Have a problem with your Corolla’s headlights? When it comes to car maintenance, it can be surprising to some, but there are some things you can do yourself that’ll save you cash – one such item being a headlight bulb. For those who aren’t too familiar with cars, the easiest route would be to take your car to a mechanic and pay them to change it, but actually, it could have taken all of five minutes for you to do it yourself.
To help you out, we’ve put together a short guide to help you change your headlight bulbs so you never have to spend unnecessary cash on getting a mechanic to do it.
How do you know when your light bulbs need to be replaced?
There are a few key indicators that’ll let you know when your lights need to be replaced. The most obvious sign would be that they stop working. But you might also notice your lights dimming, making it more difficult for you to see when you’re driving. They also might flicker, which is a sign of a loose wire or connection. If you notice these signs, you might want to change your headlight ASAP.
What causes the headlight bulbs to break?
There are numerous reasons as to why bulbs might break. The most common reason is due to wear and tear. However, some other causes would be helpful to know so you can avoid more issues further down the line, like:
- Wiring issues can cause your bulbs to blow because of an excessive amount of current coming through. If this issue isn’t fixed, you’ll keep going through bulbs
- Fragile filaments get broken because of consistent vibrations. If your headlight housing isn’t fastened well, this can allow the bulbs to rattle, eventually causing the filament to break
- Heat is another issue that can cause a bulb to burn out
- If water gets into the housing and touches the electrical components, it could short out the system or blow the bulb
How to change the headlight bulb on a 2020 Toyota Corolla
As you get ready to change your Toyota Corolla headlights? Here’s how to do it:
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Get your tools
You’ll need to get all the necessary tools to get the job done first. There’s nothing worse than trying to get a job done, but you have to run back and forth because you’ve forgotten which tools are required. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Screwdriver or rachet set (preferably a flathead and Philips)
- Locking grip or bulb pliers
- Socket wrench set.
- Gloves
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Replacement headlamp bulbs
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Get the right bulb
Before we even think of getting started, it’s essential to ensure you have the right bulb for your car. It’s not too much of a task, and there are two ways to ensure you do it right: check your vehicle’s user manual, or you can go to your local Auto Mart store and ask them for the right bulbs for your 2020 Corolla.
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Get the car into the correct position
Park your car on a flat surface and ensure the handbrake is up. Pop open the hood and ensure it’s supported so there’s no chance of it falling on you.
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Locate the clip
Look for the clip at the back of the headlight that matches where your light plugs in. You might need to pair it up with the bulb’s location from the front. If there are any parts you need to remove to make the job easier, ensure they are easy to put back exactly how you found them. In general, there should be enough space to get your hands past the parts. Look for the electrical connection that attaches to the back of the bulb’s socket.
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Replace the old bulb
Push down on the tab that locks the connection, then pull it away from the bulb. Take out the old light bulb. You may need to remove a metal clip, rotate the bulb, or unscrew it in order to remove the bulb. Plug in the new bulb, and you’re almost done.
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Backtrack your steps
Backtrack these steps to finish up with the replacement. Once everything is back in place, go ahead and test the headlamps to check if they are properly aligned and that they work.
How to know if the bulb or headlight housing needs to be replaced?
If you’ve replaced the headlight bulb and it’s still not working, it’s most likely that your Toyota Corolla headlights will need to be replaced. When you can see that the light’s lens is broken or super cloudy, or if there’s damage on the housing from an accident, then the situation is more complicated and you’ll need to replace the whole headlight housing.
Final Thoughts
Changing headlights isn’t rocket science. If It simply takes a little practice and some know-how, you’re all sorted. Follow the steps above to change your Corolla’s headlight bulbs whenever you notice an issue with them. Trust us, the more you practice, the quicker the job will get.
