Parts for your 2020 Subaru Legacy-Exterior bulbs

Understanding Exterior Bulbs on the 2020 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Subaru Legacy comes equipped with a variety of exterior bulbs that play a crucial role in both safety and style. As a midsize sedan popular in Australia and around the world, these exterior bulbs ensure the vehicle remains visible to other road users in different lighting and weather conditions. Exterior bulbs typically include headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and a range of other lighting components like side markers and license plate lights.

All these bulbs work together to make driving safer, signalling your intentions and improving visibility at night or during poor weather conditions. Maintaining these bulbs in good working order is essential for your daily commute, weekend adventures, or longer road trips within Australia.

Let's break down the purpose of the exterior bulbs fitted to the 2020 Subaru Legacy and share some friendly advice on how to keep them working at their best.

The Purpose of Exterior Bulbs

• Headlights: These are the main lights at the front of the car, illuminating the road ahead when driving in low light or at night. The 2020 Subaru Legacy typically uses halogen or LED bulbs, which provide bright, clear light to help drivers see and be seen.
• Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Found on the front, DRLs help make the car more noticeable during the day, improving safety by reducing the likelihood of collisions.
• Turn Signals: Positioned on the front, rear, and sometimes side mirrors, these bulbs flash to indicate a driver's intention to turn or change lanes, communicating clearly to other road users.
• Brake Lights: Activated when you press the brake pedal, these rear red bulbs signal that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping, helping prevent rear-end accidents.
• Tail Lights: These are red lights that come on with the headlights or when the vehicle's lights are turned on, making the car visible from behind in low light situations.
• Reverse Lights: These white bulbs illuminate when the car is in reverse gear, signalling to others that the vehicle is backing up.
• Side Marker and License Plate Lights: These small bulbs contribute to overall vehicle visibility and ensure the car's registration plate is visible at night.

Keeping these bulbs functioning as intended is key for compliance with Australian road safety requirements as well as for peace of mind.

Replacing or Maintaining Your 2020 Subaru Legacy Exterior Bulbs

Replacing or maintaining the exterior bulbs on the 2020 Subaru Legacy is a straightforward process that any handy car owner can manage with a little guidance. Of course, if ever unsure or uncomfortable, visiting a qualified mechanic or Subaru specialist is always the best choice.

A good starting point is to perform regular checks during your car servicing routine. A simple drive-by inspection in low light or dusk can reveal if any bulbs have blown or become dim. Alternatively, one person can operate the vehicle lights while another observes each bulb's performance.

Here are some quick tips for bulb replacement and maintenance:

• Use the correct bulb type: The 2020 Subaru Legacy often uses specific halogen or LED bulbs depending on the lamp assembly. It's important to match the replacement bulb exactly to avoid electrical issues or poor performance.
• Wear gloves when handling bulbs: Oils from skin can shorten bulb life, especially with halogen bulbs. Wearing gloves or using a clean cloth helps keep bulbs in good condition.
• Check for water ingress: At times, bulb housings can get moisture inside causing bulbs to fail sooner. Inspect seals and gaskets and replace them if necessary to keep the housing dry.
• Inspect wiring and sockets: Corrosion or loose connections can cause exterior bulbs not to work even if the bulb itself is fine. Ensure wires and connectors are secure and clean.
• Replace bulbs in pairs: For headlights or brake lights, replacing bulbs on both sides at the same time helps maintain even lighting and reduces the chance of a relay failure in campaigns.

When selecting replacement bulbs, some Legacy owners opt for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) bulbs for guaranteed compatibility and longevity. Others may explore aftermarket bulbs such as upgraded LEDs which offer brighter light and lower power consumption. However, it's important to ensure any replacements comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) for safety and road legality.

Regular checks during servicing or before long trips will help keep the 2020 Subaru Legacy's exterior lighting in top shape. Some owners also add protective covers or films over headlights to preserve clarity and reduce the risk of damage from stone chips and UV exposure.

In Australia's varying climate - from sunny days to wet and foggy conditions - seeing and being seen is a crucial safety factor. The exterior bulbs are your first line of defence in this regard. Proper maintenance ensures the car remains visible, helps avoid fines associated with faulty lights, and keeps you and your passengers safe on the road.

So whether it's a quick bulb swap, a thorough clean of the lamp housings, or just giving your Legacy a good once-over during regular servicing, attention to your exterior bulbs is well worth it.