Common Signs That Indicate a Problem with Your Headlights

Common Signs That Indicate a Problem with Your Headlights

Let’s face it, most of us overlook the importance of the headlights until they’re no longer working. At that point, you might’ve already experienced this problem first hand, and you now know that it’s not something you should ignore. However, several signs indicate that something bad is about to happen to your headlights. Look out for these signs of a failing headlight and you will have enough time to solve the problem before you’re left in the dark.

Flickering Headlights

Just like a candle in the wind, the headlights of your car may flicker on and off, randomly. This is one of the first signs that tell headlight bulbs are through. If you use the headlights excessively during a long period, this action will wear down the filament of the bulb. In most cases, your headlights will stop working shortly, once you start noticing the flickering.

Another common reason that causes headlights to flicker on and off is due to faulty battery connection or bad harness. For instance, if you bought your vehicle just 3 years ago, it’s highly unlikely that you will be replacing your headlights. That’s why you should look for a loose connection at the battery terminals. If this doesn’t work, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. There’s also a chance that your warranty may cover repairs of headlights, so act quickly and get it done.

Dim Headlights

You notice your once-bright headlights are turning dimmer. Maybe, they are working properly, but with rare and varying illumination, they’ll inevitably fail, at a certain point.

Over time, headlamp bulbs lose their brightness and seem dimmer. This is a crystal-clear sign that you have to replace the bulb sooner, rather than later.

A corroded ground wire can also be a cause for dim headlights. To be sure that this is the actual problem, follow the ground wire from the headlight assembly’s back and wiring harness to its origin. If you notice a sign of corrosion, bring your vehicle to your local auto repair center for a headlight replacement service.

Headlight Bulbs Constantly Burn Down

If you notice this problem, it can be a sign of a bigger, more complicated electrical problem. Fuses blow out because of faulty headlight bulbs or bulbs that have the wrong wattage. You have to inspect the lighting switch, headlight assembly, fuses and any visible wires in the harness.

High beams can also be the guilty party, so if you have recently replaced the high beams’ bulbs, check the vehicle’s manual for the recommended wattage. If everything checks out, maybe there was something wrong with the installation of the bulb. Either way, seek assistance from a professional auto technician.

High Beams Are Working, Low Beams Not

You can check that by changing the high beam bulb with a low beam bulb. After you’ve made the change, if the low beam bulb is working, the problem lies with the bulb.

If this change does not work, you probably have a blown fuse. Inspect the electrical area for burnt fuses, loose connections, or melted wires. You can also check the headlight wiring with a voltage multimeter.