Your headlights aren’t usually the first thing to spring to mind when you think about your car’s vital safety systems, and yet they’re absolutely essential to your vehicle’s performance. When you’re driving in the dark or through bad weather, they help you to see your way while ensuring that other road users are aware of your presence. Read on to find out how to tell when it’s time to contact your Chrysler dealer about new headlights.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Problems
One of the best ways to make sure that your headlights are burning brightly is to perform regular visual checks, particularly as winter approaches or if you take a lot of nighttime drives. If you notice any of the following problems, it’s a sign that it’s time to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Flickering
A headlight that gutters or flickers might have an old and worn filament, but it could also be the victim of a faulty connection or wiring.
Blown Fuses
If you notice that you keep having to replace the same blown fuse, or that it only occurs when your headlights are on, you may have a wiring problem that needs to be checked out.
One Light Out
Headlights are generally installed in pairs and will have the same lifespan, so if one burns out, it’s likely that the other will need changing as well.
No High Beams
Remember to check your high beams as well. If you see no difference when they’re switched on, you could be dealing with another blown bulb or else a wiring issue. Either way, it’s best to have it checked.
Dimming
As your bulbs near the end of their life, they gradually produce less light. This can seriously impact on your visibility, but it can be difficult to discern over an extended period of time, so stay alert to the possibility.
Keep Your Headlights Burning Brightly
There are some ways to ensure that your headlights continue to provide you with full illumination. Keeping the headlight area clean ensures that the light isn’t obscured by a buildup of grime, and a touch of wax will protect it further.
And while you can’t ever guarantee that a bulb won’t blow, it helps to stay aware of the type of bulb in your car. A traditional halogen bulb has a lifespan of around 500 hours, but an LED one can burn for up to 40,000 hours. Knowing the difference will let you schedule bulb changes in good time.
It’s possible to change the headlights yourself, but it can be a fiddly job that might require you to dismantle the headlight area. That’s why it’s better to get professional help, so schedule a service with Thornton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and take advantage of our expertise, factory-trained technicians, and specialized technology.
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