6 Killer Tips for Car Headlight Repair and Installation
The headlights of your car are one of the key elements that must be always functioning, especially while driving at night and in unfavorable weather conditions. However, these lights can be damaged or ruined over time due to constant exposure to the sun, rain, and cold. So, you have to do regular maintenance and car headlight repair when necessary.
If you’re going to do the headlight repair or installation by yourself, check out the following tips about installation and replacement headlights.
These tips will help you do the process more quickly and efficiently and avoid any accident.
Tips for Car Headlight Repair and Installation
Never try to touch the bulbs with bare hands
It’s the most important thing to remember when you are doing headlight installation, especially halogen bulbs. Your hands may have grease and dirt that can damage or ruin the bulbs. So, wear latex gloves if you have to touch the bulbs.
Be aware of the bolts’ locations in the headlight casing
You may need to replace the casing if you need to install or repair headlights. So, be aware of the position of all the bolts to remove the casing properly. Use a jack and jack stands if any of the bolts is under the car.
Aim the headlights
You should align the headlights in case you have replaced them by removing the housings.
Find a flat ground to park the car and check if the lights are properly aligned. If you are inexperienced, contact an experienced mechanic to do it.
On the other hand, it won’t be necessary if your car has halogen lights. When you install headlights and reattach the casing, they will be set to the right alignment automatically.
You have to loosen the bulb retainer
If you are replacing halogen lights, you need to loosen the retainer that keeps the bulbs in place. These retainers don’t simply unplug like a connector.
Mask off the surrounding area while cleaning
You need to do it to avoid scratching the paint off the area surrounding the headlights. Use tape to mask off the area and clean the surface by using car soap.
Cleaning the lights is necessary as they become yellow or darker by accumulating dirt and debris.
Don’t replace the headlights for a single crack
You don’t need to replace them if there are only thin cracks on the lenses. These days, you will get repair patches and liquid repair solutions for fixing broken headlight lenses.
These things will seal the cracks efficiently and prevent moisture and debris from entering inside the casing.
Consult professionals for complex systems
Modern cars often have complex headlight systems integrated with the vehicle’s computer. For these vehicles, it’s advisable to consult a professional to avoid damaging the system.
Use the right type of sealant
If you need to seal the headlight assembly, use a sealant designed for automotive use. This ensures a proper seal against moisture and external elements.
Stay informed about vehicle recalls
Occasionally, manufacturers recall vehicles due to headlight issues. Stay informed about any recalls that might affect your vehicle and take appropriate action.
FAQs on Car Headlight Repair
1. Why is it important not to touch car headlight bulbs with bare hands?
Touching headlight bulbs, especially halogen types, with bare hands can transfer grease and dirt. This can damage the bulbs as the oil from your skin can cause hot spots on the glass, leading to early failure.
2. What should be kept in mind regarding the bolts in the headlight casing?
When installing or repairing headlights, it’s essential to know the location of all bolts in the headlight casing. In some cases, you may need to use a jack and jack stands if any bolts are located under the car.
3. How do you properly align headlights after replacement?
If you’ve replaced the headlights and removed the housings, you should align them. This can be done by parking the car on flat ground and adjusting the lights.
However, alignment might not be necessary for certain types of lights like halogen, which are set to the right alignment automatically when installed.
4. What is the purpose of loosening the bulb retainer in headlight repair?
When replacing halogen lights, it’s necessary to loosen the retainer that holds the bulbs in place. This is important because these retainers are not designed to unplug like a connector but need to be loosened for bulb replacement.
5. Why should you mask off the surrounding area when cleaning headlights?
Masking off the area around the headlights is crucial to avoid scratching the car’s paint. When cleaning headlights, especially if they have become yellow or dark due to dirt accumulation, it’s important to protect the surrounding areas.
6. Is it necessary to replace headlights if there are only minor cracks?
For minor cracks on the headlight lenses, it’s not always necessary to replace the entire headlight.
Nowadays, there are repair patches and liquid repair solutions available that can efficiently seal these cracks and prevent moisture and debris from entering the casing.
Check out this video from The Mechanic to learn more about car headlight repair and installation!
Final Words
Never forget about safety when doing your car headlight repair. Do not ever touch hot objects with your bare hands and remember to handle sharp instruments carefully.
Besides, try to inspect your headlights regularly, especially during the winter when you need to keep your line of vision clear while driving.
