My Hyundai Getz’s right headlight finally gave out after more than two years. I called up Hyundai Global City to ask how much it would cost to buy new bulbs and have them install them. They quoted me Php590 for the bulbs and pHP410 for the labor. I found this a little expensive so I decided to cost out on my own.

I went to Ace Hardware and found a pair of Bosch H-4 All-Weather 12V 100/90W headlight bulbs for Php759.75. While that is more expensive than the PHP590 I was charged, it isn’t the stock bulb which offers only 60/55W light. (That’s ridiculous, but then again, can we expect any better from a car company that offers us a donut for a spare tire? Pweh!)

Our company driver, Buboi – thanks, pare! – helped me install the bulbs into Gina’s eye sockets, and before I knew it, my Hyundai Getz was prepped up and ready to go with spanking new headlights that promise almost twice the strength and clarity. Plus, since it’s an all-weather bulb, I shouldn’t experience too much visibility problems even in the strongest of rainstorms. (For those of us whose cars survived the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy, I’m sure y’all know what I’m talking about, right, boys?)

A side note: deciding to replace your headlight bulbs on your own will most likely invalidate your warranties for certain parts of the car, including the electric connections there. I did it without much fear, though, because I’d already invalidated those warranties when I had Gina’s eyes smoked. If you ever decide to save yourself time and money, know what you’re getting into from a warranty perspective.