I was told by a friend that my front left headlight is out, but I noticed that when I unlock the car both headlights are on. It's only when I start the car that the left front goes off. High beams seem to both work. Is that because when I unlock the car the high beams come on? Now as I'm writing this I'm starting to see this is obvious and that it is just the low beam part of the light that is bad. It's a 2007 HHR. Is my assumption correct?

 

Welcome to the site.

Yes, you are correct. Low beam filament is most likely bad and the bulb needs replacement.

Now. There are seperate fuses for the left, right and high and low beams. Most times it will be a burned out bulb, but wouldn't hurt to check those fuses.
The bulb replacement can be a small pain to do, so check the fuses first.

 

X2 and aboard!

 

Welcome to the site! X3 check the fuses, if you change the bulbs change out both, if one has gone south the other is right beside it!

 

Thanks for the welcome. I never considered fuses but will check them first. Downloaded a video on how to change headlight bulbs and was surprised at how much was required. Not undoable but more involved than I'd hoped.

 

That is why I suggest doing both and get the tools out and get dirty just once.
I've done the one side only and had the other side quit a week or two later!

 

Oldblue - My left low beam went out about 3 years ago on my 2007 HHR LS. Bulb was replaced. Unless my son replaced both bulbs, the right low beam is functioning to this day. Go figure. I rarely drive at night, so only the lower voltage DRL function is active most of the time. No point to make - just an observation.

 

Yeah. You never really know about the lifespan of automotive bulbs.
Last week I had to replace a brake light bulb on my 98 Dodge truck. Cheap thing only lasted 17 years.
Funny. Never needed to replace a headlight bulb on the truck yet.