Headlights are essential for keeping you and other drivers safe while driving at night.
When you bring the automobile to your local service shop to have one headlight changed, you may ask yourself: Should I replace both headlight bulbs?
Is this necessary? You will find the answers to all your questions in this post.
Why Should Aged Headlight Bulbs Be Replaced?
Many people resist using a headlight bulb as long as it can still light up and only change a bulb light when it has fully failed.
However, for the sake of optimal driver safety, an old bulb should be changed before burning out.
The bulb’s light output decreases over time since any halogen headlight bulb’s filament deteriorates with use and when exposed to the environment.
Headlight bulbs produce less light as they approach the end of their average service life, affecting the driver’s visibility at night.
Why Should I Replace Both Headlight Bulbs?
Should you replace both headlights? Technically, you can replace just the malfunctioning bulb.
However, we strongly advise you to replace them both as it will be much more advantageous for you and the car.
Save Time
Bulbs often deteriorate at comparable rates. In other words, when one of the bulbs fails, the other will likely follow soon after.
By replacing car headlights at once, you can save yourself the trouble of making two visits to your local repair shop.
Additionally, you won’t run the chance of being twice quickly pushed into a semi-dark environment, which could be hazardous and inconvenient.
Maintain Consistent Light Quality
A brand-new light shines more brilliantly than a used-up, outdated bulb.
Also, different bulbs, particularly high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, can provide varying quantities of light and exhibit color discrepancies.
As a result, you will constantly have inconsistent lighting if you simply change one headlight bulb at a time.
This is why changing headlight bulbs is better, as it will maintain the light in consistent quality.
Enhance Maximum Driving Safety
Not only do you suffer from uneven lighting, but other drivers may as well.
Suppose only one bulb is changed; the light output may be uneven and unexpected, giving insufficient lighting that may impair driver visibility.
Also, vehicles with one headlight working at full brightness may make it harder for approaching drivers to notice them.
How To Maintain Car Headlights
Giving the automotive headlights proper care is the best way to keep them in good condition, extend their life expectancy, and bring you the maximum safety.
Here is what you need to do.
Regular Cleaning And Maintaining
As you may know, regular cleaning is an essential step in keeping your vehicle in good condition.
You can remove grime and dirt buildup from your headlight lenses by performing regular cleanings.
If you don’t have a specific cleaner, Magic Eraser is also an alternative to clean headlights.
In addition to maintaining the appearance of your headlights, this lowers the possibility that they will seem hazy or become oxidized, making driving safer.
It is beneficial to look for deterioration indicators like cracks and chips.
Even when more evidence of deterioration is there, replacing headlights could be avoided by carefully checking them.
Sanding
Sanding is a great way to maintain the long-term shine of your headlights. Still, the purpose of each grit of sandpaper should be understood before you start sanding.
The grit number will determine the softness of the sandpaper on the rubbing surface.
Start by dampening the 400-grit sandpaper and cleaning your headlights. Sand the headlamp in small circles, covering each section with sandpaper as you go.
To ensure you do not miss any spots, you might perform this procedure two or three times.
Throughout the process, continue to splash the appropriate water. After rinsing off, dry the surface with a fresh towel.
Park In The Shade
Daytime driving exposes cars to the sunlight and puts them at risk to the car body and its accessories, including headlights. UV rays are one of the culprits behind foggy headlights.
It would be best to park your cars in a shaded, dry location out of the way of the sun and excessive heat. Find a shady spot to park your car when you are in a public place.
At home, you should place your vehicle in the garage to protect it from the sun. However, if you do not have one, it would be best to use a car cover to protect it from the sun.
This excellent protection cover is readily available locally at reasonable pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Replace My Headlights At Home?
Technically, you can change your headlights at home.
However, it is advisable that you bring your car to a repair shop and get the light changed by a qualified mechanic since some complex headlamp assemblies could need specialized tools.
The professional mechanic will finish the task in an hour or two. This way, you can save a lot of time trying figuring out how to do it on your own.
How Long Can Headlights Last?
A standard car headlight bulb can last between 500 and 1,000 hours.
Still, there are numerous variables that can affect how long a normal car headlight lasts. Certain headlight bulbs are effective enough to survive up to 30,000 hours.
What Is The Price Of Changing A Headlight Bulb?
The typical price to replace a headlight bulb at a repair shop ranges from 100 to 140 dollars. Still, the cost can vary depending on your car model, bulb type, and where you live.
The Bottom Line
Should I replace both headlight bulbs? Now you have the answer for yourself after reading this post – 100% yes.
You will be surprised at how straightforward it is to change both bulbs, even if it might seem redundant to do so when only one of them is broken.
Suppose you encounter other lighting problems, such as your light bulb warning light not turning off or your 2015 Nissan Altima headlights being too dim; visit our website.
You may find the solutions for your issue there.