Headlights are a crucial safety feature that provides clear visibility when driving at night. When you have properly adjusted headlights, driving on dark roads becomes easier. However, if you don’t have adjusted headlights that point to the sky rather than the road, you won’t be able to see and drive comfortably.
With the help of very few tools and tips, one can adjust headlights and drive with a clear vision of the road. Here’s a guide on factors that lead to improper alignment of car front lights and how to adjust headlights for proper visibility.
HOW DO HEADLIGHTS MISALIGN?
There are different ways that may misalign the headlights and cause visibility issues. Here are some of the reasons that can cause the headlights to go out of adjustment.
- A component might have broken due to vibration in the car or an accident from the front.
- Damaged lenses can also diffuse light in different directions.
- Headlight levels may be impaired. Different types of headlights, for instance, xenon light bulbs may move up or down due to the load in the vehicle.
- Sometimes drivers’ manual adjustments can disturb the light level as they may confuse the adjustment dials with brightness control in the light instrument panel.
- When you change the worn-out bulbs, the headlights may misalign or may be positioned in such a way that the focal point gets disturbed.
HOW TO KNOW IF HEADLIGHTS NEED ADJUSTMENT?
The following causes will tell you that car headlights focus adjustment is required:
- If the driver comes at you and turns low beam from high beam lights, it means that your headlights are blinding them temporarily. This means that either you have a high beam turned on or low beams require adjustment.
- If you can’t see the road more than 20 feet ahead, it means the headlights are adjusted too low.
- If you can see the tree bushes when driving down the road, it means the headlights are adjusted too high.
With either of the reasons listed above, one will need to align the car headlights centre.
HOW TO ADJUST HEADLIGHTS?
Driving over potholes or excessive load can have an effect on the headlights’ focal point. You can follow this guide step by step for car headlights adjustment.
HEADLIGHTS ADJUSTMENT TOOLS
When fixing the alignment of headlights, you will need to follow the car owner’s manual and use the following tools:
- Measuring tape to measure the focal length
- Screwdriver for fixing the components
- Masking tape to mark a point
- Dark cardboard, paper or cloth to block the light
- A wall at a distance of at least 25 feet
STEPS FOR CAR HEADLIGHTS ADJUSTMENT
CAR’S OWNER MANUAL
Some vehicles don’t allow car headlights adjustments and others have headlight adjustment screws. You will have to consult the owner’s manual of the car to know about your make and model. You can also find the location of screws to adjust headlights in that manual.
PARKING THE CAR FOR HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Find a level ground to park the car in front of a wall. Make sure your tyre pressure is accurate and the vehicle is balanced. Keep the fuel tank at least half full and also, keep the normal weight you carry on your vehicle and turn the headlights on towards the wall.
MARKING THE CENTRE POINTS
Turn the low beam on and make sure that your car is parked in front of the wall at a distance of 6 feet. Mark the centre point with masking tape and create a cross.
MEASURE THE LENGTH OF BOTH THE HEADLIGHTS
Take the measuring tape to measure the points and see if the length of both the lights from the ground are the same or not. Now, adjust the headlights using screws. Some vehicles have an integrated crosshair system to find the centre axis. Your owner’s manual will have this information.
PARK THE CAR AT A DISTANCE OF 25 FEET
Now, reverse your car and park at a distance of 25 feet from the wall. Ensure that you park the car at a levelled surface. Turn the headlights on and see where the brightest light aims at the tape marking.
ADJUSTING HEADLIGHT
Remove the rings or bezels of the headlight. Keep the parts in a secure place. Use the manual to find the vertical and horizontal headlights adjusting screws.
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the vertical field such that the headlights are aimed at the centre of the marked position. Move the adjusting screw clockwise for moving the aim upwards whereas counterclockwise to aim the headlight lower. Always keep a piece of cardboard placed at the other headlight when adjusting one side.
HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the headlights horizontally in the same way. Use cardboard for the other headlight. Adjust the screw clockwise to position the headlights outwards whereas adjust counterclockwise to aim the lights inwards.
TESTING THE HEADLIGHTS AFTER ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the other headlight vertically and horizontally. Ensure both the headlights are aimed at the centre of the marked cross. Test drive the car to see if the road visibility is clear. If the headlights are still facing the sky or sideways, repeat the above steps again.
This was all about how headlight adjustment works and save yourself from any major accidents due to bad visibility. Make sure when you buy used cars in the UAE, you adjust headlights properly for a safer drive. Also, follow the guide to clean the car headlights from the inside so that the lights are always in proper condition.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on auto parts and repairs.
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