Having correctly aligned headlights is a super important part of making sure your car is safe and in check. Aligning your headlights is something you’re able to do yourself, but having a professional do this is a much better option since there’s some great equipment that can align headlights.
Your car’s headlamp might need aligning for a few reasons, but the more you use your car, the more likely it is to need this service.
Dive into the post below and learn everything you need to know about headlamps.
How To Check Headlamps Are Working
Knowing if your headlamps are working is the first step towards fixing them of course. You might find a bulb isn’t working because it’s broken, but it’s not always easy to tell if your headlamp is off-centre and not working properly.
Headlights and Taillights
The easiest way and simplest way to check your headlights and taillights are working is to switch on your car, leave it running with the handbrake on and walk around your car, checking the lights one by one.
If you find your lamps are too dim, it’s always worth replacing the bulb, this is the best way to brighten your headlights or taillights.
If you find they’re too bright, it’s worth checking your headlights have been properly aligned. This can be done at home by yourself, though it’s best left to a professional.
Importance Of Headlights
Headlights are a vital part of your driving experience, they allow you to fully light up the road in front of you, illuminating pedestrians, animals, and debris in the road. They’re there to keep yourself, your passengers, and others around you safe.
You can also use your headlights during the day, making you more visible to other road users, especially if it’s early in the morning or if the sun is setting. Fog lights are also important, not only making you visible to others but helping you see through the fog.
How To Align Headlights
Now we’re onto the fun part, how to actually align your headlights. There are some simple steps you can use if you’re looking to align your headlights. We’ve created a step-by-step guide for you, making your life easier!
Step One
Start by locating your headlight adjustment screws. Once you’ve found them, use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screws, loosening them.
To find these screws, you’ll need to check your car’s manual, this should be able to direct you to where they’re located. Most cars have them placed underneath the trim around the headlight, but they might also be behind the battery.
TIP: If they’re located underneath the battery, get a professional to do this!
Step Two
Once you’ve found your adjustment screws, you can start to make any adjustments you need. Start by placing a blanket over the other headlight if you’re not adjusting both. You’ll need to turn the lights off and turn the adjustment screws until the light is at the height you need.
Step Three
Finally, don’t forget to check your car’s guidelines and manual, these will give a good indication of what height requirements your vehicle has for headlights. You can align LED headlights the same way as any other kind of headlight.
LED Headlights
LED headlights are great if you’re looking to make a change with your car. Switching to LED headlamps has so many great benefits compared to the average halogen lights. Halogen lights lose most of their energy as heat rather than light, making them somewhat insufficient.
Switching to LED headlights will see many positive changes to your car. The benefits of LED headlights include:
- Time – LED lights turn on instantly whilst halogen lights take around half a minute
- Durability – LED lights are more durable than halogen lights
- Installation – LED lights are easier to install than halogen lights are
- Brightness – Having LED lights will improve the brightness of your headlights
- Cost – By choosing LED headlights, you’ll be saving yourself plenty of money
These are just some of the great benefits of switching to LED headlights in your car but of course, there are many more reasons to switch.
Now you know everything there is to know on how to align your headlamps and all about LED headlights. All you need to do now is make the adjustment to your headlamps and switch over to LED lights!
