Changing your Headlights with Ease from Ohio's Bulb-Changing Experts

Having a burnt out headlight can be a frustration every driver will face at some point in time. All bulbs are different, and there is no set time to expect a headlight to go out on you. It's important to note that all vehicles are different, and they have various procedures when changing a headlight. Some can be done without any tools necessary, while others require removal of panels, and other components. Luckily, changing a headlight can be relatively simple, and can be taken care of at any local Bob Sumerel Tire location within about 15 minutes! But if you are feeling brave, here are some tips on changing your headlight on your own!YouTube is always a good reference to see watch before performing the headlight change itself!

• Locate the bulb that is burnt- Check your lights to identify the one that is burnt, open the hood to inspect it's location. Some headlight assemblies have a removable "cap" to access the headlight.
• Turn the car off, see if you can access the bulb by hand- Depending on the vehicle, it is possible to change the headlight without any tools necessary. Other vehicles require the headlight assembly to be removed, usually consisting of a few bolts/levers to be removed. 
• Disconnect the headlight socket pigtail- Removing the headlight wire is the first step, check to see what way to move the plastic tab, be careful to not snap off the plastic. (See picture below) 
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  Find out how the bulb is held in place- Sine bulbs require a simple counter-clockwise turn, which others are held in by a metal wire. Be very gentle with the bulb when pulling it out, make sure you realize how it comes out so you can install the new one correctly. 
• Installing the new bulb- The same way it came out is how it should go back in. BE SURE NOT TO TOUCH THE GLASS PART OF THE BULB, it can severely effect the clarity of the bulb. Be sure to test the bulb by turning the headlights on before you re-assemble everything!
• Reconnect the wire, put the assembly back together- Reverse the steps you took to get the bulb out, essentially. Put the protective cap back on, and ensure that the headlight works properly. 

One thing to note is that in most cases, the more you spend on a headlight bulb, the shorter life span it will have. More expensive halogen lights need more electrical current to power them, which in turn drains their life faster then a standard halogen bulb. Another thing to add is that "bulb grease" is often additive to use when you are installing a new bulb. Rubbing the grease on the metal contact points of your bulb will ensure the bulb does not corrode overtime, and also helps keep moisture away from the electrical parts of the bulb. Again, YouTube is a great source of knowledge if this is your first time replacing the headlight by yourself. If you are not confident in your abilities, any local Bob Sumerel Tire can help you change it!

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4 Common Headlight Problems And How To Fix Them From Northeastern Ohio's Automotive Headlight Experts

Headlights aren't always something that we typically think about when driving on the road, but they are extremely important for the obvious reasons one might think of.  Just like any other light bulb, your car's headlights can experience the same problems.  That is why the headlight automotive service experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have made this list on how to fix the 4 most common headlight problems.

1. Only One Headlight Works: Possibly the most common out of the 4 problems listed, this can be the result of a couple different factors.  Just like light bulbs in your house, car headlight bulbs have limited lifespans based on the hours of use.  The typical headlight will normally last between 600 and 2,000 hours of being on, which equates to around 6 years of use for the average person driving between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year.  However, before replacing the bulb it is important to check the electrical connector and wires on the back of your headlight for any loose connections or corrosion.  Once you are positive that the bulb is burned out refer to your owners manual for replacing it.  Typically headlights will be replaced by removing the bulb from it's back housing.  Make sure the replacement bulb is the same size and style as the original burned out bulb.
2.  Both Headlights Aren't Working: Aside from the above reason stated where both of the headlights could be burned out, there are other causes to both of your headlights not working.  If both your headlight bulbs are still good, then the cause could be that there is no electricity reaching the bulbs due to a bad headlight relay, fuse, module, dimmer switch, or wiring.  To get a free diagnostic maintenance check on your headlight problems in this case feel free to call you local Bob Sumerel Tire store.
3. Fluctuating Brightness From Headlights: This problem is most likely the result of an alternator going bad or the actual drive belt of the alternator starting to slip.  The chances are that if your alternator is starting to go bad or slipping that your vehicle will also struggle to idle and in serious cases stall.  If you experience fluctuating headlights or engine idling make sure to stop by your local Bob Sumerel Tire store immediately to stop your vehicle from stalling on the side of the road.
4. Dim Headlights: There could be several different causes to this particular problem.  Your headlights could be dirty, fogging on the inside of the headlight lens, discolored on the plastic headlight cover, or improperly aimed headlights.  Most of these problems can just be solved by cleaning your headlights,
   
   however, if there is moisture inside the housing or the discoloration extends down far into the plastic you might need to consider getting a new headlight housing.  If your headlights need to be re-aimed, feel free to bring your vehicle to your local Bob Sumerel Tire store for quick and professional service.

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