In autumn, drivers more often notice deterioration in road lighting. The cause may be not only rain and early twilight, but also dirty headlights, worn-out bulbs, and clouded plastic. Some problems can be fixed without visiting a service station.
Why car headlights shine poorly in autumn: 5 reasons
Even properly functioning headlights may insufficiently illuminate the road due to the condition of the lenses, incorrect light direction, or electrical equipment faults.
1. Dirty lenses. Road dust, dirt, and insect remains form a film that reduces light transmission. The problem can be fixed by washing the headlights with car shampoo and a soft cloth.
2. Worn-out bulbs. Halogen bulbs gradually lose efficiency. If the light has become weaker, it is worth checking their condition and, if necessary, replacing them with new ones of the appropriate type.
3. Incorrect adjustment. If the light beam is directed too low, the road is illuminated at a shorter distance. The driver can preliminarily check the direction of the light near a flat wall, but precise adjustment is best performed on special equipment.
4. Low voltage. Insufficient power supply can reduce the brightness of halogen bulbs. The cause is sometimes oxidized contacts, faults in the alternator or battery. The voltage can be checked with a multimeter.
5. Clouded plastic. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the protective coating of the headlights breaks down, and the surface turns yellow. Transparency can be restored with a special polishing kit followed by applying a protective coating.
Restoring headlight light: what to check before a trip
According to a study by the American Automobile Association AAA, heavily clouded headlights can provide only 20% of the light output compared to new ones.
“Poor headlight light does not always mean they need to be replaced. Sometimes it is enough to clean the lenses, check the bulbs, and restore the transparency of the plastic,” notes the author of the material, Oleksii Astapov.
If after cleaning and checking the bulbs the lighting has not improved, it is necessary to diagnose the electrical equipment and adjust the headlights at a service station.
