How Much Does It Cost To Repair Car Headlights?

Whether you need to repair the car lights because of aesthetic reasons or you need better vision on the road to avoid potential hazards, one thing is for sure: Cost is often the primary concern for car owners. And, why shouldn’t it be an important factor in making a decision? If you opt for a wrong headlight bulb that is of inferior quality or choose one that doesn’t match your vehicle, your money may go to waste. This window cleaner from my car need to be clean, any idea what car cleaning products are good.

Repairing the Headlights – What is the Cost involved?

No matter the make and model of the car, headlights are an essential part of it. You may not notice them until they start to dim or burn out completely. When they fade, you will suddenly find yourself in the market for new headlights. But, before making any purchase decision, let’s understand the average cost involved in repairing the headlight.

1. Problem: One of the headlights needs Repair

If one of the headlight is working fine and other one is giving you problems, it usually means that the bulb has burned out. Bulbs have limited life. And, if you are using the car regularly for nighttime driving, the bulbs go out quickly.

Solution: Replace the Bulb to Solve the Problem

If you simply need to replace the headlight bulb, you cost can be $15 for a set of halogen replacement bulbs. If your car has HID headlights, the problem can be with the bulb, the ignitor or both. You may have to spend $100-$150 to replace both the bulb and the ignitor.

If one of the bulbs has failed, it is possible that other one will go out soon. It is best to replace both the bulbs for consistent vision on the road. Also, do not forget to consider the labor and installation cost involved. Depending on the level of complexity and the number of hours required to finish the job, your local mechanic can charge you $50 or more.

2. Problem: Both the Headlights do not work

When both the headlights do not work, it becomes difficult to drive the car at night time. It means inviting potential accidents and putting your life in danger. If the headlights do not work, you need to address the problem immediately.

Solution: Visit a Mechanic Today

In such a situation, burned out bulbs is hardly the reason for the problem. There can be multiple reasons that cause the headlights to fail. It is best to take your car to an experienced mechanic to understand the problem clearly. Find a reputed mechanic who knows your car model inside out. Usually, the inspection will cost you $50.

It is possible that the fuse is blown and it needs to be replaced. The wiring may be damaged over a period of time. It can cost you $100 per hour. The reason behind the problem may be a faulty headlight switch. Often times, if the headlight works only on high beam or low beam, the dimmer switch may have broken. The average cost of replacing the headlight switch or the dimmer switch is in the range of $150-$250.

3. Problem: Headlight is broken and Damaged

Sometimes, accidents can damage the headlight and you are left with no option but to replace the entire assembly unit. It can be a costly affair and you may need to spend a couple of hundred dollars to pay for new headlights.

Solution: Replace the Headlight Assembly

The cost of replacing the entire headlight assembly can change phenomenally depending on the make and model of the vehicle and also whether you have a sedan, pickup truck or SUV. The price of a good-quality headlight assembly can be anywhere in the range of $250-$700. And, if you have LED headlights in your car, your cost may increase even more. If you are bothered by the price, search online to find the best deals at affordable rates. But, don’t forget that opting for cheap headlight assemblies can result it terrible visibility on the road.

Most new car models have headlights that come with multiple fasteners and bolts making it complex to change the entire assembly. So, you may have to pay $150 for installation.

4. Problem: Insufficient Illumination on the Road

When the headlights are not performing to their optimum level, your visibility on the road is compromised. It is very dangerous to drive such a car at night time or during bad weather.

Solution: Upgrade the Headlights

If the issue is dirt or moisture in the headlight housing, it is easy to remove. But, if the car uses old technology, it is time for an upgrade.

You can choose new technology such as HID headlights and LED headlights over the old halogen bulbs. Go online to find high-quality, reliable HID conversion kits and LED plug and play replacement headlights to upgrade the lighting of your car. A HID conversion kit is easily available in the range of $100-$180. LED headlights may be a tad expensive but their ability to last for a very long time makes it for the price.

Changing Car Headlights: Make a Cost-Effective Decision

If you ignore the dim headlights, you are not only inviting heavy fines from the local authorities but you are also putting your safety in jeopardy. There are plenty of affordable car lighting options available in the market. Consider choosing headlights not only on the basis of price but durability as well. So, forget the dull, fuzzy yellow lights and say yes to bright vision on the road.