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Best Headlight Bulbs and Upgrades
Dim headlights make night driving harder. Before buying new bulbs, check whether your lenses are just cloudy. Here are the best options.
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#1 Best easy upgrade: brighter halogen bulbs
Top pickFit exactly like your original bulbs and give a brighter, whiter light.
Key trade-off: simple and legal everywhere, but don't last as long as LEDs.
#2 Longest life: LED headlight bulbs
Very bright and last a long time. Choose bulbs made for your headlight type and aim them correctly.
Key trade-off: long life, but check that they're legal for your car and area.
#3 Best value: headlight restoration kit
Yellow, cloudy lenses block light. A kit can make them clear again for a low price.
Key trade-off: cheap fix, but only helps if the lenses are cloudy.
Before you buy
- Find your bulb size (like H11 or 9005) in your owner's manual.
- Replace both headlights at the same time so they match.
- Badly aimed bulbs can blind other drivers, so check the aim.
DIY: How to replace a headlight bulb
Safety first: On some cars, you must remove the bumper or wheel liner to reach the bulb. If that's your car, a shop may be easier.
- Find your bulb size in your owner's manual (for example H11 or 9005).
- Turn off the car and let the old bulb cool down if the lights were on.
- Reach behind the headlight from under the hood and remove the dust cover if there is one.
- Unplug the connector, then twist the bulb counterclockwise and pull it out.
- Install the new bulb. Don't touch the glass of a halogen bulb with your fingers, because skin oils can make it burn out early. Hold it by the base or wear gloves.
- Reconnect and test. Plug it in, turn on the lights, and check that both headlights work and point correctly.
Ready to do it yourself?