How to fit LED bulbs in your headlights

Switching to LED bulbs needs no special tools and usually takes around 15 minutes. Follow the steps below, and always do the same on both sides.

What you need

The right LED bulbs for your socket, a pair of clean gloves and a torch. In some cars you need to remove a cover or the air filter box to reach the headlight.

Step by step

1. Check the socket. The socket is listed in the owner manual and on the old bulb. You can also search by your registration number.
2. Turn off the lights and ignition. Let the halogen bulb cool for a few minutes, it gets very hot.
3. Open the dust cap. Twist or pull off the rubber cap behind the headlight.
4. Remove the old bulb. Release the connector and spring clip, or turn the bulb anticlockwise, depending on the car.
5. Fit the LED bulb base. If the bulb comes in two parts, fit and lock the base in the headlight first, then fit the bulb in the base.
6. Point the chips to the sides. The LED chips should face three and nine o clock, like the filament in the halogen bulb.
7. Plug in the connector. If the bulb does not light, turn the connector half a turn, LED has a plus and a minus.
8. Test all lights. Check low beam, high beam and any warnings on the dashboard before closing up.
9. Check the light against a wall. Park on level ground a few metres from a wall. The beam should be even and the same on both sides.
10. Close the dust cap. Route the wiring so the cap seals tightly. If it will not close, use an extended dust cap.

After the switch

Have a workshop or the vehicle inspection check the headlight aim if you are unsure. Correctly aimed light gives the most reach and does not dazzle.

Find the right bulb for your socket: H7, H4 and H1.

Getting a bulb warning or flicker? Read LED bulb problems and how to fix them. Want to know how much more light you get? Read LED bulbs compared with halogen.

Not sure which bulb to choose? Read Best low beam and high beam bulbs 2026, where we compare Hero, Premium Canbus, Osram Night Breaker LED and more.