A $20 Bulb Could Equal A $500 Bill!? What The....!

This should get people fired up haha. In this video I give just one example of many showing the potential cost you could run into performing a simple task on a "modern" vehicle. Having a shop replace a headlamp bulb is not uncommon and in some cases we just charge for the bulb and pop it in for our regular customers. In some cases however it could cost you wayyyyy more than just a few bucks.
-Enjoy!

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[NatesHomeTours]

I worked at Oreilly for 6 years and I have said for a long time, that any bulb, headlight, brake, turn, or any other safety related bulb should be able to be changed in no more than 5 minutes and easily accessible. To make a headlight bulb take that long to change and have to remove so much crap, is a failure on the manufacturer and should be subject to recall for safety issue.

[TStheDeplorable]

What bugs me is that there are shops and dealers who will charge the $500, and then just go in through the wheel skirt and swap out the bulbs.

[johneverett]

Retired ASE auto tech of 42 years here. I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, and most of them not for the good. On some newer vehicles you cannot get to the back of the headlight through the wheel well. The headlight assembly is backed up against the radiator support with no room for access or pulling the bulb back. The headlight assembly has to move forward. Years ago we had a saying when it came to automotive engineers “ Once they design and build the first prototype, hand them a wrench and tell them to service it “.

[itseasiertotakeitsomewhere]

My old boss used to say "I'm glad I'm on my way out, and not on my way in".

[MikeRobot]

remember when all you needed is a screwdriver and you could change the whole glass bulb without even opening the hood.

[markwatkins]

Your compassion and empathy are what keep me coming back to watch.

[rogergoins]

Being honest and a great mechanic will always keep you plenty of work. Keep being you!

[crbourret]

I miss my 2003 GMC Sierra that had two pins you could pull up and slide out the whole headlight assembly, no tools required...😔

[felixcat]

This is criminal overcharging at a truly obscene level.

Thank you for showing the actual method that doesn't require the front end to be dismantled and a second mortgage to pay for it!

Subscribed.

[bobniehaus]

The transmission in my 21 year old Honda with 207000 miles is failing. I replaced a couple pressure switches but keeping getting different Tran codes. I was debating just getting a reman tranny put in it or getting a new one. My family were saying don’t put any money into a car that old, just get a new one. I sent them this video and said THIS is why I don’t want to buy a new car! Thanks Mr O!

[rossmanngroup]

I want to see more customers blaming the companies to choose to design shit like this rather than the repair shops that are forced to charge extra money to jump through all these hoops to fix things.

[darnellgraveline]

I see you still think like a wise man and not a crooked auto manufacturer. GREAT JOB ERIC!

[donakahorse]

You're a good man Eric, that's one of the reasons I watch your channel, along side the humor and expertise.

[BV-Auto]

See Eric, you made a video changing bulbs and here we are. I told you we would watch anything.

[charlestredway]

Thank God we have mechanics like you! God blesses you for your willingness not to succumb to the sin of greed.

[michaelemerson]

I was a mechanic back in the 70's and 80's, during the intro to HEI system. GM. Tech did seminars at the local parts store and told us the intent of the manufacturers was to put shade tree and shops outta business. The process was going to require you to come to the dealership to have repairs and parts purchased. Specialized tools to do simple maintenance would be required and unobtainable except to the dealer. Put parts stores out of business by only getting junk replacement parts. Remember, this was 50 yrs ago.

[chucktx]

Your customers are very! lucky to have you!!! Nice job.

[phuclan.garage]

I had no idea changing a headlamp bulb could be so expensive! This video really opened my eyes to the hidden costs of car maintenance.

[hahaha]

the only birds eye view calibration i need in my 21 year old car is maybe me cleaning my windshield

[flhTK-]

In the late seventies I sold auto parts & one of our locations had service bays. All of our stores routinely replaced stop, turn, tail lights for free. At our service center a nice old lady with a '66 Cadillac called and asked "how much to install a rear stop light bulb?" Our service manager told her that we don't charge to install tail light bulbs. So she says "You're not one of those places that says one thing on the phone and then changes their story once you get there are you?" "Oh no ma'am we'd never do that!" So the car gets there & guess what? Not only do the bulbs not come out from inside the trunk, but you have to completely remove the bumper first, & then you find the bulbs are retained by metal plates that each have 2 Phillips screws. So not only did the rusted bumper bolts have to get burned off, but many of the Phillips screws were badly rusted into the pot metal light housings. We just sucked it up and fixed it for just the cost of the bulbs. She had to leave it overnight because we had to order the bumper bolts & we did talk her into replacing all of the bulbs, but we were all convinced that we got played by a nice old lady.