What are the signs that a headlight bulb needs replacing?

A dim, flickering or yellowing beam, or one side noticeably darker than the other, usually means the bulb is failing or has blown. A blown bulb often goes out completely, leaving you with no light on that side.

How long do headlight bulbs last and when should I replace them?

Halogen headlight bulbs typically have the shortest service life, while xenon (HID) and LED units last considerably longer. It is good practice to replace headlight bulbs in pairs so both sides match in brightness and colour.

How do I find the right headlight bulb for my car?

The correct bulb type depends on your exact make, model and headlight design. Enter your registration above to see bulbs confirmed to fit your vehicle, and always check whether you need a dipped-beam, main-beam or combined fitting.

How much does a headlight bulb cost?

The price of a headlight bulb depends on your exact vehicle and the brand you choose. Enter your registration above to see parts confirmed to fit, then compare prices from the brands we stock on this page. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.

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Headlight Bulb buying guide — what to know before you buy

Headlight bulbs are among the most commonly replaced consumables on a vehicle — a failed headlight not only makes driving at night dangerous but is also an instant MOT failure and a reason for a police stop. Replacing a headlight bulb is usually a quick job you can carry out at home with no special tools.

Headlight bulb types

Halogen bulbs (H1, H4, H7, H11 and other standard types) are the most widespread fitment on vehicles manufactured before 2018. They are inexpensive, widely available, and easy to replace. HID (Xenon) bulbs produce significantly more light than halogen but require a ballast and igniter — the entire system must usually be replaced together when a bulb fails. LED headlight assemblies are increasingly common on newer vehicles; these typically use sealed LED modules that require the entire headlight unit to be replaced.

Upgrade halogen bulbs — rated as +30%, +50%, or +100% brighter than a standard halogen — are road-legal replacements that improve visibility without requiring electrical modification. They are a popular upgrade for vehicles that originally came with standard halogens.

Matching the correct bulb

Headlight bulb fitment is model and position-specific. The base type (H7, H11, D2S for HID, etc.) must match the headlight assembly exactly. Using the registration lookup is the most reliable way to find the correct bulb for your vehicle. Note that the same model can use different bulbs for dipped, main beam, and fog circuits — check which circuit has failed before ordering.

Always replace headlight bulbs in pairs. When one bulb fails the other is likely nearing the end of its life too. Replacing both simultaneously ensures matched colour temperature and light output.

Replace in pairs for matched output
Match base type exactly (H7, H11, D2S, etc.)
Never touch halogen or HID glass with bare hands
Check dipped, main beam, and fog separately
Follow vehicle-specific removal procedure (some require partial headlight removal)

Buying and fitting

Use the registration lookup to confirm the correct headlight bulb type for your vehicle. Free UK delivery applies on orders over £99, and returns are accepted within 14 days. If your vehicle has HID or LED headlights, inspect the ballast and wiring connector before assuming the bulb alone is the cause of failure.