How to replace the headlights and when and how much to replace them? Should I change to an LED bulb?

Headlight replacement time | How long is the life?

The timing of headlight replacement should be when the brightness of the light decreases or the light emission becomes unstable such as blinking. If you see any of these signs, replace them as soon as possible before the valve is completely cut off.

In addition, the life of the headlight is set as follows for each type of bulb, so it is safe to replace it regularly even if no problems are found.

If the brightness is insufficient or the light emission is unstable even though the headlight bulb has been replaced, there may be a problem with the electrical system such as the battery.

Does it last longer if the headlights are turned off diligently?

The headlight bulbs currently in use have almost no effect on the longevity of the bulb even if they are turned off frequently when stopped.

Therefore, unless you are waiting for a traffic light and dazzle an oncoming vehicle (glare obstructs your view), you do not have to turn it on and off diligently.

What are the penalties for not turning on the headlights?

If you drive without turning on the headlights, you will be fined 7,000 yen. Police may restrict you from driving because of poor maintenance, such as when both light bulbs are out.

Of course, it is very dangerous to drive at night without turning on the headlights.

Should I change from the headlights I'm wearing now to LEDs?

Replacement from genuine light bulb (halogen) is recommended

If you are currently using a genuine halogen bulb for your headlights, we highly recommend replacing it with an LED bulb. The reason is that, as mentioned earlier, the life and power consumption of LEDs are overwhelmingly superior to halogens, and the brightness can be secured.

Another reason to recommend LEDs is their ease of installation. As with halogens, LEDs only require replacement of the bulb, which makes replacement work easier than with HID, which requires equipment for voltage conversion in addition to the bulb.

If you have a HID with sufficient brightness, you do not have to replace it forcibly.

If you are already equipped with HID, there is no need to forcibly replace it with an LED.

HID produces strong light by electric discharge, which is superior to LED in terms of the amount of light emitted. If you are particular about brightness, you should continue to use HID, and if you want to save energy, it is recommended to switch to LED when you replace the light.

Be careful when replacing with LED in snowy areas

LEDs also have weaknesses, which are highlighted mainly in snowy areas.

For example, when it is snowing or when visibility is poor, such as during heavy snowfall, the brightness of the road surface irradiation may decrease. This phenomenon can occur with any light, but HID, which emits more light than LEDs, is better off.

Also, since LEDs generate almost no heat, the snow on the headlights does not melt naturally. If snow adheres, the amount of light will decrease, so it is very dangerous if you do not get out of the car and remove the snow.

Halogen and HID generate heat to the extent that they melt snow, so it would be safer to use HID, which has both light emission and heat generation.

How to replace the headlight bulb

Procedure for replacing the headlight bulb by yourself

Precautions for replacement

Headlight bulb replacement cost

When replacing only the headlight bulb

Headlight bulb body + wage replacement cost market price is as follows.

* Some models of HID require the headlights to be attached / detached when replacing the bulb. In that case, a separate desorption fee of about 2,000 yen will be charged.

What if I need to replace the headlights?

It may be necessary to replace not only the headlight bulb (ball) but also the headlight cover itself (ASSY = assembly replacement).

For example, the yellowing of the headlight lens is severe, the headlight cover is severely scratched and it is not possible to illuminate correctly, or you want to replace the entire headlight for dress-up purposes.

In this case, the headlight unit will be replaced instead of the headlight parts alone, so the parts cost and wages will be higher than the bulb replacement. The headlight unit costs about 20,000 to 100,000 yen. Since new products are expensive, some people seem to buy second-hand products.

The market price for purchasing a headlight unit and replacing wages is at least 30,000 yen (*). When it comes to luxury cars, it can cost more than 500,000 yen. LED headlight units are especially expensive.

* Because the bumper needs to be removed to replace the headlight unit, a separate attachment / detachment cost of about 5,000 yen will be charged.

Where can I replace the headlight bulb? What do you recommend?

Car supplies store if price is important!Smooth purchase + exchange

If you buy a headlight bulb or headlight unit and replace it on the spot, the car supplies store will be smooth. Another advantage is that the wages are cheaper than those of maintenance shops and dealers.

Gas stations are also cheaper, though not as much as car supplies stores. It is often less crowded than car supplies stores. If you just want to replace the valve quickly, you can use a gas station.

If you want to use genuine products or warranty, please contact the dealer.

Since dealers basically use genuine parts, the wages are high. However, the merit is the sense of security provided by the professional staff. Also, if you want to repair with the manufacturer's warranty, consult your dealer.

The maintenance shop is not as big as a dealer, but the wages are higher than those of car supplies stores and gas stations. However, if the factory requires regular maintenance and vehicle inspections, there is a sense of security.

If you want to replace the headlight body, it is recommended to have a dealer or a maintenance shop.

If you replace the entire headlight unit, you will need to adjust the optical axis. Therefore, it is recommended to do it at a dealer or maintenance shop where there is a tester.

It is safe to replace the headlight bulb regularly.

If you feel that the headlight bulb is not bright enough or the light emission is unstable, replace it as soon as possible. If you replace it regularly at the timing of inspections and vehicle inspections, you can get in the car without worrying about running out of balls.

If you have a HID, you don't have to forcibly replace it with an LED. If you are concerned about the life and amount of light of the halogen light, it is recommended to replace it with an LED.

Headlight bulbs have different standards depending on the model. Check the specifications of your car when purchasing a valve.

Click here for a how-to article on headlight replacement

When purchasing a headlight bulb, check the conformity standard

If you want to dress up, you can also split the headlights.

Click here for headlight care!