Headlights are essential for safer driving, but like any other car part, they too are prone to damage and faults with usage. After a certain time headlights either don’t work efficiently or simply stop working. Flickering is one of the most common issues that can occur. Car headlights flickering disrupt visibility and directly affect the safety of other drivers and pedestrians.
Driving with flickering headlights can create dangerous road conditions as it can create distractions not only for you but for other drivers as well. However, flickering isn’t always due to overused lights. Sometimes it can be due to another underlying fault. This guide covers everything you need to know about headlights flickering and why you shouldn’t drive with such lights.
Headlights Rules in the UAE
Motorists should understand the importance of car lights in the UAE. In the UAE, you must check your car headlights, indicator and rear lights are working fine. Otherwise, you will face fines and black points if your headlights didn’t work when required.
According to the traffic law (Ministerial Resolution No. (178) for the year 2017 on Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control), motorists will face AED 400 fine and six black points if the vehicle’s headlights are not properly working.
Reasons why is my Headlight Flickering
If your headlight continually goes out while driving, here are the most common reasons:
Dying Car Battery
A dying or dead car battery is one of the common causes of headlights flickering. Your headlight needs power from a battery to function properly. A failing battery can result in flickering or dim car headlights. A car battery usually lasts between 3 to 5 years, depending on driving conditions. If your car headlights go out completely after flickering, then your battery is a culprit. In such a scenario, check your car battery by visiting a nearby mechanic.
Failing Alternator
A failing or worn-out car alternator affects the electrical output of a vehicle. This results in inoperative, dimming or flickering headlights. Alternator’s job is to keep the car’s battery going by converting chemical energy into electrical one. A car’s alternator charges the battery while you drive. It takes about 30 minutes to charge a completely dead battery.
When the alternator goes bad, your car’s battery doesn’t charge properly. Hence, the electrical charging drains quickly by your headlights and other electrical systems. Your car’s dashboard warning light will also alert you about it.
If you are confused between a dead battery or alternator failure symptoms, give this guide a read.
Loose Connection or Fuses
Your car’s electrical system has many wires, fuses, and assorted connections. These connections may get loose or not properly seated, making headlights flicker. You usually notice this problem on rough terrain when shocks connect and disconnect the loose part.
Loose connection and car fuse box issues can be tricky to find, we would suggest you ask for professional help in this regard. There are other causes of damage to the fuse. All you need is to keep an eye on the symptoms.
Worn out Lamps and Bulbs
If you haven’t changed your car’s headlights for a while, then check its bulb and lamps. Old bulbs and lamps in a car’s headlights fail with time, which ultimately causes the headlight to flicker. Thankfully, it is one of the easiest and quickest fixes. All you need is to buy a car light in the UAE and get it replaced. You should also keep your car headlight clean from the inside to extend its life.
Bad Wiring
Sometimes physical damage to a car’s headlight components makes it flicker. This problem is common if you install aftermarket parts or you miss wiring while installing the headlight. If the headlights’ wiring gets damaged or mixed up, it can cause the electrical system to go out randomly and make the headlights flicker.
If you suspect bad wiring, take your car to a trusted mechanic. Take this issue seriously since bad wiring can cause your car catch fire and a short circuit if ignored.
Excessive Auxiliary Power Drain
Another reason for headlights flickering could be your surround stereo system. A high-power stereo system draws power, especially if the music is loud and has bass. A powerful car stereo can make your interior and exterior lights flicker.
Besides, a broken window motor, a bad fuel pump, malfunctioned air conditioning, and other faulty engine components can also make your car’s headlights and dash lights flicker while driving.
Faulty Headlamp Switch
A failing headlamp switch can disrupt the communication between your car’s electrical and computer systems. This is why you may end up with flickering headlights. You can resolve this issue by simply getting a new headlamp switch installed. Besides, you may check the computer and electrical systems and check battery alternators, relays, fuses and switches.
If you are planning to buy a used car in the UAE, make sure you check all its parts are working correctly including headlights, battery and alternator etc. Besides, different car headlight restoration techniques can help you to make them shine like new.
These are some of the possible reasons behind headlights flickering. To troubleshoot your car’s flickering headlights, you must check all the possible causes. To get the best results, you should take your vehicle to the repair centre to diagnose and repair it. There are different types of headlights in your car. You can choose any for your vehicle.
You mustn’t forget to replace the bulbs after 5 years of use. If you often drive at night, you should pay attention to changing the bulb.
If you find these reasons useful, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more tips.
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