Why headlights are dim

A bad alternator, ageing headlight lenses and a corroded ground wire could also be the cause of dim headlights. In addition to headlights being dim, drivers should look out for power issues like headlight flickering, problems with interior lights and trouble starting. Not all headlight bulbs share the same longevity.

The average lifespan for each type of headlight bulb is as follows:. Need to take your vehicle in to be looked at by a professional? Our website allows drivers to easily schedule an appointment online for a date, time and location that works well for them. Your email address will not be published. Look for this link on your favorites: Save. Manuel 32 years of experience. Request Manuel.

Mazda 5 L Manuel arrived on time, diagnosed the problem with my headlight - and was able to replace the defective headlight in a very efficient manner.

I would recommend Manuel any time, if you need to have your car checked out, repaired, either at your residence or at work. Guan 6 years of experience. Request Guan. Chevrolet HHR L Guan went above and beyond to fix a problem with my headlights. Very nice, personable and professional. I have always had great experiences with your mechanics and Guan is added to my list of mechanics to request. Thanks Guan for going the extra mile to help me out.

Robert 23 years of experience. Request Robert. Nissan Altima L Excellent service , Robert was very knowledgeable and did a excellent job. I will use him moving forward for any of my car needs. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned CPO program, and each one is set up differently. Read on Read more. Gas gauge stuck This is a common issue in GM vehicles. The instrument cluster in GM vehicles uses stepper motors to run the gauges.

These motors fail often and make the gauges work erratically and give bad readings. The instrument cluster will need What are the effects or symptoms of bad fuel injectors? A fuel injector that is failed closed will cause total misfire all the time When I start the car it makes a rattling noise like something is loose.

A report from AAA shows that drivers should pay more attention to cloudy headlights and get them restored. By Patrick Olsen. December 11, Sharing is Nice Yes, send me a copy of this email. Send We respect your privacy.

Oops, we messed up. Try again later. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Learn more. Best Tire Brands of More From Consumer Reports. How to Keep Headlights Bright We discovered several tips while evaluating these products: Examine your headlight lenses closely before purchasing any of these restoration kits.

If they appear clear, don't use a lens restoration product. They are abrasive and can easily damage lenses that don't need such severe restoration. Before using any restoration kit, it's a good idea to watch the manufacturer's instructional videos online. If the lenses are clear but the lights appear to be dimmer than they used to be, you may need new bulbs. All bulbs dim over time and should be replaced after a few years. Regularly clean your lenses with a household glass cleaner.

Even a simple cleaning can make a big difference in how well you can see, especially if you live in an area with a lot of snow, ice, or road salt.