> > Do you seriously replace both headlight bulbs when one fails? I know of > > nobody who does that. Generally you carry a spare bulb kit and a screwdriver > > and if a bulb fails, pull over and change it.
> and - like the capacitor replacement question this is an "it depends". > For some cars - including the Mercedes A-class (at least earlier models) - it > is > almost impossible to change the headlight bulb when the car is at ground level > because it is accessed through a hatch in the wheel arch, whereas if the car ARGH!!! But presumably you carry a jack and tools to change a wheel. Can you not just remove the wheel on the correct side to reach the hatch (not that I want to work on a car not supported on proper axle stands...) Having had a number of bulbs that failed shortly (but not very shortly) after installation (nothing to do with headlamps, and not quartz-halogen bulbs so it was not contamination of the envelope that was the problem) I wonder if necessarily changing a good bulb is a good idea... > is up on the garage lift with the wheel removed it is trivial. In that case > it is > probably best to change both bulbs when one fails. Why not just change them both as part of the 12000 mile service (or whatever)? I am sure I once heard of a regulation that car bulbs (at least the legally required ones) had to be changeable at the roadside with a minimum of tools. Looks like that is universally ignored.... -tony
