Your headlights are essential for safe driving, but they’re also among the more fragile car parts. Even if you take good care of your vehicle, they will eventually need a replacement. If you’ve had your car for a while, look for the following signs that indicate you need new headlights.

When Are New Lights Necessary?

1. Flickering Bulbs

If your headlights flicker when you’re on the road, they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. This gives you a brief window of time to get to a car parts provider so that you can replace them. 

If you haven’t had the current headlights for longer than a few years, the flickering could be due to a battery connection problem. Checking the battery terminals should show you the issue, but always consult with a mechanic if you aren’t familiar with auto repair.

2. Low Visibility

After years of use, headlights will lose some brightness as the plastic covering accumulates scratches and clouded sections. Washing your vehicle and keeping the lights clean will reduce this effect, but the bulbs will gradually dim over time. 

Sudden drops in brightness and light quality are causes for concern. Aside from making conditions dangerous for night driving, they usually indicate that the headlights need to be changed before they fail entirely.

3. Burned-Out Lights

If your headlights aren’t turning on at all, an immediate replacement is needed. Driving without proper illumination is dangerous and should be avoided. Standard bulbs last for around five years, so don’t be surprised if you need a replacement around that time. 

If the bulbs are constantly burning out, you could be using the wrong wattage for your vehicle. Otherwise, there might be a more complex electrical issue at hand. Consult with a mechanic to pinpoint the problem’s source and get back on the road.

Are your headlights dim or flickering? Northwest Auto Parts in Anchorage, AK, is a salvage yard with a wide variety of lights, as well as tires, engines, and transmissions. Their team is proud of their upstanding reputation and provides customers with quality replacement car parts. Call (800) 770-6531 or visit them online for more information.