Your car’s headlights play a crucial role in keeping you safe on the road, especially while driving at night. However, over time, various problems with your car’s headlights can arise, compromising their performance and your visibility and safety out on the road.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most common headlight issues, from cloudy lenses to wonky bulbs, to help you spot and deal with them before they become a bigger issue.
Dirty headlights
Over time, headlight lenses can become dirty or yellowed from road salt, mud, sunlight, and other grubby substances.
While replacing the bulb might seem like a quick fix, it won’t restore the clarity of the lens itself. To improve visibility, clean the headlights using a reliable cleaning kit, such as the Autoglym Headlight Restoration Complete Kit. By regularly removing the muck, your headlight will stay shiny and bright for longer.
Inconsistent light output
If you’ve ever replaced just one headlight bulb at a time, you might have noticed that the light produced by the new bulb is noticeably brighter than the old one. This can create an uneven lighting experience, making it harder for you to drive at night and disorienting for other road users.
For a simple fix, it’s best to replace both headlights at the same time to ensure an equal and balanced light output.
Low-quality bulbs
Not all headlight bulbs are created equal. While cheaper bulbs may seem like a good deal, they often contain lower-quality filaments, which can affect their performance and lifespan.
Investing in higher-quality bulbs will not only give you brighter and more consistent lighting but will also extend the life of your headlights. While it might cost a bit more upfront, you won’t run the risk of needing to replace your bulbs as frequently.
Moisture inside the headlight
Finding moisture inside your headlight unit is a clear sign that there is a crack or defect in the seal. This moisture can damage the bulb, therefore reducing its lifespan. If you notice fogging or condensation inside the lens and you’ve already tried cleaning it, then the headlight unit may need to be replaced.
If you’re unsure about the cause of this mysterious fog, then pop down to your local Halfords garage and speak to one of our experts for a clearer diagnosis and advice on the next steps.
Road damage
Unexpected potholes, bumps, and rough roads can significantly impact the condition of your car’s headlights. The vibrations and sudden impacts can cause bulbs to loosen, crack, and even completely break.
After hitting a pesky pothole or venturing out on bumpy roads, it’s a wise idea to inspect your headlights to see if you’ve been a victim of damage. This way, you won’t get caught out by a blown bulb the next time you want to venture out after dark.
Badly fitted bulbs
Installing a new headlight bulb might seem like a simple task, but it’s not always as easy as it looks. Some vehicles require the removal of the car bumper or access through the wheel arch, which can be tricky and time-consuming, especially if you’re not a car expert.
If the bulb is not fitted properly, it can begin to flicker or dim. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to let an expert handle the installation for you.
Halfords car bulb fitting service
If your bulbs need replacing, why not let the experts take it from here?
You can book this handy service online when purchasing your new bulbs or by popping into your local Halfords store or garage.
If you’re confident you’ve got it handled, then use our clever bulb checker tool to find the right bulbs for your vehicle.
Halfords Motoring Club
By joining the Halfords Motoring Club today, you’ll get access to a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving.
It’s free to join and you’ll receive money off your MOT, a free car health check, and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service, including our range of car bulbs.
Or choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment) to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages, and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.