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How to Adjust Car Headlights: Step-by-Step Process

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Do you often feel that your car's headlights are not correctly illuminating the path ahead? Are you worried about not being able to see beyond a few metres of your vehicle even when the headlights are turned on? Or are oncoming drivers often honking or flashing their headlights to bring your attention to your headlights?

If the answer to any of the above questions is a yes, then it is a clear sign that your car's headlights are not aimed or aligned correctly and will need an adjustment.

Headlights are the most crucial element of your vehicle, especially when driving at night. If neglected, they can cause accidents as the driver or oncoming traffic may not be able to see things clearly.

In this blog, we will talk about the tell-tale signs that your car's headlights need realignment or readjustments and cover the details on how to adjust car headlights.

Contents

How Do I Know that My Car's Headlights Need Adjustment?
How Do I Adjust the Aim of My Car's Headlights?
How Do I Adjust the Beam Height of My Car's Headlights?
How Do I Adjust the Beam Pattern of My Car's Headlights?
In Summary
Frequently asked questions

How Do I Know that My Car's Headlights Need Adjustment?

There are several signs that your car's headlights may need adjustment. The same are mentioned below.

The beam pattern is not properly illuminating the road: If you notice that the beam of light produced by your headlights is too low or too high or that it is not illuminating a wide enough area, the throw of the headlights may need to be adjusted.
The beam pattern is causing glare for other drivers: If you notice that other drivers are frequently flashing their high beams at you or that you are having difficulty seeing the road ahead due to glare from oncoming headlights, the aim or intensity of your headlights may need to be adjusted.
The headlights are misaligned: If you notice that the beams of light produced by your headlights are not parallel to each other or that one headlight is significantly higher or lower than the other, the aim of the headlights may need to be adjusted.
The headlights are not functioning properly: If you notice that one or both of your headlights are not working properly or are dimming unexpectedly, the headlight assembly may need to be adjusted or replaced.

How Do I Adjust the Aim of My Car's Headlights?

To adjust the aim of your car's headlights, you can follow the following steps.

Locate the screws or levers for adjustment; they are generally on the back of the headlight assembly. Refer to the car’s owner’s manual to locate them easily.
Park your car on a level surface and turn on the headlights.
Find a flat, vertical surface to use as a reference point for aiming the headlights. A garage door or wall works well for this.
Measure the distance between the ground and the centre of the headlight beam. It will help you determine the proper aiming height.
Adjust the aim of the headlights by turning the adjustment screws or levers on the back of the headlight assembly. Make minor adjustments and re-test the aim until the beams are correctly aligned.

How Do I Adjust the Beam Height of My Car's Headlights?

To adjust the beam height of your car's headlights, locate the adjustment screws or levers on the back of the headlight assembly.

Once you have these, you will need to work on raising the beam of your car's headlights. To raise the beam, turn the top adjustment screw or lever clockwise. To lower the beam, turn the bottom adjustment screw or lever clockwise.

When you make adjustments, re-test the aim of your car's headlights to understand if any further adjustments are required. You should also measure the distance between the ground and the centre of the headlight beam. This will help you determine the proper aiming height.

How Do I Adjust the Beam Pattern of My Car's Headlights?

The beam pattern of your car's headlights refers to the shape and intensity of the beam of light projected by the headlight. The beam pattern may need to be adjusted if it is not properly illuminating the road or causing glare for other drivers.

To adjust the beam pattern of your car's headlights, you will again need the adjustment screws and lever. To widen the beam pattern, turn the left adjustment screw or lever clockwise. To narrow the beam pattern, turn the right adjustment screw or lever clockwise.

Again, keep testing and making adjustments until you have the perfect beam pattern on your headlight. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions when adjusting the headlights to ensure that the adjustment is made correctly.

In Summary

While this guide on how to adjust car headlights can help you realign and readjust your car’s headlights as required, it is highly recommended to have a professional look at it if the problem still resurfaces.

Proper maintenance and headlight adjustment go a long way to ensure that your car is in optimal health and you can drive safely at all times. For additional peace of mind, having a valid car insurance policy for your vehicle is highly recommended.

This helps you get financial assistance for any vehicle issues or damages per the policy terms and conditions. Plus, with ACKO, you can complete all the processes from buying car insurance to renewal or claim settlement, all using a mobile app or website, making it highly convenient and simple.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to the most asked questions related to how to adjust car headlights.

Can I adjust my car's headlights myself?

In most cases, adjusting your car's headlights yourself is possible. However, following the manufacturer's instructions and using caution when working on your vehicle is important.

If you are unsure how to adjust the headlights or feel uncomfortable attempting the task yourself, it is recommended to seek help from a professional mechanic.

How often should I adjust my car's headlights?

It is generally recommended to adjust your car's headlights every time you change the tires or service your vehicle. This will ensure that the headlights are correctly aligned and provide optimal driving visibility.

If you notice that the aim of your headlights is off or the beam pattern is not properly illuminating the road, it may be necessary to adjust the headlights more frequently.

Can I use a flashlight or other light source to adjust my car's headlights?

Using a flashlight or other light source is not recommended to adjust your car's headlights. The light from these sources may not accurately represent the beam pattern of the headlights and could lead to improper adjustment.

Do I need any special instrument to adjust the car's headlights?

No, you do not need any special tools to adjust your car's headlights. All you require are essential tools like a screwdriver, measuring tape, and nuts and bolts available in your car's maintenance kit.

Does adjusting the car headlights on your own hamper car insurance?

Adjusting the headlights on your car should not affect your car insurance in any way. It is a routine maintenance task that is typically covered under the manufacturer's warranty or as part of a regular maintenance schedule.

However, if you cause damage to your car while attempting to adjust the headlights, your car insurance may cover the cost of repairs, depending on the specifics of your policy. It is important to carefully read your car insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.