Time: 5-20 min (depends on side/access)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (depends on side/access)

Cost: $20-50 (bulb type/qt)

WHY

Bulbs fail from heat, vibration, and damage. Routine maintenance isn't necessary, but sometimes a good bulb will be replaced at the same time as a bad bulb because access to the location can be difficult.

Bulbs are also replaced to increase output, change color, or convert to LED.

METHOD

Replacing the headlight bulb on a 2007-2013 era Chevy or GMC 1500 vehicle is fairly simple. The hardest part, which isn't too bad, is gaining access to the bulbs. For the passenger side, the air filter box needs to be removed. On the drivers side, just reach in unless there's an auxiliary battery installed. In which case, the battery will need to be removed first. The bulbs are removed by disconnecting the electrical connection, and rotating the bulb socket counter-clockwise.

Remember not to touch the new bulb with your fingers. The oils from your hands will create hotspots that cause premature bulb failure. Use latex gloves, or put your hand inside of a plastic sack when handling new bulbs.

Watch the video below to see how the passenger side bulb was replaced on a 2011 Silverado 1500.