Is it easy to change the light bulb in the car
Quality headlight bulbs have a relatively long but still limited lifespan. When a light bulb burns out, the driver should be able to replace it himself, quickly and locally. By following a few simple tips, it will not be difficult for anyone to replace a light bulb.
The first step is to determine the exact type of light bulb. There are about ten types of bulbs used in different types of headlights. For example, the HB4 bulb is different from the regular H4 bulb. When using twin headlights, you can separate the low and high beam and use different incandescent bulbs.
When replacing a light bulb, you need to look carefully - the specification is written on it. The specification is also indicated in the vehicle's instruction manual. The same goes for the tail lights. They usually use 4 or 5 watt lamps, and the difference is significant. The wrong model can lead to failures in the electrical system. Contacts can also be different.
Read the operating instructions carefully. It explains not only the type of bulbs, but also the method of replacement, which may have features in a particular car.
When replacing, it is important to turn off the light and the outlet. This will prevent possible damage to the electrical system.
Professionals use safety glasses. Halogen lamps have a high internal pressure. If the glass breaks, the glass fragments will fly off at a pressure of up to 15 bar.
Care is also required when changing. Pulling harder on the plug of the defective lamp may damage it. Pulling forcibly can also damage the headlamp mount or the bulb itself.
It is especially important not to touch the glass of the headlight bulbs - they should only be attached to the metal ring at their base. Even a small amount of body sweat will be converted by the heating of the glass into an aggressive mixture that will break the bulb or damage the headlight reflectors.
Problems never come alone - in the case of light bulbs, this means that one of them may soon burn out due to tight manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, it is recommended to replace both lamps at the same time.
After replacing the light bulb, it is imperative to check the health of the lighting system. Experts advise to additionally check the headlight settings.
However, xenon headlights are best left to professionals. Gas lamps in modern systems require a lot of voltage in a short time. Depending on the type of headlights, it can reach 30 volts. Therefore, experts advise changing the light bulb only in a specialized service.
However, in some vehicles, replacement requires more effort and time. According to ADAC research, some vehicles require service every shift. For example, to replace the headlight bulb for a Volkswagen Golf 4 (depending on the engine), the entire front section with bumper and radiator grille must be disassembled to remove the headlights. The problem was solved in the next generations. Therefore, before buying a used car, it would be good to see if a layman can make a replacement or not.
Last but not least, put a set of light bulbs in the trunk that will allow you to easily change them on the road. If you drive with faulty headlights, you may be fined by the traffic police.
