Get new headlights in Sterling at your local Chevy dealership, Ted Britt Chevrolet!
Problems with visibility lead to a great many road accidents after dark. It’s always worth making sure your headlights are shining as brightly as possible. Let’s take a look at five indicators that tell you when it’s time to visit your local Chevy dealer for a pair of new headlights.
Your Bulbs Begin to Fade
There are three main types of headlight bulb, which tend to fade at varying rates. Firstly, you have old-fashioned halogen bulbs, which have a shorter lifespan but maintain near-maximum brightness until the day they fail.
On the other hand, longer-lasting, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs begin to dim as they age. In fact, both HID and LED bulbs can lose up to 70 percent of their brightness before they die. So if you use HID or LED bulbs and you find it’s getting harder to see the road ahead at night, then your headlights are probably fading. It’s time for replacements.
What Type of Bulb Are You Using?
Many drivers are unsure which of the three bulb types their vehicle uses. This is often the case when you haven’t yet had to change your bulbs since initially purchasing the car. Fortunately, there are two easy ways to find out which bulb type you have.
To start, park your car facing a wall or garage door. Set the engine to idle and turn on your headlamps. If they cast a warm yellow color, then they’re halogen bulbs. Both HID and LED bulbs cast a bright white light. The difference between the two is that LED bulbs instantly shine at full brightness when turned on. Whereas HID bulbs flash for a few seconds and then slowly build to peak brightness.
Your Headlights Are Flickering
Whichever type of bulb you use, a clear sign of trouble is flickering light. While flickering might be caused by problems in the connections or wiring, it’s most commonly caused by a loose filament in the bulb itself. That bulb is on its last legs and needs to go.
One of Your Bulbs Dies
If both of your headlights suddenly fail at the same time, then the source of the problem probably lies with your battery or electrical circuits. But if a single bulb dies, it’s more likely that the bulb itself gave out. And when one bulb goes, it’s good practice to replace both at once because the second of the pair is rarely far behind.
Your Bulbs Near the End of Their Lifespan
It pays to know the expected lifespan of your headlight bulbs, and roughly how many miles you’ve driven since you bought them. That way you’ll know more of less when it’s time for replacements, and you won’t be taken by surprise.
Halogen bulbs generally last for only 500 to 1,000 miles. HID bulbs can last anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 miles. And LED bulbs can keep on shining for an impressive 30,000 miles. To know for sure, look up the expected lifespan for your specific type and make of bulb.
Your Chevy Dealer Suggests Replacements
During your regular servicing visits, the technicians at your local dealership will examine the circuitry and bulbs of your headlamps. If they find that your bulbs are near to giving up the ghost, they’ll let you know it’s time for a new pair.
To have your headlights inspected, repaired, or replaced by certified technicians, visit Ted Britt Chevrolet. We have an inventory of over 500 new and used cars, with friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to provide for your automobile needs, whatever they may be.
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