6 Reasons Why Car Headlights Are Broken

Causes of broken car headlights
Latest update date: February 23, 12

Headlight is an indispensable part of every car. It plays an extremely important role in ensuring safety when driving, especially in low light or dark conditions.

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2023) in the report 'Vehicle Lighting Safety Standards', modern headlight systems can reduce traffic accidents at night by 50%.

Car headlights, considered the eyes of the car, play an important role in ensuring safety when driving at night. When the headlights are broken, it not only affects the driver's vision but also endangers other vehicles. Below are the main causes of car headlights breaking down, along with the most detailed information.

Causes of broken car headlights
Broken car headlights – causes & signs

Concept of car headlights

Car headlights are essential lighting equipment, helping drivers have clear vision in low light conditions. Headlights can illuminate a distance of about 100m or more and focus light across the road surface. In addition to the lighting function, headlights also contribute to the style of each car.

Popular types of car headlights

Currently, there are four popular types of car headlights:

Halogen Lamp:

  • Advantages: Low cost, life span about 1.000 hours.
  • Disadvantages: Consumes a lot of energy and generates a lot of heat.

Xenon Lamp (HID):

  • Advantages: High intensity light, better visibility.
  • Disadvantages: High cost and requires large starting voltage (30.000V).

Led light:

  • Advantages: Energy saving, life span up to 15.000 hours.
  • Disadvantages: High manufacturing cost and requires cooling system.

Dr. Michael Krames, LED technology expert at Soraa Inc. (2022) asserts: 'LED lights are not only 80% more energy efficient than traditional halogen lights, but also have a lifespan 15 times longer, contributing to environmental protection.

Laser Light:

  • Advantages: Light intensity is 1000 times stronger than LED lights, energy saving.
  • Disadvantages: Very high price (about 200 million VND).

According to BMW Group Research (2024) report: 'Laser light technology is capable of illuminating twice as far as LED lights, reaching up to 2 meters, while consuming 600% less energy.

Causes of broken car headlights

1. Burnt light bulb

Light bulbs typically have a lifespan of 500 to 2.000 hours of use. Failure to replace a bulb after this time may result in the bulb burning out.

2. Headlight fuse blown

The fuse can blow out due to the bulb operating at the wrong wattage or due to a short circuit. The fuse is designed to protect the electrical system, if there is a problem it should be replaced immediately.

3. Faulty Headlight Relay Switch

The relay switch is what controls the light bulb. If the light does not work, the relay is most likely faulty and needs to be replaced.

4. Faulty or damaged wiring

The wiring may become corroded or damaged, resulting in ineffective transmission of power to the headlights, causing flickering or no illumination.

5. Generator not working

For Xenon lamps, the generator needs to function properly to provide the high voltage needed for the bulb to operate.

- 6 Reasons Why Car Headlights Are Broken
Check the car alternator

6. Headlight switch is broken

Repeated use of the on/off switch can wear or loosen the switch, resulting in the light not working.

Note when replacing car headlights safely

When replacing car headlights, there are some important notes that car owners need to remember to ensure safety and optimal lighting performance. Here are some points to note:

  • Choose the right bulb:

Choose a bulb type that is compatible with your vehicle. Common types include halogen, xenon (HID), and LED. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of brightness, lifespan, and power consumption.

  • Time of replacement:

Bulbs should be replaced when signs such as dimming or flickering are detected, rather than waiting until the bulb has completely failed. The ideal replacement time is around 5 years or after 500-2.000 hours of use.

  • Check electrical system:

Before replacing the bulb, check the fuse and wiring to ensure there are no other problems affecting the headlight operation.

  • Turn off the power:

Before replacing, turn off the vehicle's power and allow the bulb to cool to avoid burns or damage to other components.

  • Use gloves:

When installing a new bulb, gloves should be used to avoid grease from your hands sticking to the bulb surface, which can reduce the bulb's lifespan.

  • Check after replacement:

Once installed, test the entire lighting system to ensure everything is working properly and meets safety standards.

  • Read the instructions:

Read your vehicle's owner's manual for detailed information on replacement and maintenance procedures for your vehicle's specific light.

- 6 Reasons Why Car Headlights Are Broken
What should be noted when replacing car headlights?

Following these tips will help you replace your car's headlights safely and effectively, thereby improving your driving experience and ensuring safety for yourself and other road users.

Understanding the causes of car headlights failure will help drivers be more proactive in maintenance and repair. Periodically check the vehicle's lighting system to ensure safety when traveling at night. If you encounter the above problems and have no experience in repairing, take the vehicle to a reputable service center for timely support.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should car headlights be maintained?

To maintain your car's headlights, you should check them every 6 months. Check the brightness, clean the glass surface and replace the bulb if you detect signs of dimming or flickering.

2. How do you know when your headlights are starting to fail?

Signs include dim, flickering, or no light. If you hear strange noises coming from the switch or smell a burning smell, these are also signs that need to be checked immediately.

3. Is there any temporary solution when the headlight is broken?

If your headlights fail while driving, you can use your hazard lights or low beams to ensure safety. You should stop your car in a safe place and have it checked immediately.

4. How does weather affect the life of headlights?

Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, high temperatures or extreme cold can shorten the life of a light bulb. Humidity in particular can cause corrosion of electrical components. You can refer to the article: How to fix steamy car headlights Fast, effective, simple shared in detail on the website.

5. How does the light efficiency compare between different types of lamps?

Luminous efficiency between specific lamp types:

  • Halogen Lamp: Approximately 1.200 lumens.
  • Xenon (HID) Lamps: 3.000 to 4.000 lumens.
  • LED: From 2.000 to 3.000 lumens with energy savings of up to 80%.
  • Laser Light: Up to 5.000 lumens, provides the brightest light but costs the most.

6. How much does it cost to replace a headlight bulb?

The cost of replacing a light bulb depends on the type of light:

  • Halogen lamp: About 200.000 - 500.000 VND/bulb.
  • Xenon lamp (HID): About 1.500.000 - 3.000.000 VND/bulb.
  • LED lights: About 1.000.000 - 4.000.000 VND/bulb depending on brand and quality.

7. Where to replace car headlights with reputable and cheap price in HCM?

Thanh Phong Auto proud to offer car headlight replacement service Professional and reputable in Ho Chi Minh City. With a team of experienced technicians, we are committed to providing customers with fast, safe and effective service.

The headlight bulb replacement process at Thanh Phong Auto is carried out according to standard steps, ensuring every step is carefully checked:

  • Preliminary inspection: The technician will check the condition of the bulb, wiring and related components to determine the cause of the failure.
  • Proper disassembly and installation: After determining which bulb needs to be replaced, we will carefully remove the old bulb and socket to avoid damaging other parts.
  • Installing the new bulb: The new bulb will be installed precisely in position, ensuring no dirt or grease adheres to the bulb surface, helping to maintain optimal brightness.
  • Operational Test: Finally, we will re-test the entire lighting system to ensure that the bulbs are operating properly and up to standard.
- 6 Reasons Why Car Headlights Are Broken
Professional car care service at Thanh Phong Auto

We use genuine and high-quality bulbs such as halogen, xenon, and LED, which help to enhance lighting performance and extend product life. In particular, choosing the right bulb for each type of vehicle is very important to ensure safety when participating in traffic.

In addition, Thanh Phong Auto also provides the service polish car headlights to restore the brightness and lighting performance of the lamp after a period of use. We are committed to bringing satisfaction to customers with transparent prices and dedicated service.

Come to Thanh Phong Auto to experience the best quality car headlight replacement service! We are always ready to support you 24/7 via hotline or directly at the store.

5/5 - (1 votes)

LEAVE COMMENT

Your email will not be displayed publicly. Required fields are marked *



Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:

* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.

 

To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.