Get Clear Vision Ahead: A Guide to Adjusting Car Headlights

Correctly adjusted headlights are very important for safe driving, even though some don’t know that their lights could be improperly adjusted either too high or too low. It is quite easy to adjust your headlights either by getting a headlight kit or opting for a headlight restoration service. This guide covers common signs your headlights need adjustment, steps for adjusting headlights, and when to seek professional help. With some simple equipment and patience, you’ll see clearly ahead in no time.

Common Signs that Indicate Headlight Adjustments are Needed

Here are signs it may be time to adjust the headlights:

• If you get flashed frequently by oncoming drivers at night, it likely means your headlights are aimed too high, blinding other drivers. Adjustments are needed to lower the aim.
• If you cannot see the road as far ahead as expected while driving at night, such as low beams not reaching far enough for highway speeds or high beams having dark spots, adjustments can optimise the illumination distance and patterns.
• If your headlights illuminate the treetops more than the road ahead, it signals that they are aimed too high, and adjustments are needed to lower the aim downward. The light should be focused on the road, not the treetops.
• If you have trouble seeing road signs, pedestrians, and hazards at night, it may indicate headlights aimed off-centre or too low. Adjusting the angle higher and centred will help improve visibility.
• Anytime headlight bulbs have been replaced or adjusted, further adjustments help redirect the beams back where they belong - focused on the road ahead.

If you notice these issues, your headlight aim has likely shifted out of alignment.

Steps to Adjust Your Headlights

Follow these key steps to adjust your headlights properly:

Step 1 : Park your car on a flat surface like a driveway or parking lot, at least 25 feet from any walls or objects. This gives a clear view to adjust.

Step 2: Turn on the headlights and observe if they aim straight ahead or point off at an angle. If angled, adjustments are needed.

Step 3: Locate adjustment screws inside the headlight housing. There will be vertical and horizontal screws.

Step 4: Use a vertical screw to adjust up/down aim:

• Turn clockwise to point beam higher
• Turn counter-clockwise to aim lights lower

Step 5: Use a horizontal screw to adjust left/right aim:

• Turn clockwise to point beam right
• Turn counterclockwise to point beam left

Step 6: Make very small turns of screws and adjust gradually. Check alignment frequently.

Step 7: Drive at night to test the new adjustments. Make sure illumination reaches far enough without blinding others.

Step 8: If the vehicle is still misaligned, repeat the adjustment process until it is properly aimed. If issues persist, an auto mechanic may be needed.

Why Must You Take Professional Help?

Getting professional help with headlight adjustments from a professional is advisable for a few key reasons:

Firstly, they have specialised equipment like headlight adjustment kits that make precision alignment much easier. It can be extremely difficult to get the exact right angle just by eyeballing it yourself. Their laser-guided adjustment tools take the guesswork out.

Secondly, over time, headlight lenses and housings get faded, oxidised and yellowed. This diminishes the brightness. Experts provide headlight restoration service where they professionally refinish the lenses, so they look crystal clear again. This can improve night vision dramatically.

The right tools in trained hands make all the difference for dialling in safe, glare-free adjustment. Protect yourself and others on the road by having headlight adjustments and restoration done professionally.

Conclusion

Regularly checking your headlights for signs of misalignment and making timely adjustments ensures you get maximum road illumination without blinding other drivers. Follow the steps here to adjust your headlights. Seek professional assistance from AIS Windshield Experts for headlight restoration service. Proper headlights are a simple way to make night driving safer for yourself and others on the road.