Replace both HID headlights at once?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by camner, Oct 6, 2015.

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  1. camner

    camner Junior Member

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    Both of my 2007 Prii are showing the same symptom: passenger side HID headlight going off or going dim intermittently. From the threads here, this is common.

    My dealer (well, really, all of them here) offer a labor discount if replacing both bulbs (in one car, of course!) at the same time, perhaps because of the need to loosen the cover off the bumper.

    My question: Obviously the cars are the same age (7 years) and have about the same low mileage (55K). Should I have both bulbs in each car replaced at the same time to save the additional labor cost? Given the age of the (currently working) driver side bulb is it likely to be on its last legs before long as well (after all, it has been on exactly as long as the passenger side bulb...)
     
    #1 camner, Oct 6, 2015
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2015
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    I always replace headlight bulbs in pairs since your final paragraph explains what I think is a good reason to do so, although I've never really though about extending the data set to other vehicles of the same age and mileage. I think within the same vehicle, one might say the lamps have been subjected to precisely the same road shocks, bumps and vibrations, something other vehicles might not share unless they've been driven over the same route at the same time! …an interesting question! …any Statisticians out there??? ;)
     
    #2 WilDavis, Oct 6, 2015
  3. johnnyb588

    johnnyb588 Member

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    On the Prius, I would always replace both headlights at the same time, simply because it's rather inconvenient to change them, relatively speaking. I would especially do them both at the same time if you're paying the dealership to do it. It would be pretty sucky to have to double up on that labor charge in three months when your driver side bulb burns out.

    On my vehicles with easy headlight access, I change as needed. There are times when I have gotten years more use out of one side than the other. I'm just not willing to take that gamble on the Prius.
     
    #3 johnnyb588, Oct 6, 2015
  4. Priusyipee

    Priusyipee Active Member

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    The bumper cover does not need to be removed to access the headlights. There are many tutorials on this site and YouTube that can guide you. Order a good quality bulb - this is the most important step!
    Although I have not changed them in pairs, I can see a good reason to do so if you do not have the time or a garage to do this now that winter is approaching and daylight is waning.
    Phillips bulbs can be purchased for about 38.00 for 2.
     
    #4 Priusyipee, Oct 6, 2015
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