When do your headlights need to be replaced?

[norcalhiker]

So my lights are pretty dim but I thought that they only need to be replaced when they go out. Do headlights dim when they get old? Should I replace mine?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

must be a problem with your electrical system...

 

[norcalhiker]

why do you say that?

 

[melly]

wire can be loose, not giving enough charge to your fuse.

 

[JulesMaximus]

When they no longer emit light.

Sounds like you have a problem with your electrical system. Possibly the alternator.

 

[norcalhiker]

ahhhhh!!!! I want this to be a cheap problem! So, do i need to take this into a shop or can i just jiggle some wires?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: norcalhiker
ahhhhh!!!! I want this to be a cheap problem! So, do i need to take this into a shop or can i just jiggle some wires?

start jiggling....have Autozone or the like test your battery & alternator (usually free).

 

[amdskip]

Take the car to autozone and they can test your alternator for you while it is in the car.

 

[MystikMango]

The filament in your head light needs an electric current passed through it in order to "make light". If that filament doesn't have enough current, the light will appear dim. This is why folks are saying yo have an electrical problem.

I would check the wire connection to your headlight to ensure it is tight and there is no corrosion.
I would check the battery connections for the same thing.

 

[norcalhiker]

Thanks all!

 

[Zenmervolt]

If jiggling the wires "fixes" it, then driving will jiggle the wires again and it will quickly become broken again. If there is a wiring problem, the wires should be replaced and the grounds cleaned unless the wire is simply loose. If it's corrosion of the wires or of the attachment points for the wires, they need to be replaced and not just cleaned since corrosion often travels along the wire inside the insulation and will likely recur if you only clean the terminals. Also, when was the last time you aimed your headlights? Aim has a drastic effect on the perceived brightness of headlights and if your headlights are mis-aimed then they will seem dim.

ZV

 

[norcalhiker]

do you have any special technique for aiming headlights?

 

[Leejai]

Originally posted by: norcalhiker
do you have any special technique for aiming headlights?

most importantly, wait till dark to do it.

i usually park the car on my driveway so the i can see where the lights are aiming against the garage door. Adjust from there.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: norcalhiker
do you have any special technique for aiming headlights?

A comprehensive guide.

ZV

 

[beatle]

Make sure they're clean!

Aiming headlights varies from car to car. On my car (miata) you park 25 ft away from a wall on a level surface (like a parking garage) and adjust your headlight pattern to be 3 inches down from the middle of the housing. This will also vary depending on the pattern of your headlights...

Gas stations can aim them for a small fee ($10 or so last I checked).

 

[norcalhiker]

hot damn! that is a comprehensive guide.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: beatle
Make sure they're clean!

Aiming headlights varies from car to car. On my car (miata) you park 25 ft away from a wall on a level surface (like a parking garage) and adjust your headlight pattern to be 3 inches down from the middle of the housing. This will also vary depending on the pattern of your headlights...

Gas stations can aim them for a small fee ($10 or so last I checked).

No, it doesn't vary by car. It varies by the type of headlight. The guide I linked covers all types of headlights and proper aiming. Gast stations use a mechanical aiming machine that is worthless.

ZV