As the UK heads into winter, nights arrive sooner, and driving conditions get darker. Headlight health becomes paramount, yet a recent study by eBay and posted by newspressuk reveals that a staggering 67% of UK drivers have never changed a headlight bulb themselves. While it might seem like a simple task, many motorists are steering clear of this DIY job, opting instead to pay garages to do it. But with some basic knowledge, you could easily save time and money by learning to replace your bulbs at home.
According to eBay’s study, several factors hold drivers back from this seemingly straightforward task:
- Relying on Mechanics: Over a third (38%) of drivers surveyed prefer to take their car to a garage for bulb replacements, possibly assuming it’s too technical to handle solo.
- Lack of Knowledge: Around 37% of respondents admitted they wouldn’t know where to start.
- Missing Tools: About 19% cited a lack of tools as a reason, while another 19% worried they might break something in the process.
Yet, with 43% of respondents saying they would feel confident in changing a bulb, it’s clear there’s a willingness to learn – it’s just a matter of knowing the steps and having the right support to get started.
Getting a mechanic to change a headlight bulb might sound like a small expense, but those costs can add up quickly. According to eBay’s research, some garages charge as much as £83 for a single bulb replacement. To put it in perspective, buying a bulb on eBay can cost as little as £4.89. By taking on this minor repair yourself, you could save upwards of £70 each time – quite a bit of extra change for what is, in most cases, a quick job.
In a survey carried out by eBay, 65% of those who did undertake this task did so to save money, and another 61% liked the simplicity of the job. So what do you have to lose? It might turn out to be a lot easier than you think.
If you’re interested in tackling basic car maintenance, headlight replacement is a fantastic starting point. eBay currently has up to 20% off winter essentials – including headlight bulbs – through to 28th February 2025. Their 'My Garage' feature even lets you input your car's registration to find the exact bulbs you need, so there’s no guesswork involved. Plus, products marked with their Assured Fit guarantee help ensure you get the right part the first time around.
With darker days and longer nights, well-functioning headlights aren’t just about seeing where you’re going – they’re also essential for other drivers to see you. Almost one in five drivers admitted they rarely check their headlights, but this small check can make a massive difference in road safety. If you’ve never replaced a headlight bulb, now might be the ideal time to learn this valuable skill, especially as the clocks have changed, and you’re likely to find yourself driving in low light more often.
For those who have not given car maintenance a go, one of the easiest jobs to start with is changing a headlight bulb. With any luck, it could save you money, keep you safer on the road, and add a little confidence to your motoring skillset. The next time one of your headlights has gone out, why not save yourself from taking a trip to the garage and give it a go yourself?
Looking for more motoring content? Why not check out our latest blog, car maintenance guide to help keep your vehicle running smoothly? We also publish weekly blogs covering a variety of topics, all of which you can explore in the blog section of our website. For more information, browse our in-depth car leasing guides or check out our range of leasing deals and speak to one of our specialists at 0345 811 9595.
