How to change your own headlight
By Ronda Addy

It's happened to you a few times. You're driving along at night when suddenly one of your headlights goes out. While it is not a major problem, it can be an inconvenience, and in some states, it is illegal to drive with one headlight. Fortunately, replacing your headlight is a quick fix you can do yourself.

How you replace your headlight depends upon what type of headlight it is. Basically, there are two types of headlights: one with a small halogen bulb inside a larger glass headlamp and one without a bulb. To determine what type of headlights your vehicle has, open the hood and look behind the headlamps. If you see a small, plastic, usually black knob on the back of each, then you only need to replace the halogen bulb. If you see a three-pronged connection covered by a piece of rubber on the back of each, then you need to replace the entire headlamp.

To change a halogen bulb, follow these steps. First, unscrew the black knob and pull it out. The bulb will be attached to the knob. Remove the bulb that is burned out and replace it with a new one. Be careful not to touch the new bulb with your fingers as the oil can cause it to burn out. Screw the knob with the new bulb attached back into the headlamp and turn on the headlamp to make sure the new bulb works.

To change the entire headlamp, follow these steps. First, locate the thin metal band outside of the headlamp and unscrew the two to four short, small screws holding it in place. The headlamp should hang loose. Pull back the rubber covering on the headlamp, unplug it and remove it. Install the new headlamp, plug it in and replace the rubber cover over the connection. Put the metal band back on the headlamp and screw it into place. Turn on the headlamp to make sure it works.

After installation, you may want to see if your headlamps need to be adjusted. While a well-equipped mechanic would use an accurate headlamp adjuster to make sure the headlamps are pointing in the right direction, do-ityourselfers can use a screwdriver and a wall or garage door. To adjust your headlamps, park your vehicle on a level surface about 10 feet from the wall or garage door. Then locate the adjusting screws on the headlamps. There should be one for horizontal and one for vertical, and each will have a small spring behind it. Turn on the headlamps and look for crosseyed or uneven light beams. Use the screwdriver to adjust the screws until the beams are even and tilted slightly downward. That way, they won't blind oncoming drivers. Newer vehicles will have a level with a bubble that will move into position as you turn the screws.

Your vehicle's headlights are an important piece of equipment. As a responsible driver, you need to make sure they are in good working order.