Replacing a burned headlight or taillight bulb

Ever since the first headlights were invented at the end of the 19th century, using an actual open flame to light the way, headlights—and later, taillights—have needed replacing. The question nowadays, though, is whether you can replace the bulbs yourself or if having the repair done at a service centre is better. We’ll discuss that in this article.

Types of lightbulbs 

Lightbulbs have changed over the years. We’ll discuss the ones you may still find on the road today. 

Sealed beam lights 

If you own a classic car, for example, the original headlights and taillights would’ve used sealed beam construction. You’ll find these lights on vehicles from about 1940 to the 1960s and sometimes on later models. The sealed beam headlight is a tungsten filament housed in a sealed vacuum environment. It requires a lot of energy to work and also creates a dark stain on the light’s glass. 

Replacing sealed beam lights: If your classic car uses this kind of bulb, you can replace it if you’re comfortable doing so. Otherwise, visit a NAPA AUTOPRO service centre specializing in classic car design. 

Halogen lights 

The first halogen bulbs were installed in vehicle lights in 1962. They lasted longer and shone brighter than their predecessors. 

Halogen lights have a filament, like sealed beam lights, but the halogen gas in the lamp illuminates the filament. This is why this style of headlight and taillight requires less energy and lasts much longer. 

Replacing halogen lights: Halogen lights come in different designs. For some, you need to replace the whole headlamp, while for others, you can switch out just the bulb. Refer to your owner’s manual for details.

High-intensity discharge lights 

This style of headlight and taillight was developed in 1991 but didn’t gain popularity until this century. High-intensity discharge lights (HIDs) pass electricity between two electrodes. An inert gas, usually xenon, surrounds the electrodes to protect them and further increase their radiance. 

Replacing HID lights: We do not recommend replacing HIDs on your own. They contain a high-voltage igniter, which is unsafe to tamper with.

LED lights 

When LEDs came on the market not quite 20 years ago, drivers could only buy them on more expensive models. Nowadays, because of their energy-saving technology, most EVs use them, and you’ll find them increasingly on more cost-effective vehicles. 

LED stands for “light-emitting diode”. Electrons pass through a semiconductor material and light up tiny bulbs. LEDs, as you likely know, save considerably more energy than older models of lights and last much longer. 

Replacing LED lights: Replacing LED lights in your headlights and taillights means changing the entire light assembly. It can be done, but it’s more complicated than switching out a bulb. We also do not recommend changing LED lights on EVs because the more complex the wiring is, the higher the possibility of shock. 

When your headlights and taillights need replacing 

If a light has burned out, it must be replaced. It’s illegal in Canada to drive without lights on, and federal legislation passed in 2021 solidifies this via new manufacturing requirements to ensure lights are on in any dark situation. 

But what if your lights appear dim? Does that mean they’re burning out? 

The most common reason for dimming lights is dirt and discolouration on the plastic cover that protects your headlights and taillights. You can purchase a headlight polishing kit for around $40, add in a little elbow grease, and test the results. If your lights shine nice and bright again, you can save yourself a trip to the shop. 

For further questions or concerns regarding your headlights or taillights, visit your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.

To read more about headlights or taillight bulbs, follow the link below.

Shedding New Light on Headlamp Changes

Picture: iStock-168384013