Replacing Headlights too expensive? Consider a Headlight Restoration.
Headlight Replacement Cost
Replacing headlights is expensive.
Many people drive daily with faded headlights and dislike doing so. It’s no secret that yellow, hazy headlights are ugly, and make it much harder to see at night. The main reason people continue to drive this way, instead of resolving this problem, is because the replacement cost for headlight lenses is ridiculous.
I drive a 2014 Prius Plug-In Hybrid as my daily driving vehicle. The car is only 10 years old, and the headlights need to be replaced. Here in Santa Cruz, this rapid headlight deterioration is not unheard of. When inquiring with Toyota for a replacement set of headlights lenses this is what I found.
This is for the LEFT Headlight assembly. The RIGHT Headlight assembly costs you another $239.80, for a total of $479.60 JUST FOR THE PARTS. The going labor rate at most dealership mechanics is currently $200/hour. INSANE. The estimated time for my headlight replacement is 1.8 hours, bringing our new total to a whopping $839.60 before any other taxes or fees they might try to tag on there.
The worst part is, in another 5-10 years the headlights will be in the same condition, and in need of replacing again.
Headlight Restoration Cost.
To get your headlights replaced is expensive. If you have a luxury vehicle, you will be paying much more than my measly Toyota Prius.
What would it cost for me to book a Headlight Restoration? Depending on the quality of the headlights and how long the job will take, $85-$130. TOTAL.
Let’s be extreme, and say the headlight restoration costs me $130 in my case. That is STILL an 85% Savings compared to the dealership charge. Mind you, the average cost for a headlight Restoration is $95. The restored headlights will last you about as long as new ones from the dealership. Not only are you saving money, but you’re refusing to pay the dealership any more money. I know I hate giving them any of my paycheck, and I’m sure you do too.
Headlight Restoration performed by French Detail
When to consider replacing headlights
Sometimes headlights can receive permanent damage. This damage can come in the form of cracks, water leaking, and burns from hot bulbs. This issues can not be restored, and unfortunately can only be solved by replacing the headlights. It can be beneficial to find good quality, used OEM headlight assemblies and that can save you some money if you are replacing them yourself. If you don’t have the know how to do it yourself, take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. In any other situation, you are wasting money by not getting your headlights restored. Contact us today for a free estimate on your headlight restoration.
