Why Your Car's Headlights Keep Burning Out And What To Do About It

Posted on: 18 December 2016

If you have been replacing the headlight bulbs in your car more frequently than you should need to, then it is important that you determine what is causing them to prematurely burn out. Thankfully, most headlight problems are simple to troubleshoot and rectify. To this end, follow each of these tips to ensure that your car's next set of headlights will not need to be replaced for many years to come:

Tip: Ensure You are Using the Correct Replacement Technique for Your Make and Model of Car

Before you replace your car's headlight bulbs again, make sure that you are using the correct technique for the make and model of your vehicle. The easiest way to ensure this is to search online and find a video of the proper replacement technique. Often, the video tutorials that you will find will give specific tips and tricks for dealing with your car's unique needs.

Tip: Ensure You are Using a High-Quality Replacement Headlight Bulb

When you replace your car's headlights, make sure that you purchase a high-quality bulb from your local automotive dealership. Inexpensive bulbs that are sold at the auto parts store are much more prone to burning out early and are often too dim to meet your car's needs.

Tip: Ensure there is No Corrosion on the Bulb Sockets

Before you put in a new bulb, first check the sockets to make sure that there is no corrosion growing on them. If you find corrosion, you should remove it using a simple paste of baking soda and water. Brush on the paste using a soft toothbrush and then clean it off with a clean rag.

Tip: Ensure that You Do Not Handle the Bulb's Glass

When you are replacing headlight bulbs, it is vital that you never touch the glass of the bulb. Any oils from your hands that gets onto the glass can cause the bulb to prematurely burn out. Instead, only handle your car's headlight bulbs from their metal base.

Tip: Ensure the Headlight's Bulb is Not Loose

Finally, it is vital that any headlight bulbs that you install fit snuggly into their sockets. If you can rock the bulb around in place, then it is not secure in the socket. If the bulb moves in place, then it will burn out much more quickly. If you are unable to tighten the bulb because the socket is damaged, then it will need to be replaced.

To learn more, contact an automotive company like Scotty's Automotive Center. 

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