SYLVANIA - H11 SilverStar Ultra - High Performance Halogen Headlight Bulb, High Beam, Low Beam and Fog Replacement Bulb, Brightest Downroad with Whiter Light, Tri-Band Technology (Contains 2 Bulbs). Buy Philips RacingVision H4 Headlight Bulbs (Twin) 12342RVS2 Xtreme Vision. Note: Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime.
When bulbs dim or burn out completely, auto experts say it’s important to replace them immediately. Your car’s headlights can wear out, dim or crack over time for a number of reasons.
“If you feel your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be during nighttime driving, it might be a reason to replace them,” says Darrin Enlow, owner of in Elkridge, Maryland. “But just because a headlight is burnt out doesn’t mean the entire unit needs to be replaced. Sometimes replacing the bulb is sufficient, if the headlight housing is clear, intact and with no cracks or moisture.”.
Replacing an entire headlight assembly is generally the same process regardless of the make and model of vehicle or whether you have a car, truck or SUV, Enlow says. “There are usually bolts around the perimeter of the headlight, sometimes two on the top and maybe one on the side, depending on the make and model,” he says. Oftentimes, he adds, the bolts on top are easily accessible; but the bolts on the bottom may require a tool to remove, such as a ratchet with a deep socket and extension. Most headlights also are attached with several fasteners, so you’ll want to make sure they’ve all been disconnected before you detach the headlight. Either way, mechanics say drivers should consult their owner’s manual for specific directions. Fortunately, in most cases, just the bulb needs to be replaced.
In modern vehicles, bulbs are accessible by lifting up the car’s hood and accessing the bulb in the back of the lens housing. If you’re changing the bulb yourself, read your owner’s manual for exact directions for your make and model.
“It really depends on the car,” says Jim Addison, owner of in Denver. “Some cars have pretty good access to the bulb. You have to take the back cover off the headlight assembly. Some twist at 90 degrees, and some have a wire clip that holds them in.” Enlow advises when replacing a bulb yourself, to wear latex gloves to prevent natural oils from your hand from forming a “hot spot” on the bulb, which can cause the bulb to fail prematurely. Addison says halogen is the most popular headlight bulb type.
High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps and LED bulbs are typically brighter and offer more clarity. However, cars usually use only one type of headlight, Addison says, which means you can’t upgrade from halogen to HID. The cost to replace a bulb and headlight can vary greatly depending on the car’s make and model and whether you do the work yourself or have it done at a dealership or mechanic. “If you go to the dealership, it will always be more expensive,” Enlow says. “But you have peace of mind that you’re getting a quality product from the manufacturer but at a considerably higher cost.” Enlow says the average cost he pays for a halogen bulb for a customer is $15 to $20. He charges $50 per headlight for installation.
According to aftermarket parts retailer AutoZone, the average cost of a halogen bulb is about $15 to $20, while HID bulbs typically cost $100 or more. Addison says the average cost to replace an entire headlight assembly is $250 to $700. Enlow recommends having both headlights replaced at the same time to avoid uneven light. Experts say that because headlights dim over time, it’s best to replace them when you notice they’re less effective, so they don’t completely burn out first.
Because all vehicles are different, Enlow says it’s important research your specific make, if you plan to change the headlight or bulb yourself. “Search the Internet and YouTube for tips on changing your headlight,” Enlow says. “Chances are good someone somewhere will have done it and posted something about it.” Addison says it’s critical to note that is an alternative to replacing headlights in cases where the glass or plastic housing has become foggy due to exposure from the sun or other environmental factors. “You really have to replace the protective coating with another coating, such as clearcoat, in order to provide protection to the headlight surface again,” Enlow says.
Typically, detailers will use a fine-grain sandpaper to remove a thick layer of the plastic headlight cover. Following that, the surface is polished and protected with a sealant with UV protection. The cost of headlight restoration is typically between $75 and $150 for both headlights, according to auto detailers.