Signs Your Car Headlights Need to be Replaced

Flickering Headlights

Like a candle in the wind, your car’s headlights might flicker on and off at random. This is a common first sign that the headlight bulbs are done for. Excessive use of headlights over a prolonged period of time will wear down the bulb’s filament. Usually, your headlight will quit working very shortly after you begin noticing the flickering.

Another reason for headlights to flicker on and off: a bad harness or faulty battery connection. If you purchased the vehicle new just 3 years ago, for instance, it’s unlikely your headlight bulb needs to be replaced. Instead, you should check for a loose connection at the battery terminals. If that doesn’t solve it, bring your vehicle to a service center for an inspection. Your vehicle’s warranty may even cover the headlight repairs, so act as soon as possible to take advantage of it.

Dim Headlamps

You notice your once-bright headlights are now dimmer. Perhaps they’re working, but with infrequent and varying degrees of luminosity–until one day they just fizzle out and go kaput.

Headlamp bulbs — particularly older filament-type bulbs – can lose their brightness and appear dimmer over time. This is a clear indication that you’ll need to replace the bulb soon.

Dim headlights can also be caused by a corroded ground wire. To identify if this is the problem, follow the ground wire from the back of the headlight assembly and wiring harness to its origin. If anything looks corroded, you’ll have to bring your vehicle to an auto body shop for service.

Constantly Blowing Fuses

If you find that your headlight bulbs constantly burn down, it can be a symptom of a larger, more complex electrical problem. Fuses can blow out because of faulty headlight bulbs or bulbs that do not have the correct wattage. You’ll need to check the lighting switch, headlight assembly, fuses, and any exposed wires in the harness.

High beams can also be the culprit; if you’ve recently replaced the bulbs in your car’s high beams, crosscheck that bulb’s wattage to what’s recommended in your vehicle’s manual. If everything matches up, perhaps there was an issue with how the bulb was installed. Either way, it’s best to seek out a professional technician for assistance.

Low-Beams Don’t Work, But High-Beams Do

You can troubleshoot this by swapping a high-beam bulb with a low-beam bulb. If the low-beam bulb works after the swap, you have a culprit: the bulb.

If that doesn’t work, you’re probably looking at a blown fuse. Check the electrical area for melted wires, loose connections, or burnt fuses. You can also test the headlight wiring with a voltage multimeter.

Other Common Headlight Questions & Answers

Where do I go to get my headlight bulb replaced?

If you’re handy, you can replace your headlight assembly and bulb at home. However, most people will want

to go to a service center or auto body shop for peace of mind.

If you need headlight replacement in Kansas City, visit your nearest McCarthy Collision Center.

Can I restore plastic headlight lenses?

Yes, you can renew plastic headlamp covers. When your vehicle’s headlights start to get dimmer or duller, it might not be the bulb; rather, it could be an old headlamp lens. Lenses for headlights can become yellow, cloudy, murky, or full of condensation, which will reduce headlight brightness. A headlight restoration kit helps, but we suggest having an automotive repair technician install a new headlight assembly made of quality plastic or a similar material.

Can you get a ticket for driving with a broken car headlight?

Yes—100% yes. By law, you are required to operate a vehicle at night with at least two working headlamps. No matter the reason for your broken headlight, police will absolutely pull you over and give you a warning or ticket. It is a minor traffic violation, but a ticket is a ticket.

Is it safe to tape up a broken headlight or taillight?

Unless absolutely necessary to provide light, putting tape on your headlight is not recommended. Bulbs can get fairly hot—hot enough to melt poor-quality tape.

However, it’s also not recommended to operate a vehicle without a headlight lens as the bulb may be too bright for passing drivers. The only safe solution is to avoid driving at night – and get your lens replaced as soon as possible.

Is it safe to install used or cheap headlight assembly kits?

Our Kansas City collision centers do not recommend installing salvaged, pre-owned or otherwise cheap headlight harnesses or assemblies. Old, corroded, or poor-quality wiring can be a fire hazard.

How much does it cost to replace a smashed headlight?

Repairing a smashed headlight is usually quite simple and cheap and can be performed by a professional in a matter of hours. However, your mileage may vary when it comes to headlight repair. If you have an exotic vehicle, for instance, or want to install an aftermarket headlamp, prices will climb. Ask your auto body repair technician if you have any concerns.

About McCarthy Collision Centers in KS & MO

Since 1999, our collision repair shops have assisted drivers throughout the Kansas City region. We’re the full-service collision center Kansas City residents trust to provide everything from complete auto body restoration to broken headlight repair. To receive a free quote or more info about any of our services, or to schedule an appointment at one of our body shops, call us at 800-NEW-AGAIN.