How Long Does a Headlight Bulb Last?

With all of the different relays that are on a car, it can feel like a full-time job keeping up with them all. One of the most important safety features that a car has is properly working headlights. In some cars, the headlights fold down and are hidden from view then the car is turned off. In order for this type of system to work, the headlight closure relay will have to work properly. The relay shuts off the power to the headlight motor when the car is cut off, which then allows the lights to fold down. Every time the headlights of a car are used, the closure relay will have to work to maintain the flow of power that is needed.

The relays and switches on a car are designed to last the lifespan of the vehicle, but in some instances this is not the case. There are a variety of different things that can cause a relay to become unusable. Generally, the heat and the moisture that is produced by the engine begins to cause corrosion or rusting issues. Having rust or corrosion on the terminals of the relay can prohibit the connection that it is able to make.

If the relay is not getting a good connection, then it will be nearly impossible for the headlight closures to operate properly. In some cases, the reason why a relay will not work is due to internal issues with the wiring. Regardless of what is causing the issues with the headlight closure relay, getting it fixed in a hurry should be a top concern. Here are some of the warning signs that you may notice when it is time to replace this relay:

  • The doors on the headlights will not close when the power is shut off
  • The closure relay is only doing its job on occasion
  • The headlight doors will not open at all

Addressing this issue in a hurry will make it easy for you to maintain the functionality of your headlights. You don't want to be stuck with broken headlights. Letting professionals handle your headlight bulb replacement is your best course of action due to the large room for error that exists when trying to do it on your own.


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James

27 years of experience
184 reviews
James
27 years of experience
Hyundai Veracruz V6-3.8L - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Driver Side Low Beam, Passenger Side Low Beam) - Nashville, Tennessee
James is a superstar! Great attention to detail. Appreciated observations and great, clean work performed. Proficient in using mobile app and transacting service. Arrived with notification, friendly and professional. A great reprentative of company and services offered. THANKS!!!
Dodge Journey - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Driver Side Low Beam, Driver Side High Beam) - Nashville, Tennessee
Very courteous and professional in during his job. Highly recommend him to anyone in need of a good mechanic.

Lavell

29 years of experience
405 reviews
Lavell
29 years of experience
Volvo S60 L5-2.4L - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Driver Side Low Beam) - Alameda, California
Fast, efficient and professional! Absolutely impressed with the quality of service and an excellent job done Thanks, Steve
Volvo XC60 - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Passenger Side Low Beam) - San Francisco, California
Lavell was great to work with, easy and flexible to schedule a meeting spot, and got the job done efficiently. He also showed me what he was doing so I could learn and fix on my own next time!

Andrew

16 years of experience
657 reviews
Andrew
16 years of experience
Pontiac Vibe L4-1.8L - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Driver Side Low Beam, Passenger Side Low Beam) - Portland, Oregon
Andrew was awesome! He was friendly, professional, and did a great job servicing my car. Couldn't be happier!

Miguel

22 years of experience
273 reviews
Miguel
22 years of experience
Honda Accord L4-2.4L - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Driver Side Low Beam) - Totowa, New Jersey
Arrived earlier which was great … Miguel is friendly knowledgeable recommend him highly … first time using YourMechanic very satisfied

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