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Buying Replacement Headlights

Victoria Trix | Mar 20, 2011 |

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It is very simple to purchase replacement headlights from an online auto parts store. And if you are somewhat mechanical minded it is generally fairly easy to replace the units yourself on most vehicles and trucks. However if you are seeking to replace the headlights on your recreational vehicle you might need another person to help you as the parts for a RV are larger and sometimes more difficult to get to. If you are replacing headlights on your motorcycle then you will be able to do this on your own as it is a fairly simple procedure.

Headlight Types

Until 1983 US vehicles had to have sealed beam headlights. This meant when one of your headlights went out you had to purchase replacement headlights with the entire headlight unit and you could not just replace a lamp bulb. Generally if you were to replace a failed sealed beam headlight with an aftermarket sealed beam headlight that you got from your auto accessories online store you would begin by removing the headlight trim piece. This may be held in place with some specialized screws. Then you would unscrew, generally, the headlight bezel which may require a Phillips head screwdriver. Then you would disconnect the wiring connector which has three wires holding it in place. There may be a plastic catch or a metal clip or even a screw cap holding this in place which you will also have to remove. Make sure you keep these parts as they will not be a part of your replacement kit. Then take out the bulb and go through the process in reverse to reinstall the replacement headlights. When you complete this you are good to go.

There are also composite headlights where you can also replace just the lamp bulb if that is what failed. Otherwise you will have to purchase a composite headlight replacement from your favorite online vehicle parts website.

Head Lamps

Generally the head lamps on most vehicles on the road today are halogen lamps. However Xenon lamps are also available which may require different headlight assemblies. Some vehicles have lens cleaner systems in the vehicle lighting system. They may also have an automatic beam leveling system. Some more expensive vehicles have a camera that adjusts the beams to work with the light and road environment. Any additional feature on the vehicle headlights may increase the price of those replacement headlights you are looking for.