Faulty or busted Toyota Tacoma headlights are a safety hazard, especially if you’re driving at night or in inclement weather. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about the hassle and potential risks of driving with faulty headlights. There are a lot of Toyota Tacoma headlights available on the market today so you can easily fix your truck. If you don’t know which type of headlights to get for your Tacoma, this brief and informative guide is here to help.
About the Toyota Tacoma
As of this writing, the Toyota Tacoma is in its fourth generation of production.
The model debuted in the US market in 1995, succeeding the Toyota Pickup, which was also branded as the Hilux in some countries.
The Tacoma has undergone a series of facelifts over the years accompanied by a serious improvement in the model’s overall performance.
Intended to be used for rugged and outdoor fun, the Tacoma’s design hinged on Toyota’s TNGA-F global body-on-frame vehicle platform, similar to the Tundra (XK70).
The Tacoma’s design remains iconic through the years, sporting a powerful athletic stance with a high lift, massive tires, and a slim body.
When Should I Replace My Toyota Tacoma Headlights?
You should replace your Toyota Tacoma’s headlights if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Dim or flickering light from one or both of your Tacoma’s headlights
- Headlights won’t turn on or off
- Excessive moisture build-up inside your headlights
- Lens are clouded over, yellowed, or cracked and broken
Aside from these issues, you can also choose to replace your Toyota Tacoma headlights to improve your nighttime visibility, upgrade your truck’s front-end style, and switch to a longer-lasting set of headlights.
Common Issues With Toyota Tacoma Headlights
As reliable as the Tacoma is, the model is known for developing a couple of issues, particularly with its lights.
According to some Tacoma owners, their headlamps failed every so often that they had to carry an extra set of lamps to avoid getting fined when the lights suddenly failed.
Other drivers also complained about their low-beam lights going out every three months.
Headlights generally fail due to a blown fuse, damaged headlight relay, headlight switch, dimmer switch, or faulty wiring.
Replacing a blown fuse is arguably the most DIY-friendly repair task you can do, but the remaining troubleshooting options might require some professional assistance.
What Types of Headlights Are Available for My Toyota Tacoma?
Here are some of the most common types of headlights for the Toyota Tacoma on the market today:
Light Source
There are two main headlight bulb types available for the Toyota Tacoma: halogen and LED. The halogen headlight is the most common type of headlight used for modern vehicles like the Tacoma. Halogen headlights are generally affordable, but they only last around 450 to 1,000 hours.
Meanwhile, light-emitting diodes or LED headlight bulbs use electroluminescent technology. LED headlights for the Toyota Tacoma are typically sold at a higher cost than halogen lights, but they have longer serviceable lives ranging anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 hours.
Type
Headlights can be sealed or composite. Sealed beam headlights are sold in one piece. If they’re damaged, the entire assembly will need to be replaced. Meanwhile, composite headlights are made of different pieces that can be taken apart and replaced separately. For example, if the bulb inside a composite headlight fails, you can replace that part without having to buy an assembly with lenses.
Kit Inclusions
Some headlights are sold without bulbs, while others are sold as assemblies, which include both the bulbs and the lenses. Headlights can also be sold as part of kits that include parts such as bumper covers, fenders, grilles, and tail lights. If you also need to replace other front-end parts of your Toyota Tacoma, headlight kits are your best choice.
Recommended Use
Headlights are also categorized according to their recommended uses. Replacement headlights are meant to replace your stock headlights. Meanwhile, performance headlights are installed as upgrades to the current setup you already have
Get a Replacement Headlight that Fits Your Truck
It’s best to leave your vehicle in the garage if one of its headlights develops an issue or stops working. Driving a car or truck with a faulty headlight is difficult, unsafe, and violates the law. Fortunately, CarParts.com can help you get a replacement headlight that fits your vehicle.
CarParts.com eliminates the need to guess whether or not a headlight will fit your vehicle. We provide you with accurate information about part fitment. Search our extensive catalog of world-class parts and accessories by plugging your vehicle’s year, make, and model in our website’s vehicle selector. If you want to ask about the fitment, price tag, or other characteristics of our products, contact our helpful customer service team. You also have no worries about the quality of our headlights, as we exclusively source our parts from trusted veterans of the auto parts industry.
Why insist on driving in the dark when you can easily find affordable headlights that fit your truck at CarParts.com? Shop for Toyota Tacoma headlights now!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.