Telltale Signs It's Time to Replace Your Car Headlights

The headlights are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle. As a driver, they help you see the road in front of you during low-light conditions. They're also crucial for everyone you're sharing the road with, as they help make your vehicle visible to other drivers at night.

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But like all types of bulbs, you're likely to have to replace your headlights on occasion throughout your vehicle ownership - some types of bulbs more often than others. Depending on the type of bulb that your vehicle takes will dictate how often you'll have to do this. For instance, halogen bulbs only tend to last for up to about 1,000 hours, while HID bulbs last for up to 10,000 hours, and LED bulbs up to 40,000 hours.

We know life gets busy, but taking care of your headlights is one of those little things that makes a big difference when you're on the road.

When to Replace Headlights

While you can estimate replacement based on drive time and the expected lifespan of the bulb your vehicle takes, there are some other key signs to be on the lookout for that can point to a need for headlight replacement. Here's a look at the signs to watch for:

Dim Lights

If you’re squinting to see the road at night or noticing that street signs don’t light up as well, it’s time to check your bulbs. Headlights naturally fade over time, so don’t wait for them to quit completely.

Only the High Beams Work

High beam headlights are different bulbs than normal headlights that should only be used in dark conditions when there's no oncoming traffic. Noting this, they may still work fine even if your standard headlights aren't. So if only your high beams are working, it's likely a sign that your normal headlights have gone bad.

Flickering Lights

A flicker isn’t just annoying—it’s your headlight’s way of saying, “Help me!” If your lights are dancing in and out, swap those bulbs before they call it quits for good. 

Blown Fuses

Blown fuses can cut off power to your headlights. And while they may be indicative of the need to replace your headlights, they can also be a sign of larger electrical problems that need to be addressed with your vehicle. If you're routinely blowing fuses, make sure you have your vehicle professionally serviced soon.

Your Constantly Changing the Bulbs

If you're frequently changing the bulbs, there's likely a larger underlying issue that you need to address with your vehicle's electrical system. While bulbs will need to be replaced from time to time, they're designed to last for years. If you need to have the headlight bulbs changed every few months, make sure to have your electrical system inspected by a professional to get to the bottom of what's causing this problem.

Can I Drive with Broken Headlights?

Can you drive with broken headlights? Technically, yes. Headlights don't impact your vehicle's ability to start, stop, and drive. But driving with broken headlights poses a significant safety hazard - both for you and any motorists that you share the road with, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Furthermore, it's also illegal to drive with a broken headlight due to the safety risk that it poses. If you're driving without one or more working headlights, it's only a matter of time before you're pulled over and cited by the police.

Is Replacing Headlights Costly?

The cost of headlight replacement really all depends on the type of bulb that you're replacing and the make and model of your vehicle.

It should go without saying that some bulbs are more expensive than others. While halogen bulbs are inexpensive and only cost about $20, replacement LED headlights can cost hundreds of dollars. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and may not have to replace headlights as frequently depending on bulb type. While halogen bulbs have a limited lifespan of only a few thousand hours, LED bulbs can last for tens of thousands of hours.

Additionally, the make and model of your vehicle also plays a role in replacement cost. While many of today's vehicles permit easy access for replacement, some makes and models require you to remove a tire or some of the components under the hood to allow for replacement. If that's the case, you're not just paying for parts - but for extended labor costs as well.

Essentially, replacing a headlight doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ll walk you through the options, from budget-friendly halogen bulbs to long-lasting LEDs, so you can make the best choice for your car and your wallet.

Are Faulty Headlights A Bigger Issue?

Faulty headlights are a significant issue, which is why it's illegal to drive a vehicle without one or more working properly. For instance, headlights that are on the fritz emit about 20 percent less light than headlights that are in good condition, which can have an impact on driver safety. Additionally, faulty headlights may shine too brightly, causing an issue for oncoming drivers.

At GreatWater, we’ll check for any underlying issues, like electrical problems, that could be causing your headlights to burn out faster. That way, you’re not just replacing bulbs—you’re solving the problem for good.

We Specialize in Headlight Replacements

If you need your headlights replaced or require troubleshooting to get to the bottom of certain issues, contact your local GreatWater-affiliated garage and schedule an appointment today. As a network of locally managed full-service auto centers, there's no job too big or too small for our experienced technicians, headlight replacements and related troubleshooting included. Additionally, you can always count on GreatWater to have the best interest of you and your vehicle in mind - we'll never sell you on a service that you don't want or need and we'll treat your vehicle as if it were one of our own.

Contact us today for more information and to schedule a headlight replacement.

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