Headlight Bulb Replacement Cost

The headlight bulb is the main source of road light for a vehicle. Without a functional headlight bulb, a car accident is not out of the question. After all, lackluster visibility can affect the driver’s performance in the dark.

No doubt, the headlight bulb serves its use during extreme weather conditions too, such as heavy rain, snow, etc. If you care about your car and your own well-being, you owe it to yourself to replace the headlight bulb upon damage.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to replace the whole headlight. In most cases, just replacing the bulb will take care of the headset issue, which is, of course, a cost-effective solution too.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Faulty Headlight Bulb?

Generally speaking, a headlight bulb needs replacement in the following scenarios:

  • If you notice that the lights have turned dimmer and it’s affecting your visibility in the dark.
  • If one headlight bulb is dimmer than the other one. Again, this can make night-time driving an unsafe affair.
  • If the headlight bulb is flickering. Sometimes, a dying battery can cause a bulb to flicker. So, it’s not always the bulb’s fault.

Your headlights are essential for your safety. So, make it a point to replace them as soon as you figure out that they are not working as usual. Failure to do so can also attract a fine. As you might know, it’s against the law to drive a vehicle without a fully functional headlight.

How Much Does Headlight Bulb Replacement Cost?

Headlight replacement is usually a cheap affair. It’s going to cost you less than a hundred bucks. The bulb will cost you $20 to $50. On the other hand, the labor should be around $50 to $80. So, it’s not a lot.

Auto CenterPrice
Walmart$20 - $50
Pep Boys$50 - $130
Midas$60 - $150
Your Mechanic$55 - $145

Frankly speaking, the cost difference won’t be drastic even if you own a high-end car, unless there is a bigger underlying problem to address.

The Detailed Procedure Of a Headlight Bulb Replacement

Unless there is a larger electrical problem, it will be an easy fix. To begin with, a mechanic will switch on the light to inspect the bulb. He will check whether or not there is an issue with the fuses. Then, the faulty bulb will be removed. The socket will be checked, and the new bulb will be fitted in place of the old bulb. Finally, the light will be turned on to see how the operation has turned out.

Keep in mind that there will be a need to remove the front bumper to access the headlight bulb in some vehicles, which will increase the labor time. It could also be that the headset circuit has failed.

So instead of replacing the bulb, you will have to fix the underlying problem. There could be a need to look at the wirings, bulb sockets, terminal connections, and other system accessories.

How to Save Money When Replacing Headlight Bulb?

To save money, you can perform the headlight bulb replacement job yourself. As described earlier, it’s not a labor-intensive task. It’s usually one of the simplest car restorations that you can carry out without any fuss. If you still choose to hire a mechanic, compare prices from different shops to handpick someone with reasonable rates.

On the CarServiceLand, you can also find estimates of car repair or maintenance service costs:

Transmission Fluid ChangeIgnition Switch ReplacementHeater Core Replacement
Head Gasket RepairFuel Filter ReplacementFront Wheel Bearing Replacement
Freon ReplacementEVAP System RepairDrum Brake Replacement
Coolant Leak RepairControl Arm ReplacementCV Joint Replacement
Clutch ReplacementAC Condenser ReplacementAC Compressor Replacement
AC RechargeAlternator ReplacementAxle Repair
Ball Joint ReplacementCar Water Pump ReplacementSide Mirror Replacement
Thermostat ReplacementRemote Starter InstallationRear Differential Replacement
Rack and Pinion ReplacementPower Steering Pump ReplacementOil Pan Gasket Replacement
Muffler ReplacementMotor Mount ReplacementLower Ball Joint Replacement
Transmission RebuildTransmission Cooler Lines ReplacementTire Rotation
Tire BalancingTiming Chain ReplacementTiming Belt Replacement
Tie Rod ReplacementABS Control Module ReplacementStrut Replacement
Steering Rack ReplacementSpark PlugsRadiator Replacement
Radiator FlushCar Window ReplacementBrake Booster Replacement
O2 Sensor ReplacementFuel Pump ReplacementExhaust Leak Repair
Drive Belt ReplacementCoolant FlushCatalytic Converter Replacement
Car Starter RepairBumper ReplacementBrake Line Repair
Brake Fluid FlushCar Tune UpVCT Solenoid Replacement
Valve Cover Gasket ReplacementUniversal Joint ReplacementTransmission Solenoid Replacement
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid ReplacementTensioner Pulley Replacement CostSway Bar Replacement
Steering Shaft RepairSteering Gearbox ReplacementSpeed Sensor Replacement
Shift Solenoid ReplacementRear Main Seal ReplacementPowertrain Control Module Replacement
Mass Air Flow Sensor ReplacementIntake Manifold RepairHeadlight Bulb Replacement
Fuel Injector ReplacementExhaust Manifold RepairEGR Valve Replacement
Crankshaft Replacement CostControl Arm Bushing ReplacementCanister Purge Valve Replacement
Camshaft Position Actuator ReplacementBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementBody Control Module Repair
Blend Door Actuator ReplacementWindow Motor RepairWindshield Wiper Motor Replacement
AC Fan ReplacementBelt Tensioner ReplacementBlower Motor Replacement
Coolant Reservoir ReplacementFuel Pressure Sensor ReplacementKnock Sensor Replacement
Oil Pressure Sensor ReplacementPressure Control Solenoid ReplacementPurge Valve Replacement
Throttle Body ReplacementTransmission Filter ChangeWindshield Washer Pump Replacement
Car Battery ReplacementTire PatchCar Wrap

About the author

Check Also

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Oxygen Sensor?

Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor is a critical component that ensures optimal engine performance and fuel …

How Much Does an Oil Leak Repair Cost?

An oil leak can be a major concern for any car owner, as it can …