Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Maelle
Today, tout-reparer.fr offers you its guide: How to repair and replace a broken headlight. In this guide, we’ll show you how to change a headlight bulb, repair a cracked headlight lens, and replace an entire headlight. So, whether your headlights have a small crack or are severely damaged, you should find the solution you’re looking for. How to Replace a Headlight Bulb Replacing a headlight bulb, or any other bulb in your car, is very easy. We recommend doing this job yourself if possible, as it’s simple and much cheaper than hiring a garage.
What you’ll need:
A new bulb – make sure it’s compatible with your car. Your manual should tell you what type to buy, or you can take the old bulb to a car parts store. Websites like pour-ma-voiture.com also allow you to enter your registration number to find the right bulb type, such as the H7 bulb, for example!
Phillips screwdriver
- Alcohol cleaning wipes – for handling and cleaning the new bulb. Rubber glovesChanging a car bulb in 4 steps: Start by locating the back of the headlight. It’s usually mounted in a space in the front bumper, which you can access under the hood. Consult your car’s manual if you’re unsure. Next, remove the power cables from the back of the headlight. They’re normally secured by a plastic latch or screw connection. You should then be able to pull the bulb out of the assembly and remove it.
- All that’s left is to install the new bulb. Be careful to handle it; we recommend wearing rubber gloves to prevent fingerprints and moisture from getting on the new bulb. Wipe it with an alcohol cloth to ensure it’s free of lint or other marks that could shorten its lifespan or impair its performance.
- Once the bulb is in place, reconnect the wires and be sure to test the bulb’s functionality—and you’re done.
- Can you repair a cracked headlight lens?
It’s easy to replace a bulb in your car, but what if the headlights are damaged or cracked?
- It all depends on the condition of the headlight lens. If it’s just a small crack, you may be able to repair it to prevent moisture from entering the assembly. If the crack is significant or the lens is broken, you’ll need to get a new headlight.
- If you’re sure the crack is repairable, here’s a quick guide on how to repair a cracked headlight lens.
- What you’ll need:
- Your usual car wash kit: sponge, shampoo, and a microfiber drying cloth.
Car polish and an application cloth – to smooth the plastic lens and the area around the crack.
Clear silicone sealant – a high-quality super glue, such as Epoxy, also works. Masking tape – to protect unaffected areas of the headlight lens.Paper towel – to remove excess sealant/glue.
Headlight Lens Repair in 5 Easy Steps
Start by cleaning the affected headlight to remove all traces of dirt, dust, and grime. Remember to use the two-bucket method to prevent dirt from leaving micro-scratches on the plastic surface. When finished, dry the area thoroughly. Apply a small amount of automotive polish to the headlight using a circular, even motion. Make sure to apply a large amount to the damaged area, as this will even out the surface and help the sealant adhere firmly. Protect the headlight lens area around the damaged area with masking tape.
Apply a thin strip of clear silicone to the crack using a caulking gun, before wiping off the excess with a paper towel. Let it cure, preferably overnight (make sure your car is covered if rain is in the forecast). You can also use super glue such as epoxy to seal the crack. When the sealant is completely dry, apply another coat of wax to even out the area. Then, apply a generous coat of car wax to protect the area and buff to a high shine.
- How much does it cost to replace a broken headlight?
- Replacing a headlight can cost anywhere from $100 to $750 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
- Besides being expensive, headlights can be difficult to find. To get the best prices, we recommend starting with a specialist retailer that allows you to search for the right parts by registration number.
- How to replace a headlight assembly
- Replacing a set of headlights may seem daunting, but it’s not much more difficult than changing a light bulb, as long as you have the right tools on hand. By doing this job yourself, you’ll save on the parts and labor charged by a garage, which is a good thing given the high price of new headlights. What you’ll need:
A new headlight
- A wrench and socket set
- A Phillips screwdriver
- Small bags and a permanent marker – to label the screws and bolts, so you don’t lose any.
- Step 1: Loosen the front bumper
- First, you need to remove the front bumper to access the headlights. It may seem daunting, but it only requires loosening a few bolts and screws. Plus, you usually only need to loosen one side, as most plastic bumpers are flexible enough to allow you to remove the headlight without removing the entire bumper. Locate all the bolts holding the front bumper in place. There are usually between two and four under the hood in front of the engine and two more under the front of the car. Your manual should indicate where the bumper connects, or you can invest in one if you’re unsure. Otherwise, online forums are a good place to find advice for your make and model.
Loosen all the bolts and screws holding the bumper in place. Remember that you’ll probably only have to remove one side of the bumper, as you’ll be able to bend it to reach the broken headlight.
Make sure to package and label all the bolts and screws you remove to make reassembly easier.
Step 2: Removing the Old Headlight You should now be able to access the headlight. Here are some steps to help you remove the broken headlight: Disconnect the bulb wires using the plastic connector latch.
Loosen each screw holding the headlight in place. There are normally about three screws, two at the top and one at the bottom. You may need a good, long screwdriver to reach the bottom screw, depending on your car’s layout.
Slide the old headlight toward you, making sure the cable connectors are properly disconnected and out of the way. Step 3: Installing the New Headlight Now it’s time to install the new headlight. To do this, simply retrace your steps and make sure everything is securely tightened and reconnected.
- Clean the area where the new headlight will be installed, removing any dust and dirt.
- Install the new headlight, making sure every connection is tight.
- Remember to reconnect the bulb cable and test the headlight.
- Before completely reconnecting the bumper, make sure the headlight harness is at the correct height when tilted. There are a few screws that can help you adjust the beam height, so make sure they’re adjusted so the beam pattern matches the other headlight’s.
The entire tout-reparer.fr team remains at your disposal in the blog’s comments section.
