Changing a headlight bulb.

RichardD1970

Had to laugh the other day. I was going into a Halfords and some one wanted one of their bulbs changed. The kid had a good look around the engine bay and told the customer, "Ok, I'll just go and get some tools". He then went back into the shop and went straight rounds the checkout desk, crouched down and got his iPhone out to google how to do it.

OddballJamie

RichardD1970 wrote: »

Had to laugh the other day. I was going into a Halfords and some one wanted one of their bulbs changed. The kid had a good look around the engine bay and told the customer, "Ok, I'll just go and get some tools". He then went back into the shop and went straight rounds the checkout desk, crouched down and got his iPhone out to google how to do it.

I'd rather he used his phone as a 'tool' to locate the correct method rather than bashing about with a screwdriver for half an hour.
Did you really expect a shelf stacker at Halfords to be trained on light bulb fitting for every vehicle manufactured in the last 20 years?

TrickyWicky

Niowrtt wrote: »

(At least you don't need to remove the bumper or the headlight itself...)

Thats just it though, often removing the headlight can actually be easier. We have a ford ka and it's a pita for headlight bulbs but the headlights (from what i can see) are held in by just two bolts. I've not tried it yet but it should be easier just to take out the light rather than continue trying to be a contortionist.

Nick_C

Well I always use my local Halfords for bulb changes, they are very good and seem to know what they are doing. Although I did feel a bit of wimp when a young lady changed my lamps last time.

OddballJamie

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Thats just it though, often removing the headlight can actually be easier. We have a ford ka and it's a pita for headlight bulbs but the headlights (from what i can see) are held in by just two bolts. I've not tried it yet but it should be easier just to take out the light rather than continue trying to be a contortionist.

If it's a mk1 KA then you need to drop the bumper to get the headlight out. Had ours out a few times to do various jobs on the car and needed a couple new bumper clips each time (luckily bought a bag off Ebay beforehand).

I managed to change the bulbs when we first got the car from the engine bay without having to remove anything, it was a long and painful process. If I had to do it again I'd pay one of the kids with small hands at Halfords to do it.

OddballJamie

Nick_C wrote: »

Well I always use my local Halfords for bulb changes, they are very good and seem to know what they are doing. Although I did feel a bit of wimp when a young lady changed my lamps last time.

Nah, the real wimps get their wiper blades changed by Halfords.

RichardD1970

OddballJamie wrote: »

I'd rather he used his phone as a 'tool' to locate the correct method rather than bashing about with a screwdriver for half an hour.
Did you really expect a shelf stacker at Halfords to be trained on light bulb fitting for every vehicle manufactured in the last 20 years?

This was a Halfords with a full service centre and qualified mechanics.

And I would expect, if they offer such services, then the people who would carry them out to have some training and maybe, some sort of workshop manual covering the majority of vehicles.

OddballJamie

RichardD1970 wrote: »

This was a Halfords with a full service centre and qualified mechanics.

And I would expect, if they offer such services, then the people who would carry them out to have some training and maybe, some sort of workshop manual covering the majority of vehicles.

You almost had me then. Is it Aprils Fools day already?

wallbash

A lot of negative postings about Halfords staff changing bulbs, as a moterist of over 40 years , I have changed a number of bulbs BUT am guessing the staff at Halfords change hundreds every month . Even the 17 year old beginners will have changed MORE bulbs in a week than your average owner in a lifetime. So credit to all Halfords staff, if you don't like their service don't use them . Will be a smaller queue when the likes of myself with an open mind wants a difficult bulb changed.

oldagetraveller

"As for washing it - I have visions of 'bucket and spade' rather than 'bucket and sponge'."

I wouldn't even let anyone loose with a bucket and sponge either. Lambswool mitt, perfect.

"On my 2012 Yaris Hybrid: open bonnet, remove cover, turn bulb base, release spring, remove bulb (and enough space in the right places for access)"

They must have improved access then compared to the Mk2 Yaris! It's just do-able but very tight if components aren't removed first.:D
At least it's not necessary to remove the front of the car or grovel around in the wheelarches.

I think car designers should be made to do these, once, simple tasks, including oil and filter changes, before their design is accepted.