A vehicle’s headlights aren’t just useful for allowing you to see the road and oncoming traffic on dark nights; they also help other cars to see you. However, like any car part, they need maintenance—both at home and at the auto repair shop—to ensure they keep running effectively. The guide below offers tips for increasing their longevity.

Do:

Perform periodic checks.

Walk around your car every once in a while, looking for cracks or scratches on the headlights. Then, drive the car facing a flat surface, like a wall, and see if the lights are aligned equally and if you can notice a difference between the normal and bright settings. Look into the headlight casing, preferably with the lights off, and see if there is moisture buildup. If there is, you may need to take the car into an auto repair shop to replace the seal.

Clean them regularly.

Often, the only problem with dim headlights is they’re dirty. Even if you don’t have time to wash your car, take a washcloth or paper towel and wipe them down with soapy water or a window cleaner to improve visibility.

Don’t:

Replace just one bulb.

If a bulb goes out, it is possible that it jiggled loose and doesn’t need replacement. However, if it does, switch out both bulbs instead of just one. Since they were probably installed together, the other is likely to go out shortly after the first—and in the meantime, the mismatched bulbs might distort your view of the road.

Ignore clouding or yellowing.

The yellowing on headlights is caused by sunlight, car exhaust, and in some areas, air pollution, and often can’t just be wiped away. Since it prevents your headlights from shining as brightly as they used to, this grime poses a safety hazard. Therefore, take your car into an auto repair shop to have them restored and realigned.

If you need your headlights inspected, repaired, or replaced, contact the specialists at Auto Quality Sales & Service. Located in Columbus, NE, this auto repair shop has serviced all areas within a 25-mile radius for over 20 years. To find out more about their services, visit their website. Call (402) 564-7360 with questions or for a free estimate.