Spare parts

The bulb type is given in the car's owner's manual and on the base of the old bulb; H7 and H4 are the most common in headlights. An H4 has two filaments and gives both dipped and main beam from one bulb, an H7 has one filament, so dipped and main beam each have their own bulb. Replace bulbs in pairs so both lights shine the same.

With halogen bulbs you choose between brightness and life: a brighter bulb usually wears out sooner, a long life bulb gives a more modest light. Many LED bulbs are meant for off-road use only. On public roads a headlight may take only an LED bulb that has ECE approval for your exact car model.

Wiper lengths usually differ between the driver's and the passenger's side, so measure both old blades or look the lengths up in the owner's manual. Check the fitting too: universal blades come with several adapters, but some cars need a blade with a specific fitting. The rear wiper is separate and usually shorter.