MAINTENANCE > ROADWORTHY > LIGHTS
Lights (Roadworthy)
💡 Tips:
? Questions:
💡 Tips on checking your vehicle lights
Check All Lights Regularly
Headlights: Inspect both high and low beams. Turn Signals: Test both front and rear turn signals. Brake Lights: Ensure all brake lights (including the third brake light) are working. Reverse Lights: Verify that the reverse lights illuminate when the car is in reverse. Fog Lights: If your vehicle has fog lights, check their functionality. Tail Lights: Make sure all tail lights are working. Side Marker Lights: Check these if your vehicle is equipped with them. License Plate Lights: Ensure the lights illuminating the license plate are working.
Perform a Visual Inspection
Turn On the Lights: Turn on each set of lights (headlights, turn signals, etc.) one at a time. Walk Around the Vehicle: Walk around the vehicle to visually inspect each light. Check for Cracks or Damage: Look for any cracks, condensation, or other damage to the light covers that could affect visibility.
Use Reflective Surfaces
Garage Door: Park in front of a garage door or wall and turn on the lights. This can help you see if both sides are functioning correctly. Mirrors: Use mirrors or reflective surfaces to check rear lights if you don’t have someone to help.
Enlist Help
Have Someone Assist You: Ask a friend or family member to help you check the lights. They can observe from outside while you operate the lights from inside the vehicle.
Check the Dashboard Indicators
Warning Lights: Pay attention to any dashboard warning lights indicating a bulb issue. Turn Signal Speed: A rapid flashing turn signal indicator can signal a bulb is out.
Inspect the Bulbs and Fuses
Remove and Inspect Bulbs: If a light is out, remove the bulb and inspect it for broken filaments or discoloration. Check Fuses: Refer to your vehicle’s manual to locate the fuse box and check for any blown fuses related to the lighting system.
Use a Multimeter
Test Voltage: If you're comfortable with using a multimeter, you can check the voltage at the bulb socket to ensure there’s power.
Keep Spare Bulbs and Fuses
Carry Extras: Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle for quick replacements if a light goes out while you’re on the road.
Clean the Lights
Clean the Lenses: Regularly clean the light lenses to remove dirt and grime that can diminish light output. Polish Headlights: If your headlights are foggy, clean and polish them to restore clarity.
Professional Inspection
Regular Service: During routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to check all vehicle lights. Safety Inspections: Consider having professional safety inspections periodically to ensure all lights are functioning correctly.
? How do I clean foggy headlights?
Soap and Water Method
Materials Needed: Mild soap Water Sponge or cloth Bucket.
Mix soap with water in a bucket. Use a sponge or cloth to clean the headlights, removing surface dirt and grime. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Toothpaste Method
Toothpaste (preferably non-gel, whitening) Soft cloth Water Clean towel.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth. Rub the toothpaste onto the headlight in small circular motions, applying moderate pressure. Continue rubbing for about 5 minutes per headlight. Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Baking soda White vinegar Water Cloth.
Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the headlights using a cloth. Gently rub the paste in circular motions. Rinse with water. For extra cleaning, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and wipe the headlights with this solution. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth.
Commercial Headlight Restoration Kits
Headlight restoration kit (available at auto stores), microfiber cloths, and water.
Follow the instructions provided with the kit. Typically, these kits include a cleaner, a polish, and sometimes a protective sealant. Use the provided materials to clean and polish the headlights. Apply the sealant if included to protect the headlights from future fogging.
Sandpaper Method
Wet/dry sandpaper (1000, 2000, and 3000 grit), water, masking tape, polish, and a microfiber cloth.
Tape around the headlights to protect the surrounding paint. Wet the sandpaper and headlights with water. Start with 1000 grit sandpaper, sanding the headlights in a horizontal motion. Move to 2000 grit sandpaper, sanding in a vertical motion. Finish with 3000 grit sandpaper, sanding in circular motions. Rinse the headlights with water and dry with a microfiber cloth. Apply a polish to restore clarity and shine.
UV Sealant Method
UV sealant (available at auto stores) Microfiber cloths.
Clean the headlights using one of the methods above. Apply the UV sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help protect the headlights from future UV damage and fogging.
Tips for Best Results:
Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean your headlights to prevent severe fogging. Avoid Abrasives: Be careful not to use overly abrasive materials that could scratch the headlight lens. Protective Coating: Consider applying a protective coating or wax after cleaning to maintain clarity longer. Professional Help: If the headlights are severely fogged and home remedies don’t work, consider seeking professional restoration services.
? How does moisture get into a headlamp?
Cracked or Damaged Headlamp Housing
Description: Physical damage to the headlamp housing, such as cracks or breaks, can allow moisture to enter. Solution: Inspect the headlamp for visible damage and replace or repair the housing if necessary.
Worn or Damaged Seals
Description: The rubber or silicone seals around the headlamp can degrade over time, losing their ability to keep moisture out. Solution: Check the seals around the headlamp for wear or damage and replace them if needed.
Poorly Fitted Bulb or Missing Gasket
Description: If a bulb is not properly fitted or if the gasket around the bulb is missing or damaged, moisture can seep into the headlamp. Solution: Ensure the bulb is correctly installed and that all gaskets are intact and in good condition.
Condensation Build-Up
Description: Condensation can occur when there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the headlamp. Solution: Ventilation systems in modern headlamps are designed to allow condensation to escape. Make sure the vents are not blocked. If necessary, remove the headlamp and allow it to dry out completely before reinstalling.
Incorrect Installation
Description: If the headlamp assembly was not installed correctly, gaps could allow moisture to enter. Solution: Double-check the installation process and ensure all components are securely in place.
Submersion in Water
Description: Driving through deep water or submerging the vehicle can cause water to enter the headlamp assembly. Solution: Avoid driving through deep water when possible. If submersion occurs, dry out the headlamp and inspect for any damage or breaches in the housing.
Preventative Measures:
Regular Inspections: Periodically check the headlamp housing, seals, and gaskets for signs of wear or damage. Proper Installation: Ensure that bulbs and headlamp assemblies are installed correctly and securely. Use of Silica Gel Packets: Placing silica gel packets inside the headlamp housing can help absorb moisture and prevent condensation.
Removing Moisture from Headlamps:
Removing Headlamp Assembly: If moisture is present, remove the headlamp assembly and let it dry out completely. Use a hairdryer or place it in a warm, dry area to speed up the process. Using Desiccants: Place silica gel packets inside the headlamp housing to absorb any remaining moisture. Seal Maintenance: Replace any worn or damaged seals and ensure all components are properly installed to prevent future moisture ingress.