When it’s dark or hazy, it’s especially important to be able to see the road ahead. It’s also critical that other drivers and pedestrians can see you. Working headlights are vital in this regard. Headlights can fail for many different reasons, and if they do, it’s essential to replace them ASAP. As your Lexus service center in Greenwich, CT, we can replace them for you. These are a few signs that it’s time to get new headlights.
Frequent Blown Bulbs
Headlight bulbs can fail simply due to age. Depending on the type of bulbs you have, they can last from 500 hours to 30,000 hours before replacement. If you find that your bulbs are blowing more frequently, this is a sign that something is likely wrong with the electrical system. Two possible causes are a short in the socket or a problem with your alternator.
A short in the headlight socket can result in power fluctuations in the bulb, and this will cause it to fail faster than it should. A damaged alternator will produce less power for the electrical system than it should. The reduced power means that the available electrical supply has to be shifted between components as needed. A constantly shifting power supply will cause the bulb to blow. Our technicians will trace the source of the problem.
Discolored or Damaged Lenses
The clean plastic covers that protect your headlights can get damaged. Grit, sand, and other debris can scratch them, and the bright summer sun can also cause them to become discolored. This discoloration isn’t aesthetically pleasing, and it can make your headlights look dimmer than they are. The covers can also be cracked by debris thrown up from the surface.
A cracked lens can allow water to seep into the headlight socket. This water will damage the bulb socket and can cause a short in your electrical system. It’s also important to be aware that it’s a traffic offense to drive with cracked headlights, and you can receive a ticket.
Dim or Flickering Lights
Just like the bulbs in your home, your headlight bulbs will be dim or flicker before they’re about to fail. As we’ve seen, the lifespan of headlight bulbs is varied. If one of the bulbs blows, we advise replacing both of them at the same time. Bulbs are installed as pairs, and if one fails, the other will, almost certainly, within a couple of days.
Another potential cause of flickering lights is a failing alternator. Your car’s computer will allocate just enough power to the headlights to allow them to work. If other accessories are switched off, for example, the radio, the extra power will be allocated to the lights. The flickering is a sign that the power supplied by the alternator is varying due to demands by other systems in your car.
If your headlights are showing signs of wear or need to be replaced, schedule a replacement with our service department at DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich. Does your Lexus need another part replaced? Order any of the genuine parts you need now!
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