Better Automotive Lighting Blog

The Best Way to Adjust Your Headlights

Written by BETTERAUTOMOTIVELIGHTING | Apr 11, 2023 4:00:00 PM

Are you tired of struggling with poor night visibility? Maybe you're even concerned about blinding other drivers with your LED headlights? You're not alone! We've all been there.

We'll guide you through properly adjusting your headlights. This will help ensure you have the best possible visibility while keeping you and other drivers safe around traffic.

Whether you have a car, truck, projector, or reflector headlights, this guide is for you. And when it comes to choosing the best automotive lighting solutions, remember to turn to Better Automotive Lighting for all your car lighting needs!

Signs Your Headlights Need Adjustment

Before starting the adjustment process, it's essential to know if your headlights need adjustment in the first place. Signs that your headlights may need adjustment include a dimly lit road ahead, uneven illumination of the road, or complaints from other drivers about the brightness of your headlights. You should adjust your headlights if you see any of these signs.

Tools You'll Need to Adjust Your Headlights 

Adjusting your headlights is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. However, you'll need a few tools to get the job done. These may include a: 

  • Screwdriver or wrench
  • Tape
  • Measuring tape or ruler 

Check your vehicle's owner's manual to see if any specific tools are required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adjusting Your Headlights

While adjusting your headlights is a simple process, it's crucial to avoid common mistakes that can result in poor visibility or even accidents on the road. One common mistake is adjusting the headlights too high, which can blind other drivers. Another mistake is not adjusting both headlights, which can result in uneven illumination of the road ahead.

Different Types of Headlights 

Different types of headlights may require different adjustment techniques. For example, projector headlights may adjust differently than reflector headlights. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions on adjusting your headlights.

Projector headlights

Reflector  headlights

Choosing the Right LED Headlight Bulbs

Before diving into the adjustment process, selecting the right LED headlight bulbs for your vehicle is crucial. Remember, LED headlight bulbs are not one size fits all. Before diving into the adjustment process, selecting the right LED headlight bulbs for your vehicle is crucial. 

Bulb Type Lifespan Brightness Energy Efficiency Warm-up Time Cost
Halogen 500-1,000 hrs Low Low Instant Low
HID 2,000-3,000 hrs High Moderate 5-20 sec Moderate
LED 30,000-50,000 hrs High High Instant High

*Please note that the values in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the specific bulb model and manufacturer.

Some may produce a distorted beam pattern that will never work properly. Others may not be compatible with your vehicle's electrical system. That's why it's important to research the different options to find the most suitable LED headlight bulbs for your vehicle make and model.

To ensure your LED bulbs provide optimal performance, look for bulbs with a: 

  • Specific design
  • LED chip type
  • Width
  • Placement inside the headlight

If you want to upgrade your vehicle's headlights with top-quality LED bulbs, look no further than Headlight Revolution. We offer a wide selection of LED headlight bulbs for various vehicle makes and models. You can find the right LED headlight bulbs for your vehicle by entering its year, make, and model on our website.

How to Aim Your Headlights with LED Headlight Bulbs

Now that you've selected the right bulbs, it's time to adjust your headlights. You can achieve the perfect aim by following this step-by-step guide:

  1. Park your vehicle about 3 feet away from a wall, with the front bumper facing the wall.
  2. Before adjusting your headlights, ensure the vehicle is at its normal weight and tire pressure. If you frequently carry heavy loads, keep that in mind when adjusting your headlights. Fill up your tank at least half full as well. 
  3. Identify your vehicle's center and mark it with vertical tape on the wall. Then, locate the center of each headlight and mark those spots with vertical tape as well. Ensure the distance between the center and your headlight marking is the same on the wall. You can identify the center of your headlight by the dimple in the plastic.
  4. Measure the distance from the ground up to the height of the center of your headlights. Transfer these measurements to the wall and mark them on the tape. Do that for both sides.
  5. Measure down two inches from the center marks and draw a horizontal line across the tape. This will create a cross-section for each headlight.
  6. Pull your vehicle back to a distance of 25 feet from the wall. Note: Some manufacturers may have specific distance recommendations, so be sure to consult your owner's manual for any variations.
  7. Use a screwdriver or other appropriate tool to adjust your headlights' alignment up and down. Look for the adjustment section on your headlights and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  8. Aim your headlights so that the top of the beam pattern (the cutoff line) aligns with the two-inch drop marks on the wall. This will ensure optimal visibility without blinding other drivers.

Test Driving and Fine-Tuning Your Headlight Adjustment

After completing the adjustment process, take your vehicle for a test drive to ensure your headlights are properly aimed. Look for signs that your headlights are too high or too low. This can include excessively illuminated street signs or other drivers adjusting their mirrors to avoid being blinded. If needed, make any necessary adjustments to fine-tune your headlight alignment.

When to Seek Professional Help 

It's always best to seek professional help if you're unsure about how to adjust your headlights. A mechanic or automotive lighting expert can help you adjust your headlights properly and ensure optimal visibility while driving at night.

Better Automotive for All Your Car Lighting Needs

Check out our other posts to learn more about the best lighting solutions for your vehicle. That way, you can keep up with the latest tips and tricks on how to do lighting better! Trust Better Automotive to provide the highest quality products and expert advice for all your car lighting needs.