Synthetic Image Created by Gemini
Motorists are being offered advice on headlight maintenance to help ensure they comply with the Highway Code. Experts have shared five tips on keeping headlights in good condition, helping drivers stay safe on the road and avoid potentially costly fines.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that vehicles must be maintained in a roadworthy condition.
Driving with poor vehicle maintenance, including faulty headlights, can result in a fixed penalty fine of £100 and three penalty points.
To ensure that vehicles remain safe to drive and reduce the risk of penalties, motorists are encouraged to carry out regular maintenance checks.
Staying on top of these checks can also help drivers avoid being stopped by the police or failing an MOT test if defects are identified during an inspection.
Some key tell-tale signs that headlights are faulty include a dashboard warning light coming on, clouding, yellowing, scratches or cracks in the acrylic lens, or reduced brightness when driving at night.
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco.com, said: “It’s important to regularly check your vehicle’s maintenance to ensure it is roadworthy and safe to drive. One area people often overlook is making sure all the lights on their car are working properly.
“Faulty sidelights, rear lights, indicators, hazard warning lights or headlights can pose a risk to you and other road users, whether through reduced visibility or by potentially dazzling other drivers.
“You can easily check for car light faults by looking out for changes in appearance, such as clouding or scratches, and by following any dashboard warning lights. If a headlight warning symbol appears, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic to ensure it is safe to drive and to help avoid potential safety risks or expensive fines.”
Five Headlight Maintenance Tips:
1. Replace Bulbs Regularly
Like any bulb, headlights gradually dim over time, making night driving less safe. Halogen bulbs typically last around 500-1,000 hours, xenon bulbs around 10,000 hours, and LED headlights often last the longest, with up to 30,000 hours. It’s important to check your headlights regularly and replace them when they become noticeably dim or fail, especially if you do a lot of night driving.
2. Polish Headlights
Headlights can become cloudy or yellow over time, making them appear dimmer. This is caused by oxidation of the acrylic once the UV protective coating wears off. If this happens, you should aim to have them polished as soon as possible to ensure you’re visible in the dark. If they’re simply dirty from road grime, you can usually just wipe them down yourself.
3. Check for Damages
Damaged headlights, such as scratches or cracks, can scatter light across the road and dazzle other road users, making driving more hazardous. Cracks can also allow moisture to enter the headlight assembly, which may lead to electrical faults or bulb failure. If your headlight is damaged, it’s important to have it checked by a professional.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning your vehicle, make sure any products you use are safe for headlights, as certain chemicals, such as solvents or abrasive cleaners, can damage the protective coating. This can cause clouding, yellowing, or scratches. Always use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner designed for vehicle use where possible.
5. Dashboard Warning Light
Your dashboard may display a warning light for headlight or lighting system issues, which is often shown as a headlight symbol with an exclamation mark. If this appears, it could indicate a fault such as a failed bulb or electrical issue. It’s important to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and resolve any problems.
LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of car lease deals from the country’s leading car leasing companies to find the best fit for their needs.
Comments are closed.