Your Ford’s headlights are an important factor in road safety, both for yourself and your loved ones, as well as for other drivers. Here are some tips from your Ford dealership on the signs that your Ford might be in need of new headlights.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
If you notice that your headlights are not as bright as they used to be or if they flicker while driving, it’s a clear indication that something is amiss. Flickering headlights can be an indication of faulty bulbs or another issue. Dim headlights can reduce your visibility at night, increasing the risk of accidents.
Moisture Inside the Headlight Housing
Moisture or condensation inside the headlight housing is a sign of a faulty seal or crack in the lens. Moisture can cause electrical issues and reduce the lifespan of the bulbs, and even lead to corrosion and rust on the electrical connections or mounting components. If you notice foggy or wet interiors inside your headlights, it’s time to consider replacement.
Yellowing or Hazing of Headlight Lenses
As they age, the plastic lenses over your headlights can become yellowed or hazy from exposure to UV rays and environmental factors. This not only affects the aesthetics of your Ford but also reduces the effectiveness of the headlights. Replacing these lenses or the entire headlight assembly may be necessary to restore clarity and brightness.
Uneven or Misaligned Beams
Properly aligned headlights are crucial for safe driving. If you notice that your headlights are misaligned, resulting in uneven or scattered beams, it can be a sign of a damaged or worn-out headlight housing. Misaligned beams can blind oncoming drivers and reduce your visibility.
Burned-Out Bulbs
The most common reason for headlight replacement is burned-out bulbs. Headlight bulbs have a limited lifespan, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000 hours of use. When a bulb burns out, it’s important to
replace it promptly to maintain proper illumination.
Physical Damage
Accidents, flying debris, or even minor collisions can result in physical damage to your headlights. Cracked or shattered lenses, housing damage, or broken mounting brackets can necessitate headlight replacement.
Wiring Issues
Faulty wiring can cause intermittent or complete headlight failure. If your headlights are not receiving power due to wiring problems, it’s essential to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.
Erosion of Reflective Material
Inside the headlight housing, there’s often a reflective material that enhances the brightness and focus of the light beam. Over time, this material can erode or deteriorate, reducing the effectiveness of your headlights.
Aging Headlight Assemblies
As vehicles age, their headlight assemblies may become worn out or faded, affecting the overall appearance of the car. Replacing the entire headlight assembly can restore the vehicle’s aesthetics. If you have any concerns about your vehicle’s headlights or are interested in seeing options for headlight upgrades, come in and see us at White’s Ford in Urbana, OH. Our team of automotive professionals can give you expert advice, test your headlights, and install replacements if needed.
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