Changing the low beam: Here's how it’s done

The low beam ensures that you stay safe on the road in the dark and in poor visibility conditions without dazzling other road users. A faulty low beam not only impairs your vision, but also poses a safety risk.

Depending on the type of headlamp, the cost of changing the bulbs varies considerably. While the cost of replacing LED headlamps is in the mid three-digit range, replacing a conventional bulb is a lot cheaper. A set of bulbs usually costs no more than ten euros. You can often buy them at supermarkets, petrol stations or specialist car accessory stores.

When choosing a bulb, pay attention to its quality. The price should not be the decisive factor when purchasing because, although they cost more, high-quality bulbs usually last longer and have superior lighting properties.

• Often only one bulb is faulty. Nevertheless, it is often advisable to change both at the same time. Bulbs of the same make have a similar lifetime, so it will usually only be a matter of weeks before the second bulb also gives up the ghost. So it's best replace both right away to save yourself time.
• Refer to the manual to find out which bulb your vehicle requires. Always refer to the manual when making your selection. An incorrectly equipped headlamp can lead to the voiding of an operating licence – and thus to a fine or refusal of the TÜV badge (MOT certificate) at the next general inspection.

We have put together a more specific guide containing a selection of some particularly popular vehicles. Also observe the steps mentioned above. As a rule, changing bulbs only differs in terms of how it is detached from the bulb fixture: therefore the following information just deals with this.

Changing the low beam on the Golf 7

Remove the bulb of the low beam on the Golf 7 as follows:

• With the bonnet open, look for a black round cap behind the headlamp.
• Remove this cap.
• There is a black cover to the right or left of the cap (depending on which side you are changing the bulb): Unscrew this.
• Expose the holder with bulb. Then also unscrew the holder.
• Insert the new bulb and carry out the above steps in reverse order.

Changing the low beam on the Golf 6

Remove the bulb of the low beam on the Golf 6 as follows:

• Fold down the metal bracket at the rear end of the headlamp, where the bulb for the low beam is located. A cover opens, which you now remove.
• In the opening behind it, feel for a plate. When you unscrew it, grip the holder and the bulb in your hand.
• Unscrew the old bulb and insert the new one.
• Carry the above steps in reverse order.

Changing the low beam on the Golf 4

Remove the bulb of the low beam on the Golf 4 as follows:

• Remove the plastic cover behind the headlamp. • Disconnect the cable connector for the low beam.
• Fold down the metal bracket that holds the bulb.
• Unscrew the old bulb and insert the new one.
• Follow the above steps in reverse order.

Opel Astra J and Opel Corsa D: Changing low beam

Remove the bulb of the low beam on the Opel Corsa D/Opel Astra J (3-door hatchback variant) as follows:

• Unscrew the protective cap in front of the bulb of the low beam by turning it anti-clockwise.
• Pull the small plastic lever at the bottom of the bulb holder up to release the fixture.
• Take out the socket and remove the old bulb.
• Insert the new bulb and carry out the above steps in reverse order.