Lucas is urging workshops to be ready for the lighting surge this winter.
As the clocks go back and nights draw in, lighting faults become one of the most common issues drivers face. For workshops, this means a surge in demand for replacement bulbs, but also an opportunity to add value for customers. Good visibility is essential for safe winter driving, and as the trusted professionals, mechanics play a vital role in keeping motorists both legal and confident on the road.
Drivers rely far more heavily on their lights during the darker months, with bulbs operating for longer and under harsher conditions. What many motorists don’t realise is that bulbs degrade over time. Research shows that output can fall by up to 30 per cent before failure. This gradual dimming often goes unnoticed by drivers until a mechanic points it out. Add in the increased risk of MOT failures or roadside penalties for faulty lights, and the importance of regular checks becomes clear.
Best practice
For garages, winter is the ideal time to remind customers about the importance of fully functioning, road-legal bulbs. A few simple practices can make a big difference:
- Check bulbs regularly – A quick walkround during servicing highlights faults drivers might have missed.
- Replace in pairs – Balance is crucial. Fitting just one new bulb can leave mismatched output and colour, which affects both safety and customer satisfaction.
- Encourage carrying spares – While not mandatory in the UK, many European countries require spare bulbs by law.
- Avoid cheap, poor-quality bulbs – Noncompliant bulbs may fail early, cause glare, or even damage lamp units. Always recommend E-marked bulbs that meet legal standards.
- Follow fitting best practice – Remind customers (and apprentices) that touching halogen glass with bare hands can shorten lifespan. Always check alignment after replacement.
These small steps position the workshop as a trusted advisor and build customer confidence.
Of course, none of this advice matters if the bulbs you need aren’t to hand. Winter can bring sudden surges in demand for common fitments, so staying stocked is essential. Lucas makes this easier with the ZMB312 wall-hanging display stand, which contains 200 of the industry’s top 17 bulbs.
The compact display ensures the most frequently used part numbers are always within reach. From H7 and H4 headlamp bulbs to the small bayonet and wedge fittings every garage gets asked for. The layout makes it easy to see when stock needs replenishing, helping you avoid lost time and missed sales. For busy workshops, the ZMB312 offers a practical, organised stocking and display solution that ensures bulbs are exactly where you need them, when you need them.
Upgrades
Winter is also the perfect time to discuss upgrade options with customers. Many drivers, particularly those covering long commutes or rural routes, will benefit from bulbs that put more light on the road or deliver a whiter beam that reduces eye strain. Lucas offers a range of legal upgrade bulbs, delivering up to 200% more light or a crisper 5000K output while remaining fully E-marked and road legal.
This not only improves customer safety but also creates an easy up-sell for the garage.
With over 150 years of heritage, Lucas is one of the most trusted names in vehicle lighting. Every Lucas bulb is rigorously tested and fully E-marked, giving professionals the confidence that they are fitting a compliant, high-quality product. Stocking Lucas means fewer comebacks, happier customers, and a brand name motorists already recognise and trust.
Winter readiness starts with visibility. By promoting regular checks, replacing bulbs in pairs, offering upgrades, and ensuring the right stock is always available, workshops can keep their customers safer and more satisfied this season.
With trusted, compliant products and smart stocking solutions, Lucas is here to help workshops be seen as champions of the aftermarket.
