6 Defects in Car Headlights That You Should Know and Rectify
Headlight failure doesn’t cause any big car problems. But it can throw up a challenge for drivers at night driving. Therefore, you should consider regular checking of your car headlights seriously. However, a mediocre driver might not know the problems that can arise with their headlights.
But being aware of the issues that can take place with your car headlights will be beneficial. Therefore, we have come up with a list of defects in car headlights, which will help you to diagnose headlight related problems.
One headlight is not working
You don’t need to freak out if one day you come home and notice that one of your headlights stopped working. It is one of the common issues of car headlights. The possible reason is its inside bulb has burnt out. Though you might have installed both the headlights at the same time, there are chances of differences in their lifespan.
The only way to fix the issue is to replace the old bulb. As soon as you install a new one, it’s wise to check the other one as well. This type of precautionary action could save you from dangerous situations down the road.
Both headlights aren’t working
The event of both the headlights dysfunction is generally rarer than one headlight stops working. It’s unlikely that a bulb is at fault. Moreover, the issue could be more complicated than the burning of the bulbs. In such a situation, you might need to go through and test out the headlight fuses, switches, and relays.
A blown fuse is an easy fix, whereas repairing your headlights switches and relays might be a challenging job. If you’re unable to cure the problem, then make an appointment with your mechanic for some expert help.
Headlights are flickering
Your car headlights are working, but at the same time, it’s flickering. It can indicate many common problems. Its inside bulb could be taking its last breath, or the internal wire may be loose or disconnected. Even the stereo systems of the car sometimes draw power away from the headlights, which may cause flickering.
To know what is the exact problem with your headlights, you must take your car to a trusted mechanic. They’ll help you diagnose the correct problem without fooling you. Whatever may be the issue, the professional will fix it accordingly. You can also install anti-flickering headlights to reduce the chance of flickering.
Headlights are looking dull
The sun, wind, snow, and other factors can hamper your car’s headlights to a great extent. Well, dull headlights could be due to one of these elements. The problem could either be with the bulb or the headlight cover.
You can check your headlights’ tops. If you find haziness or yellowish colour, then the sun has led your headlights to this state. It happens when UV sealant on the covers wear off. You can polish it with toothpaste and remove oxidation.
In case the problem is with your old halogen bulbs, then replace it with LED bulbs. It is brighter than halogen and will last for a longer time.
Weak beam strength
Sometimes, you may observe that your headlights are working, but the beams aren’t that good. It is commonly due to the ageing of the headlight bulbs. You can restore their strength by replacing the old bulbs.
Foggy headlight caps can also weaken the beam. You can attain maximum visibility by cleaning the covers. Furthermore, even cloudy headlight covers can affect the beam’s power. To avoid facing this difficulty, you always need to remember to apply UV sealant. After doing all these things, if you’re still facing the issue, then replacing the bulbs would be an ideal choice.
Headlights flicker when driving
Does it flicker in the moving car? Are they working well when your car is parked? These are the basic questions you need to ask yourself when your car’s headlights flicker while driving. Headlights turning on and off on poor roads can be a result of a bad wire connection. You can effortlessly fix this issue by tightening the bulbs.
Also, check the wires while tightening the bulbs. If they are kinking, then the flickering of headlights can happen. You can even take the help of professionals to know the proper reason behind the problem.
Fix it yourself vs. Take it to a mechanic
Fixing burned bulbs is typically a simple and easy task, but there are scenarios where you’ll need an expert’s help. Replacing a bulb usually takes a few minutes, while complicated issues can take you hours. You can even learn how to clean foggy headlights as it might save you from a mechanic’s trip.
The above information can help you in diagnosing the right problem. But, in case, if you have a lack of tools and diagnostic equipment, then it’s better to take your car to a mechanic. They’ll begin inspecting your fuses, switches, and relays, and might inform you about the upcoming issue as well.
