Driving a Tesla Model 3 can be an exceptional experience because of the luxurious feel and the technology the vehicle provides its owners with. A perfectly working headlight can make the biggest difference to make your driving experience seamless. However, this smooth driving experience can sometimes face hurdles, and mostly the main cause is a faulty headlight.
Don’t know how to handle the issue when your night drives become darker than ever? No need to fret, because we are here to help you out of this swamp. Follow this guide and hopefully, you’ll be able to handle the problem without any stress.
What Types Of Headlights Are Used In A Tesla Model 3?
Model 3’s headlights are not your regular halogen bulbs but sophisticated LED lights that perfectly blend with Tesla’s sleek exterior. These headlights are designed to provide maximum functionality while keeping in mind the car’s exterior. Depending on your personal choices, your car can either have Matrix LED headlights or the old LED headlights.
The technology these headlights have is as follows:
- Auto-adjusting beams
- Fog lights integration
- Cornering lights functionality
Having this basic knowledge about the headlights Tesla uses is essential because this helps you come to a better conclusion when choosing the perfect headlights for your car. In many cases, Tesla Model 3 requires specific LEDs designed for the vehicle itself.
Keep in mind to buy either original manufacturer parts or other top-quality non-original parts to keep the performance unchanged.
How To Replace Tesla Model 3 Headlights – A Step-By-Step Guide
Imagining that you are going to change your car’s headlights yourself seems to be very complicated, but this process is really simple to follow. All you need is a correct guide and the proper tools.
Thinking about changing your car’s headlights on your own might seem complex, but looking back, this task is quite easy to do. All you need is the right instructions and the appropriate tools.
What You Need?
- OEM headlights
- Screwdrivers
- A pair of gloves
- Plastic pry bar
- A socket set
- A clean cloth
- Glass cleaner
Now that you have collected everything that you need, let’s move toward the step of installing the new headlights.
Step 1: Remove The Plastic Panel
- Power off your car.
- Open the car’s hood using either the Tesla App or the key fob.
- Detach the frunk latch and remove the plug.
- Press the 2 plastic tabs and expose the 10mm bolts under them.
- Remove these bolts using a 10mm socket.
- Using the same method, remove the air intake cabin, mat from the frunk storage, and lastly, the whole front cover that hides the interior parts.
Step 2: Detach The Bumper
- Remove all the 10mm bolts on the top, front-right wheel side, fender area, and the rear corner of the bumper.
- Repeat the same procedure on the left side of the bumper.
- Use a screwdriver to detach the clips on the bottom of the bumper.
- Remove and secure the bumper.
- Lastly, detach the fog light harness clip using a flat-head screwdriver.
Step 3: Remove The Headlights
- Spot the 10mm bolts that hold the headlight.
- Remove these bolts and unplug the harness plugs.
Step 4: Install The New Headlights
- Place and position the new headlight assembly in its place.
- Secure the positioning with the 10mm bolts that you removed previously.
Step 5: Reattach The Harness
Reattach all the previously removed harnesses to the new headlight assembly.
Step 6: Reattach All The Parts
Reassemble all the parts you removed previously by following the same steps in the opposite direction.
Step 7: Test The Headlights
After you have completely secured the headlight with all the latches and bolts, check the functionality of the headlights of your Tesla 3.
If you wish to change both of the headlights, then keep in mind to follow these steps for both of the headlights individually.
Note: We have added a video link below to provide you with a better understanding of the procedure.
Tesla Model 3 Headlight Replacement Cost
If you are worried about how much it will cost you to replace your Tesla headlight and bulb, then we can provide you with a rough cost estimate,
The replacement cost can vary depending on the specific model and the place you want to get the service from. Roughly, the cost may be between $500 to $1500 per unit. To explain in detail:
- In a regular store, the cost may vary between $900 to $1500, including the parts and the labor cost.
- At Tesla Service Centre, the cost may vary between $1100 to $1500. This includes the charges for parts, labor, and VAT.
- If you want to change the headlight yourself, it will significantly reduce the cost, rounding at about $500 to $1000.
How Long Do Tesla Model 3 Headlights Last?
The timespan after which you will need to change the headlights depends on several factors, including the usage, weather conditions, and how frequently you get your car serviced. On average, the lifespan of a simple LED bulb is 1,000 to 2,000 hours. The lifespan of a Matrix headlight is significantly increased, ranging at about 10,000 hours.
Note: If you are unsure about what type of service your car needs regularly, then take a look at “What maintenance does a Tesla need?”
Conclusion
This guide covers the various aspects of Tesla Model 3’s headlight. This includes the type of headlights used, the replacement cost, the process, and the timespan during which this headlight can be used.
With this guide, you’ll never again have a problem when replacing your Tesla’s headlights. Be sure to keep in mind the safety of your car no matter how much you want to save the cost! If you doubt your expertise, make sure to contact a professional.