2007-01-03 06:07:14 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No, and it's actually a bad idea to do so.
Consider that both headlights were manufactured at the same time, and will last approximately the same length of time before they blow out. Odds are they won't blow out exactly at the same time, but the failure of one likely means the other will fail shortly.
If you stagger your bulb replacement -- that is, you replace each one as they fail -- you're decreasing the odds that they'll blow out close together in the future. You may not care about this if you drive in a big city, but if you're in a rural area (dark, long distances) or driving cross-country, having your headlights blow a couple of hours apart can mean driving in the dark without headlights.
Granted, this is an unlikely scenario, but you can make it even more unlikely (without any additional effort) by staggering the replacements (ie waiting for each one to blow before replacing.)
This will also save you a bit of cash, because you might have one bulb with a manufacturing defect (so it blew early) but the other has months -- or years -- worth of life left. Why replace one early?
Buy them in pairs if it's cheaper that way, but only use 'em as you need 'em. After all, if you have three lamps in your living room and one blows a light bulb, do you replace the bulbs in all three lamps? Of course not -- you buy a three-pack to save money, and keep the other two for when you need 'em.
One final note: some folks have said "replace both, because the old one might be dimmer" -- but you were driving around with BOTH lights dimmer before the one blew. Having one new and one old is more light, compared to two old ones, and those two old ones were just fine before. The difference in light level is not going to be noticeable with today's technology, and even if it's noticeable, it's not an issue.
When you see someone driving around with one light dim and one bright (usually too bright), it's the result of a misaimed headlight, not a mismatched pair of bulbs.
2007-01-03 06:18:38 · answer #1 · answered by daveowenville 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No and whichever mechanic is telling you so is trying to rip you off. The only thing that needs to be done on the new headlight is adjusting the lens so that the beam points in the proper direction. You can even replace the headlight yourself, as it is not very hard to do and takes a few simple tools to accomplish. If however you have the new Xenon headlights, I suggest you take it to the dealer because those headlights can explode if mishandled and should be replaced by qualified mechanics.
2007-01-03 06:17:14 · answer #2 · answered by shlangemann 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to, but it's a good idea to simply because over time headlights tend to become slightly dimmer. If you've had the same bulbs for a while, and you only replace one, then the one you replace is most likely going to be brighter than the other.
Also, if you plan on changing the bulbs yourself, be VERY CAREFUL not to touch the actual bulb. The oil and salt from your hand mixed with the heat of the bulb will cause the bulb to burn out VERY quickly.
2007-01-03 06:19:20 · answer #3 · answered by Mister 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a good idea because different bulbs have different looking light and the headlights will be mismatched if they're not the same. Good replacement bulbs tend to be whiter and brighter than the cheap ones the factory uses.
2007-01-03 10:27:20 · answer #4 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can just change the one, but you may as well do both, because they both burn at about the same rate and the other one will blow soon anyway....i learned this the hard way! only changed the one and then exactly a week later, the other went. it's cheaper to buy them in pairs than individually too.
2007-01-03 06:15:19 · answer #5 · answered by moondancer629 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you don't need to change both bulbs, but like one person said, the other one may go soon too, so always keep a spare. they are really easy to fit, some places will fit them, for free if You buy them from them, Halford's, do buy one and get one free, or they did, so its probably best to change them both at the same time, and keep the old working bulb as a spare emergency bulb
2007-01-03 06:39:57 · answer #6 · answered by caprilover79 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can change one at a time. There is no way to know if the other will blow out soon, or never...
I assume some garage is trying to pad you bill by replacing both...Don't fall for it, just replace one.
2007-01-03 06:10:34 · answer #7 · answered by Boston Bluefish 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like it truly is a circuit equipment undertaking.....your guarantee remains in all probability energetic, take it your Honda broking. stable success! P.S. My first motor vehicle replaced into an 86 Honda Civic Hatchback stick shift, I enjoyed that element!!! merely did not comprehend which you're meant to have your timing belt replaced each and every lots of miles....oops. merely heed my warning, and learn from my mistake, ensure you replace the timing belt like your proprietor's handbook pronounced. My engine merely have been given ruined, and we wound up junking the vehicle. :-(
2016-10-19 10:08:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, you don't have to...but auto stores always recommend you do so that the intensity of the lights is the same. when you change them, BE SURE you do NOT touch the bulbs with your fingers...the oil from your hands will cause the bulbs to blow out prematurely, sometimes instantly.
2007-01-03 06:12:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are referring to high and low beam, DRL, it is all one bulb. If you are referring to right and left just change the burnt out one.
2007-01-04 09:27:04 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋