How to change non-headlight bulbs

By Roger Houghton

Nowadays, light bulbs, be they of the automotive or domestic variety, last far longer than ever before, and especially in the case of automotive bulbs, require changing far less often.

Automotive bulbs come in a myriad of shapes and sizes and replacements need to be of the same specification as the originals. Therefore, one is unlikely to find replacements on the racks and shelves at a hardware store. You need to buy them from the franchised dealer for the specific car or bakkie model or from a spares shop or auto electrical parts supplier.

Here again, buying so called “pirate” or “grey imports” can be a case of penny-wise, pound-foolish as these substitutes are unlikely to last as long as the genuine article. The big challenge is the vibration bulbs must withstand in an automotive application. This was the main cause of failure in the “old days” but the original equipment makers seem to have this problem licked these days.

However, the big problem with trying to save money by undertaking the replacement of light bulbs yourself is that you can end up damaging the (often) fragile plastic clips on the lenses or bulb holders, which could be difficult or expensive to replace.

If you insist on tackling this task then it is preferable to wear thin rubber gloves or to handle the replacement bulb(s) with a cloth and not with your fingers, especially if he bulbs are of the halogen variety.

However, in the light of the fact that bulb failures occur so seldom these days then the best bet is to take the car to the franchised dealer so that the correct replacement bulb is fitted, and the technicians will know how to pry off the lamp covers or bulb holders without damaging them.