If your headlights are not working well, it may be harder to see potential risks while driving at night or early in the morning.
You may be surprised to learn that not all headlights perform equally. Interestingly, more than half of the mid-size SUV’s headlights were rated as marginal or poor after being tested. Roughly half of all fatal crashes occur at night, a quarter on unlit roads, meaning the role headlights can play in preventing such accidents is a large one.
Engineers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) measured how far the light from a vehicle’s headlights reach as a vehicle travels straight and on curves. For the 2017 mid-size SUVs, only two earned a good rating, the Volvo XC60 and the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Honda Pilot, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Highlander ranked as acceptable. 6 other vehicles were ranked marginal while nine were ranked poor.
It should come as no surprise to know that headlight technology has made great strides in recent years. LED lighting systems have taken over traditional halogen light bulbs. Some automakers also offer more advanced headlight packages including features like curve-adaptive headlights as well as automatic high beams.
Bulb type, headlight technology, and poorly aimed lights can affect the amount of usable light available. It’s important to know how your headlights perform, especially if you plan to drive at night.
These tips for headlight maintenance can help:
Replace Bulbs – Headlights dim over their lifetime, which can lead to impaired night vision. When a light goes out, you’re reducing illumination by half, as well. Remember to replace bulbs in pairs, because only changing one will create an uneven field of vision.
Adjust as Needed – If the bulbs are new but you feel as though you’re not getting enough usable light to drive at night, check the adjustment of your headlights. Most can be adjusted vertically for proper positioning.
Buff for Brightness – Another thing to try if your lights seem dim is to restore and polish the plastic headlight lens housing.
If you have any questions or concerns about your headlights, give Stroebel Automotive a call at (989) 781-4307!