What to check before you buy
Reflector vs projector
LED bulbs in a halogen reflector scatter light and are not road-legal in most markets. Projector housings or full LED units are the compliant route.
Coding and CAN bus
Many cars flag an LED as a bulb-out failure unless the unit has CAN-bus resistors or the module is coded.
Aim after fitting
A new housing must be beam-aimed or it fails inspection and dazzles oncoming traffic.
What the related jobs cost
| Job | Parts (US) | Total (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Headlight replacement | $20–$900 | $50–$1,315 |
When people buy lighting
- Failed bulb
- Hazed or cracked lens
- Night-visibility upgrade
- Inspection preparation
Frequently asked questions
- Are LED bulb conversions legal?
- In most of Europe, the UK and Australia, retrofitting LED bulbs into a housing type-approved for halogen makes the vehicle non-compliant. Rules differ by market — check yours before buying.
- Can a hazed headlight be restored?
- Yes. Wet-sanding and a UV-stable clear coat restores output for a fraction of a new housing.