Headlight & Taillight Repair Services - Cost Guide
Headlight Services:
Headlight Bulb Replacement
Labor Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
Labor Cost: $31.25-$62.50
Parts: $15-$50 per bulb
Total Estimated Cost: $46.25-$112.50
Headlight Assembly Replacement
Labor Time: 1-2 hours
Labor Cost: $125-$250
Parts: $200-$1000 per assembly
Total Estimated Cost: $325-$1,250
Headlight Restoration
Labor Time: 1-1.5 hours
Labor Cost: $125-$187.50
Materials: $25-$50
Total Estimated Cost: $150-$237.50
Taillight Services:
Taillight Bulb Replacement
Labor Time: 0.25-0.5 hours
Labor Cost: $31.25-$62.50
Parts: $5-$25 per bulb
Total Estimated Cost: $36.25-$87.50
Taillight Assembly Replacement
Labor Time: 0.5-1.5 hours
Labor Cost: $62.50-$187.50
Parts: $150-$500 per assembly
Total Estimated Cost: $212.50-$687.50
Note: Prices may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Luxury and specialty vehicles may incur additional costs. All estimates are based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour.
Additional Considerations:
- Diagnostic fees may apply if electrical issues are present
- Some vehicles require additional labor for accessing bulbs or assemblies
- OEM parts typically cost more than aftermarket alternatives
- LED and HID lighting systems may have higher replacement costs
Headlight and Taillight Repair Procedures
Headlight Restoration
Symptoms:Yellowed, cloudy, or oxidized headlight lenses
Repair Steps:
- Clean the headlight surface thoroughly with soap and water
- Mask surrounding areas with protective tape
- Sand the lens progressively with different grit sandpaper (1000-3000 grit)
- Clean surface between each sanding
- Polish the lens with specialized headlight polish
- Apply UV-resistant clear coat to prevent future oxidation
- Allow clear coat to cure completely
Headlight Bulb Replacement
Symptoms:Burnt out bulb, dimming light, or flickering
Repair Steps:
- Access the headlight housing (may require hood opening or wheel well access)
- Locate and disconnect the power connector from the old bulb
- Remove the old bulb (avoid touching new bulb's glass with bare hands)
- Install new bulb with gloves
- Reconnect power connector
- Test new bulb operation
- Secure all components back in place
Taillight Lens Replacement
Symptoms:Cracked lens, water infiltration, or broken housing
Repair Steps:
- Access the taillight assembly from trunk or interior panels
- Remove mounting screws/bolts securing the taillight
- Disconnect electrical connectors
- Remove damaged taillight assembly
- Install new taillight assembly
- Reconnect electrical connections
- Secure mounting hardware
- Test all light functions
LED Taillight Repair
Symptoms:Partial LED failure, complete LED section outage
Repair Steps:
- Diagnose specific LED circuit failure
- Remove taillight assembly
- Open taillight housing (if serviceable)
- Replace LED circuit board or entire assembly as required
- Reseal housing with new gasket if opened
- Reinstall assembly
- Test all functions
Important Notes:
- Always refer to vehicle-specific repair manuals for exact procedures
- Some repairs may require professional tools and expertise
- LED assemblies often require complete unit replacement
- Proper aiming of headlights may be required after replacement
- Always test all lighting functions after any repair
Disclaimer: These are general repair procedures. Specific vehicles may require different steps or specialized tools. Professional installation is recommended for complex repairs.
Understanding Vehicle Lighting Systems
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Signs of Headlight and Taillight Failure
Headlight and Taillight Maintenance Guide
Headlights
Signs of Failure:
- Dimming: Gradually becoming less bright over time
- Flickering: Light intermittently flashing or pulsing
- One or both lights completely out
- Yellowing or cloudy lens cover: Reduced visibility and light output
- Moisture inside the housing: Indicates seal failure
Typical Service Schedule:
Halogen Bulbs: Replace every 500-1,000 hours of use (approximately 2-3 years)
LED Headlights: Can last 15,000-20,000 hours (often outlasting the vehicle)
Xenon/HID: Replace every 2,000-3,000 hours (approximately 3-5 years)
Lens Cleaning/Restoration: Every 2-3 years or when noticeable yellowing occurs
Taillights
Signs of Failure:
- Burned-out bulbs: Complete failure to illuminate
- Cracked lens cover: Allows moisture to enter
- Water accumulation: Visible moisture inside housing
- Dim or inconsistent lighting: Indicates approaching failure
- Multiple bulbs out: May indicate electrical system issues
Typical Service Schedule:
Traditional Bulbs: Replace when burned out (typically 4-5 years)
LED Taillights: Usually last the lifetime of the vehicle
Housing Inspection: Annual check for cracks and moisture
Electrical Connection Check: Every 2 years or when issues arise
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, and usage conditions. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
