Don’t limit a bulb check to just headlights

OSRAM is urging workshops and factors to not only focus on headlights during the winter, but all of the other bulbs that are safety critical.

While it’s easy to focus on headlight bulbs and ensuring they are working efficiently, there are many other bulbs that need to be checked during the darker months. These bulbs include the likes of indicator bulbs, reversing lights, fog lights and many more.

There can be between 15-20 bulbs on average on a vehicle, with the majority being safety critical that demonstrate a driver’s intentions on the road, whether that’s indicating to turn, fog lamps to ensure they’re seen in bad weather or hazard lights to alert other drivers to possible danger or a change in road conditions ahead.

Therefore, whatever the weather or season, workshops should offer a full bulb check during which they can check all the bulbs on a vehicle are functioning as they should and see if any need replacing.

Lights, reflectors and electrics also make up 13.3% of MOT failures. According to data revealed by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), in 2024, lights were the fourth most common reason for a vehicle failing its MOT, which includes all exterior lights, not just headlights. This demonstrates the importance of checking all of the bulbs in a vehicle.

Lighting Marketing Manager, Terri Clark, commented: “The check shouldn’t take too long and we would suggest looking at the indicator, fog, brake, tail and number plate bulbs, as well as the headlights. All of this should take 10 minutes maximum and could create a lot of new income.

“While there is a massive focus on headlights in the industry – and there should be, as they are very important – there are other bulbs that should be regularly checked.”