Step 6

FAQs

Do headlights dim over time?

Yes. Even the most expensive bulbs lose their power over time.

How long do headlight bulbs last?

That depends. Hours of usage, battery health, type and brightness of the headlamp all play a part.

How can you prevent dim headlights?

Replace your headlamps on a regular basis, inspect your electrical connections seasonally, and restore or replace the headlight housing if the plastic is faded.

Why are headlights still dim after replacing the bulb?

Poor ground connection to the chassis, poor battery health and faulty wiring can all be contributing factors, but most often it’s a fogged or yellowed plastic headlight housing.

How much does it cost to replace headlights?

New headlight housings can cost up to $200 each, while just replacing the headlamp bulbs within the housing (most typical) will cost between $30 to well over $100 for a pair, depending on brightness and type of bulb.

Should you replace both bulbs at the same time?

You don’t have to, but it just makes sense. Whenever I swap one, I swap the other. This way, the luminosity is equal on both sides and should remain so throughout the life of both bulbs.

Do HID and LED headlight bulbs dim over time too?

Yes, as they age, HID (High-Intensity Discharge) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs will dim, but this happens much more slowly than with filament type bulbs.

Looking for more options?

Get to know the difference between LED and halogen headlights.

About the Expert

Jay Cork, a self-taught mechanic and former manager of an O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store has chased more wiring gremlins than he cares to remember.