The days are getting shorter...and the nights longer. Now with fall and winter weather approaching it is time to make sure that your headlights are in the best working order. Your headlights need to help you see at night and during foggy weather (without being a distraction to other drivers on the road). Here are some helpful tips you need to take proper care of your lights to keep up the standards.
Clean Them Regularly. It’s quite common for dirt and dust to pile up on your headlights and negatively affecting the visibility. Unlike dirt on the windshield, which is immediately noticed, most folks can drive for miles with no idea the low illumination is due to building up dirt. In fact, you should clean your headlights with a damp microfiber towel every week.
Address Clouding & Yellowing. One sure way potential buyers judge a used car to determine if the price is worth it is by looking at the headlights. If the headlights are cloudy or yellowed, people assume your vehicle is as old as the dinosaurs and throw it in the ‘meh’ category. But you can restore those headlights to default settings using headlight restoration systems. If it doesn’t work out, there is always the option of replacing it.
Check Illumination. Occasionally, one headlight can dim or it completely malfunctions leaving its twin sibling working just fine. The result is a reduced illumination that interferes with visibility. Sure, some people would notice it immediately but it’s possible not to tell when you’re behind the wheel. In case you’ve noticed something is a bit off, park your car, get out and check the illumination. Alternatively, you can park in front of an obstacle and switch both headlights on and off to evaluate the status.
Check Alignment. It’s not just tires that can get misaligned but headlights too. Quite often, misaligned headlights are triggered by accidents or driving through rough terrains over a long period. Again, you would have to park the car in front of an obstacle like a wall or a garage door to confirm if the headlights are aligned. If you observe any issue (even a slight misalignment), consult a mechanic.
Replace Bulbs in Pairs. When you’re seeking to replace one faulty headlight, it is better to buy both bulbs in pairs. Why? It’s common for a new headlight to be brighter than an older headlight. However, if you buy both bulbs in pairs, the brightness intensity will be the same. Not to mention, the remaining light bulbs could be on their deathbed even if they’re working just fine.
We hope that you find these tips useful. And as always … safe journeys on your trips around town. Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget.
