How To Adjust Car Headlights: Step-by-step Guide

When do your car headlights need adjustments?

Knowing when and how to adjust car headlights is crucial for safe driving. Here are some signs to watch out for:
 

• The headlight beams are uneven: If one of your headlights aims higher than the other, it is a clear sign of misalignment.
   
• The beam pattern is inconsistent: If the light pattern of your headlights seems scattered or unfocused, it indicates that they need adjustment.
   
• The headlight beams do not illuminate enough of the road: If your headlights produce either too much or too little light, and you cannot see enough of the road, they need adjustment.
   
• The glare from your headlights is blinding other drivers: If you find that other drivers on the road frequently flash their headlights at your car, your headlights probably need to be adjusted. The beam of your car’s headlights may shine directly in their eyes.
   
• The headlights do not function properly: Headlights that are too dim or non-functional should be checked out to be repaired or replaced.

 

Tools you need to adjust car headlights

A well-stocked vehicle tool kit includes crucial car headlight adjustment tools. Here are some of them.
 

• Screwdriver: Most vehicles use a Phillips-head screwdriver for headlight adjustments, but you can check your car manual for which one suits best or any specific requirements.
   
• Masking tape: Masking tape is useful for marking reference points for your car headlights on the wall or garage door.
   
• Measuring tape: Taking accurate distance measurements between the headlight beams is crucial for adjusting your car’s headlights.
   
• Wall or garage door: A clear wall, garage door, or any flat, vertical surface is necessary for marking and aligning the headlights.

Bonus tips: It’s useful to have a dark cloth, cardboard, or any other covering in case you need to block out light. It’s also best if you adjust your car’s headlights if it’s on a level, flat surface.

 

How to Adjust Car Headlights

It’s easy to learn how to adjust car headlights, and the three main moves are to calibrate the aim, beam height, and beam pattern. Let’s find out how it’s done!

 

Prepare your car to adjust the headlights

1. Park on level ground: Park your car on a flat surface, facing a wall or garage door approximately 7 feet away.

 

2. Refer to your car manual: Refer to the car manual to find out where the screws or levers for headlight adjustment are located, if you are not able to find it on your own. They are generally located behind the headlight assembly.

 

3. Check your car’s tyre pressure and vehicle load: Ensure all your tyres are properly inflated, and your car is carrying a normal load (not too heavy or light).

 

Mark the wall to adjust the car headlights

1. Turn on your headlights: Switch your headlights on in low-beam, and make sure your car is on but not running.

 

2. Mark the centrelines: Next, use masking tape to mark the vertical and horizontal centrelines of the headlights on the wall. To do this, measure the distance from the ground to the centre of the headlight and then transpose this measurement on the wall. The tape should create a cross so that it is easy to aim the car headlights.

 

 

How to adjust the car headlights

1. Find the adjustment screws for the headlights: Pop open your hood and find the headlight adjustment screws. Standardly, there are two screws per headlight - one for vertical and one for horizontal adjustments.

 

2. Adjust the horizontal aim of the headlights: Use a screwdriver to turn the screw for horizontal adjustment and align the centre of the beam to the vertical tape marking.

 

3. Adjust the vertical aim of the headlights: Turn the screw for vertical adjustment. Align the beam with the horizontal tape marking, ensuring the beam falls just below it.

 

Repeat these steps for both headlights.

 

Fine-tuning and final checks

1. Secure all screws: Make sure the car headlight adjustment screws are securely tightened.

 

2. Close up: Close and secure the hood of your car.

 

3. Check the beam pattern: The headlight beam patterns should have a distinct cut-off line. If the beam pattern is scattered or unclear, the adjustments should be refined again.

 

4. Test it out: Take your car out to test out your adjusted headlights, preferably in a dark area. Make sure the beams are properly aligned and provide adequate illumination without blinding other drivers on the road.

 

Driving with Confidence

Having a reliable Car Insurance Plan is just as important as having functioning headlights for driving. A good plan covers your risks as a car owner and give you peace of mind. At Shriram General Insurance, our Car Insurance Plans give you dependable coverage against loss due to damage, accidents and other unexpected events.
 
Shriram General Car Insurance provides a range of insurance policies including comprehensive coverage plans, specific Own Damage (OD) plans, and mandatory Third-Party coverage. With our seamless online process, you can access benefits and enjoy dedicated customer support, no matter where you are! 

 

Conclusion

Knowing how to adjust car headlights is a skill, especially for nighttime driving safety, visibility, and to gain confidence in your driving. 
 
 The next time there’s an issue, we hope this guide will help you adjust your car headlights with confidence!

 

FAQs

1. How often should I check my car headlights?

You should check your headlights every few months or after any significant impact on your vehicle to ensure they’re always in top condition.

 

2. Can I adjust my headlights by myself?

Yes, with a few simple car headlight adjustment tools and this step-by-step guide, you can adjust your headlights by yourself.

 

3. What if my headlights are still dim after adjustment?

Check the bulbs for wear or dirt on the lens. Replacing old bulbs or cleaning the lens can improve brightness.

 

4.  Are LED headlights adjusted the same way?

Yes, LED headlights can be adjusted using the same steps. Although, they may have different adjustment screws or mechanisms, so refer to your car’s manual.

 

5. Does car insurance cover headlight adjustments?

Standard Car Insurance Policies do not cover regular maintenance, including headlight adjustments. However, repairs that have resulted from an accident may be covered under your collision or comprehensive insurance.

 

6. Will my insurance premium increase if I have misaligned headlights?

No, misaligned headlights won't directly affect your insurance premium. However, a claim could increase your premium if you cause an accident due to reduced visibility or blinding other drivers.