eLightBulbs Lighting Blog > Are your car headlights running dim?

My ’99 Dodge Avenger has served me well over the past 10-11 years, but the headlights have dimmed significantly over the years.  I probably should have replaced the lamps years ago, but there was never really a simple, easy way to find them.  I’ve never been a fan of going to automotive parts stores and trying to navigate the sea of unfamiliar components and technology.

My car headlights still function, but it’s time I started looking into replacing them.  I’ll be heading to the internet to find the necessary lamps, and for advice on the actual replacement process.  Below I will be posting some of what I’ve learned in the process.

First I’ll need to see what type of headlight housing I have; whether it’s sealed-beam or composite.  Sealed-beam housings are generally found in older cars such as pre-90s vehicles, and are comprised of the bulb and the housing as one sealed unit.  Composite housings are found in newer vehicles and consist of a removable bulb, either halogen or xenon.

I’m hoping my vehicle’s headlights use composite housings; it would be a more simple process.  Rather than having to deal with removing various rings and bezels and detaching wires to get at the sealed-beam housing, composite car lamp housings involve a simple process.  Remove a wire harness and unlock the bulb retainer with a slight rotation, and bam, out comes the bulb.

I’m looking forward to seeing the road illuminated by new car headlights.  Maybe I’ll actually be able to see the road markings at night!