It’s critical for your safety and the safety of others to ensure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are properly illuminated. Unfortunately, however, many drivers on the road don’t even realize their bulbs have burned out—or worse, some may not think it’s a big deal. But it doesn’t take long to inspect your lights periodically, nor does it take long to replace them when they burn out. You can get it done at your nearest full-service auto shop or even do it yourself.

Taillight Replacement

Taillight bulbs take on their red, white, and yellow appearances because of colored lenses, which are usually included in the same assembly or housing. This makes replacement especially straightforward: Just unscrew the assembly with a Phillips head screwdriver, put the screws in a jar or cup for safekeeping, and gently pull out the assembly until it catches—you won’t be able to pull it out all the way because of the wiring. Once you’ve removed the assembly, look for the bulb plug of the burned-out light, which will be screwed into the assembly. Most bulb plugs just pull straight out or need a small twist. Like the bulb plug, the light bulb itself may pull straight out or require a quarter-turn twist. Just pop out the bulb and replace it with the new one.

Headlight Replacement

This process can be a little more involved than replacing taillights. To begin, pop the hood and remove the power connector from behind the burned-out headlight; then remove the cover from behind the headlight. Next, release the headlight itself from the clip, and carefully move it out of the housing, taking care to avoid tugging it by the glass itself. Your local full-service auto shop recommends cleaning the new bulb with rubbing alcohol, if necessary. Next, insert it into the newly opened socket, and lock it into place. Then add back the clip, cover, and power connector, and make sure the new bulb works.

The above tips will vary between vehicles, so always refer to your owner’s manual when replacing light bulbs. Or, to make it even easier on yourself, stop by your local full-service auto shop, Schaller Jacobson Collision and Automotive Repair. They’re located in La Crosse, WI, and can be reached for appointments at (608) 788-2545. For more information about their services, which include oil changes, auto alignment, and more, please refer to their website.