[PrettyFlowers]

I was just about to ask my father's help to tell me what type of lightbulb I need to buy for my car, but decided against it because it would be another way to proof to my parents that I am unable to survive on my own.

This may be a bit premature, but first I need to find out which light bulb is not working. I know that one of them is not working because of the indicator on the dash.
The car that I am driving is old, so I don't have the manual book.

Does anyone know any good, easy to read and follow web-sites on how to change a lightbulb on your car and knowing which one to buy? Maybe someone here is good with cars and can tell me how to do it?

[Aprill]

Do you have an auto parts store around? They will check which light and give you the right one. I have a 2003, and any light is under 5 bucks.


What kind of car is it btw? year make and model

[Darla_G]

Aprill is right go there with the correct information and they will hook up. One important tip. Especially for headlight bulbs but for other bulbs as well do not get the oil from your fingers on the bulb glass. Evidently what happens is even the small amount of oil from your fingers causes the bulb to overheat and wear out prematurely.

[Karen CD FL]

Try doing a Google search for the operation manual for your car. A lot of them are on line in PDF Format now.

[PrettyFlowers]

I didn't want an auto part store to do it for me and I don't trust their advice. I find that once they see a woman, they will basically walk all over you and you spent more then you had to and the job was not done well.

[Darla_G]

Originally Posted by PrettyFlowers

I didn't want an auto part store to do it for me and I don't trust their advice. I find that once they see a woman, they will basically walk all over you and you spent more then you had to and the job was not done well.

trust me they won't do it for you. They may help you pick it out, but more likely when you go there they have a book and you need to know your car model and year and sometimes body style. you look it up in there and depending on which bulb it is they have a bulb number and you need to find that one.

Is it the headlight bulb that is out?

[PrettyFlowers]

I think it's the signal light that is out.

[Darla_G]

Originally Posted by PrettyFlowers

I think it's the signal light that is out.

what car? and year?

the owner's manual might have instructions for changing ti.

[ticki]

turn your car on, but don't start it. you're gonna turn on the lights and you want to do a walk around after each step.

1. turn on headlights, check and leave on
2. turn on the left blinker
3. turn on the right blinker
4. turn on the hazards
5. press on the brakes using a heavy object so you can check it

depending on where it is, you might need to be handy with some tools. best bet is to take it out and look at the inscription on the bulb for the type and model. you can also find your owner's manual and that should tell you what bulb you need as well. armed with that info, drop by your local auto store and ask them for that bulb.

[PrettyFlowers]

Originally Posted by ticki

turn your car on, but don't start it. you're gonna turn on the lights and you want to do a walk around after each step.

1. turn on headlights, check and leave on
2. turn on the left blinker
3. turn on the right blinker
4. turn on the hazards
5. press on the brakes using a heavy object so you can check it

depending on where it is, you might need to be handy with some tools. best bet is to take it out and look at the inscription on the bulb for the type and model. you can also find your owner's manual and that should tell you what bulb you need as well. armed with that info, drop by your local auto store and ask them for that bulb.

Thanks! That is a good idea. I should remove the old one and take it to the store.
It's an Audi and I can't remember the year right now...have to check my insurance card for that.

[Darla_G]

yep you'll need the year and model A4, A6 etc.

[brewgrl]

It's the easiest thing ever you go yo tell them which light, they look in a computer, or in a book, they may have more than a few options, depending on if more than one manufacturer makes the light. autopart stores arent mechanics, so no worries in trying to rip you off. my autoparts store is actually super helpful.. they love teaching girls the basics, if you're willing to listen.

[KatJ]

Most autopart stores have no reason to rip you off, they're normally not commissioned.

[S. Lisa Smith]

I just bought a bunch of parts form an auto parts store. The person who helped me was a woman. It seems that there are quite a few women who work in auto parts stores now, just ask one of them. But don't worry, like Brewgirl says, they love to help people.

[pinksugar]

yes, I would take Tiki's advice. Turn all your lights on to see which isn't working, remove it, and take it to the store with you to compare with what bulbs they have for sale. Then replace it the way you removed it