How Much Does Car Lights Replacement Cost in the UK?

A vehicle's lights are an essential safety feature for both the driver and pedestrians. They provide additional visibility in dark and poor weather conditions, helping the driver to see potential hazards on the road. Headlights are the most critical lights of a vehicle. They allow the driver to see well ahead in low light conditions, while they also alert other road users of the vehicle's presence. Daytime running lights, high beams and fog lights are all options available that help optimise visibility.

Along with headlights, brake lights and turn signals are also extremely important in helping other drivers understand what a vehicle intends to do at any given time. With regular use, these lights and bulbs can wear out and lose the ability to illuminate which is when they’d need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace car lights?

Due to the various types and varieties of lights available, it’s hard to put an exact price on the cost. However, you can expect light unit replacement to cost in the range of £30 - £200. The exact price will depend on several factors such as the type of bulb (LED, halogen), which bulb (headlights, brake lights) and how many (single or pair). In some cases, along with the bulb, the protective casing may be cracked which will also need to be replaced.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of car lights replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of car lights replacement.

Average cost of car lights replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for car lights replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for car lights repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a car light replacement for your car.

Average cost of car lights replacement by manufacturer

Signs your car lights need to be replaced

The obvious sign that you need to replace your car lights is if you notice that the bulb is not illuminating as it should. This can include headlights, brake lights, indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.

Flickering headlights

When car lights flicker, it typically indicates a loose connection or a failing alternator but it could also mean the lights have simply just worn out and need to be replaced.

Dimmed lights

When car lights become dimmed or hazy, it usually means that the casing needs to be cleaned or new headlights need to be installed. This can be caused by dirt and grime buildup on the lenses, or age-related fading and cracking of the headlights.

Fuses getting blown frequently

The lights may be drawing too much power, which can cause the fuse to blow more frequently. It could likely be a larger electrical issue at play so it’s best to consult a mechanic as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions about car lights replacement cost

Should you replace car lights in pairs?

Yes, it is recommended to replace car lights in pairs. This ensures that the output of the light is balanced on both sides of the vehicle (i.e one is not brighter than the other), which is important for visibility, and safety and will not be distracting for other drivers.

Can you get pulled over for one headlight not working?

In the UK, it is illegal to drive with defective headlights. The police can pull you over and issue a fixed penalty of £100 with a warning to get it fixed. It will not result in points on your licence but it is recommended to get them fixed to avoid any risk of getting caught or fined for dangerous driving.

Can you replace car lights yourself?

Yes, it is possible to replace car lights yourself if you have the appropriate skills and tools. Make sure you consult your owner's manual before replacing your car lights to ensure your safety when working on your vehicle. Replacing headlights is relatively inexpensive and can be fixed quickly so you can always get a professional mechanic to do this for you.

How long does a car light replacement take?

It depends on the exact light and part that needs replacing. Repairing a headlight should take about 1-2 hours depending on the make and model of the vehicle. With some vehicles, it is much more complicated to access all the parts required for the repair and can even take 4 hours to repair and replace.

What else could be the problem if the car lights are not broken?

If you’re experiencing issues with the lights and it’s not the bulbs themselves that are broken then it is likely that blown fuses or faulty relays are causing the lights to malfunction. Damaged wiring, poor connections or short circuits can also disrupt the flow of electricity.