One of the most underappreciated, yet vitally important parts of any car, truck, or SUV is its headlights. A malfunctioning headlight makes driving at night or in low visibility conditions extremely dangerous. It is also in violation of the law. Don’t wait until you get pulled over by the cops, or end up facing hazardous, weather-related driving conditions to realize your automobile’s headlights are in need of service. Practicing common car headlight care helps ensure your own safety. Also, the safety of other motorists on the road because it’s just as important to be able to see what’s out there, as it is to be seen.
Visual Inspection
The first step in any common car headlight care regiment is visually inspecting the condition of each individual light. After determining whether or not each light properly illuminates, you will want to examine the headlight housing and lens. Aside from any obvious physical damage such as cracked or broken components, you will also want to check for cloudy residue build-up, moisture, and condensation as well as dimming or flickering lights. For newer cars and trucks, or vehicles with after-market upgrades, you will need to make sure your LED headlights are positioned correctly and working properly. Are you’re in the Winston-Salem NC area? Do you have further automotive lighting questions or need help servicing your vehicle’s headlights? Stop by or contact us today at Carolina Auto Service.
Burned-Out Bulb
The most common reason for an out-of-service headlight is a burned-out bulb. The solution is straightforward. First, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or search online for your car or truck’s manufacturer-specified replacement bulb part number. Depending on your specific vehicle, you will either remove and replace the bulb from under the hood of the automobile or by removing the entire headlight. Again, please refer to your owner’s manual for more details. If you need further assistance, contact a high-quality, reputable mechanic such as Carolina Auto Service. You’d be surprised how many people seek professional help changing a burned-out headlight bulb, especially in newer vehicles with more complex lighting systems.
Moisture & Condensation
Condensation can naturally occur within a headlight when the air inside the light housing is heated, causing moisture to be released. This moisture becomes problematic if it is excessive or it is unable to release and begins to accumulate as liquid water. This moisture can lead to mold build-up, which is not only unsightly but can block the amount of light emitted. The built-up moisture and condensation will also lead to rust and corrosion damage to any metal parts such as the light bulb itself. The electrical contacts, and any screws or other pieces holding the headlight in place.
If you are experiencing excessive condensation or moisture build-up in your headlights, chances are your headlight seals need to be serviced or replaced. In terms of do-it-yourself common car headlight care, periodically removing the headlight and draining built-up moisture is an easy, no-cost solution. Drilling or poking a tiny hole where the moisture is accumulating is another low-cost alternative.
Cloudy Lights
Over time, UV light, as well as wear-and-tear from the elements can cause the plastic on your headlights to break down, causing a dingy, cloudy yellow film to develop on the lens. This cloudy appearance is not only an eyesore but also blocks the amount of light emitted, which diminishes visibility while increasing the risk of an accident. The solution is to replace your entire headlight. We do not recommend this. Do it yourself by purchasing a headlight restoration kit. Headlight restoration solution from your local auto parts shop. Baking soda and toothpaste can also be used to eliminate the cloudy yellow residue from your headlight lens.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
Dimming or Flickering headlights are usually a signal of a deeper underlying electrical problem. Most likely dimming or flickering headlights are the result of a dying car battery. They are also commonly associate with a damaging or worn alternator, a problematic voltage regulator, a burnout fuse, faulty wiring or a host of other electrical issues. Is your car or truck experiencing dimming or flickering headlights? You will definitely want to bring it into Carolina Auto Service. We will service your vehicle by an ASE-certifing technician.
LED Headlights
Many of today’s late-model cars and trucks come with LED headlights. LED headlights are also a popular after-market upgrade for motorists looking to add increase illumination. Also, modern style to their automobiles. LED light bulbs can also be tricky to install. It is extremely important when replacing an LED light to install the bulb in the correct position according to the manufacturer’s angle. An improperly position LED headlight can blind oncoming traffic. This will create dangerous driving conditions for yourself as well as other drivers on the road.
Keep in mind, although this blog focuses on common car headlight care. A lot of the information above can also applies to taillights, turn signals, and brake lights as well. Do you live in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area? Are you experiencing difficulties with any of your automotive lights? Don’t hesitate to call us, message us, or stop in for a visit at Carolina Auto Service. Don’t let a minor electrical issue snowball into full-blown costly repairs.
