A recent study published in 2018 by AAA found that drivers’ old headlights were too often dangerously cloudy, impairing vision at night and creating more risky driving behaviour in low-light. There are a lot of reasons why one’s headlights go dim. It’s not always due to cloudiness.
Regardless, if your headlights aren’t quite giving you the sight they once did or they’re looking lacklustre, consider the reason on why are your headlights dim and look for a lasting solution:
1. Loose Connection
Typically, a loose connection is the most common reason why your headlights are dim. From the perspective of the driver, this can appear as inconsistent lighting or dimming. Do a quick inspection of the headlight and verify that there isn’t an issue with the electrical connection.
2. A Bulb May Be Dying
Lightbulbs die. This applies to your car as well. If either of your headlights are reaching a natural conclusion, you may notice them providing less and less light until they eventually disappear altogether. Before you lose a headlight, replace it with a new bulb. Assuming this is why your headlights appear dim, the issue will be fixed and your headlights will be restored.
3. Your Alternator is Failing
When the alternator is failing, the headlights can dim, flicker, or pulsate. That is because the alternator is what powers the headlights. As it’s struggling to do its job, performance is compromised. You may notice other symptoms of a bad alternator, such as malfunctioning accessories, car battery trouble, trouble starting the vehicle or stalling, growling noises, and the smell of burning rubber.
4. Corroded Ground Wire
Sometimes the reason why headlights dim are because there’s a corroded ground wire. This isn’t so much a big deal as it is an inconvenience and a challenge to someone who isn’t familiar with cars. To fix, they need to find and replace the ground wire. If the whole vehicle needs to be rewired, the cost can amount to up to $1,500 vehicle-depending. It can be very expensive, needless to say, but necessary.
5. Your Headlight Lenses Are Aged
Sometimes all your headlights need are a quick clean. As you drive, so much material comes in contact with your vehicle and your headlights. Scratches occur. Clouds eventually appear as different materials stick on and dry. If you notice your headlights are dim but still remain on consistently, start here. You may want to buy a headlights cleaning kit or talk to a car professional to tidy up those nasty lenses and have your headlights restored to their former glory.
6. Replace the Lens
In some cases, restoration may not be possible. Headlight lenses that are quite old can prove extremely difficult to clean especially if you haven’t done so in the past. Replace the lens and ensure that it is angled correctly and is in line with the shape of your other headlight. This is like replacing your headlight. You will notice an immediate difference in visibility if the issue was exclusively an issue with the lens being dirty.
7. Car Battery is Malfunctioning
Typically, a malfunctioning car battery will not cause the headlights to dim but rather, they’ll flicker. That said, they can cause dimming in certain situations. As a car batter weakens, it is rendered to such a state where it cannot give out adequate electricity. As headlights can’t receive enough to power them, that is when they will tend to start dimming or dim and flicker. Unfortunately, if it is found that the car battery is the problem, that can be a serious problem in needing of immediate attention.
8. Issues With Your Car’s Electrical System
What could be worse than an issue with your car battery – trouble with your vehicle’s electrical system. If your electronics are starting to malfunction, you need to have your car examined immediately as it’s hard to predict what could happen if you continue to drive your vehicle long-term. This isn’t just sensors going down but rather what’s powering your vehicle is starting to give out.
9. When Do You Need A Mechanic?
If you’ve ruled out that it’s an issue with the lens and the wiring as far as you can tell is securely connected, the next step is to contact a mechanic. If it’s a battery issue or problem with your electrical system, they will find it. For the more serious issues, you do not want to wait to get an assessment done. If you do, you’re playing a game of chance. Your vehicle could fail on you anytime.
10. What If I Continue Driving With Dim Headlights?
You’re at major risk of driving with dim headlights. Within 3-5 years, headlights will get dirty and possibly start to deteriorate. Headlights that produce less visibility puts you at risk as well as other drivers. Sometimes the solution is very inexpensive and you’ll be glad you did it. If it is a more expensive and serious issue, you will also want that addressed as there’s no way to avoid an inevitable breakdown. Call a mechanic if you suspect an inspection is needed.
