case in most cases.

Second, the bulb dims. It’s common for some bulbs, especially halogen bulbs, to produce less light as they age. Light sources such as LEDs and HIDs do not dim with age, so are usually only replaced when they fail.

Third, the headlamp circuit is faulty. It’s important to understand that sometimes the bulb itself isn’t the problem. More likely, problems with wiring, terminal connections, light bulb sockets, or system components are the source of the problem.

How Is A Headlight Bulb Replaced?

•  The headlights are switched on and inspected
•  The fuses will be checked to ensure they are not blown
•  The faulty bulb will be removed and the socket checked
•  The new bulb will be fitted and tested for operation

Things to Remember When Replacing Headlights Bulb on New Cars

If there is no visible filament that can be inspected and tested, an experienced mechanic may first test that the bulb is powered. If the electronics in the circuit fail, LED lights or xenon lamps, and halogen lamps may fail.

To get equal lighting levels on both sides of the car, replace the halogen and sealed beams in pairs. The plastic lenses of many headlamps degrade over time. If there are no problems, the bulbs in the vehicle’s lighting system can be replaced.

To ensure proper and reliable headlamp operation, an automotive technician should check the condition of the bulb socket, ground connections, fuses, and all other parts of the circuit.

How Important Is Replacing Headlight Bulbs?

Your headlights are critical to providing visibility in dark or poorly lit situations, and if the headlight bulbs are not working, not only will it reduce visibility, but it will also make it harder for other drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle.

It is also illegal to drive a vehicle with non-working lighting, so you may also be fined by your local government if you drive a vehicle with a burnt headlight bulb.

Benefits of Replacing Your Car Headlight Bulbs

As the main source of visibility at night or in fog or heavy rain, your headlights are critical. If the headlights are not working, not only will it reduce visibility, but it will also make it harder for other drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle.

Since the headlights are dim, you can’t see far away, which can be a big problem when you’re driving. A malfunctioning headlamp can lead to a serious accident. When driving in bad weather, you must have bright lights.

It is also illegal to drive a vehicle with a burnt headlight bulb. Local authorities may impose heavy fines on you for this. Therefore, it is very important to check your vehicle’s headlights before driving long distances.

Is It Safe to Drive with a Headlight Problem?

After dusk, you must always drive with your headlights fully working to stay safe. If your car is only driven in full daylight, you can delay repairing a faulty headlight. Headlamps are necessary whenever a car is driving on public roads from sunset to sunrise, and in many other specific conditions, such as rain or when visibility is reduced due to smoke, fog, and other factors.

Conclusion

Headlamps are the primary light source for vehicles at night, enabling drivers to see where they are going and, more importantly, helping drivers see other vehicles approaching them. Most modern cars only allow for bulb replacement, not having to replace the entire headlamp, which is more cost-effective. The cost of replacing a headlight bulb starts at around $20 and can increase to over $100