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Adjusting Headlights: How to Improve Your Visibility and Safety

Why Is It Important to Adjust Your Headlights?

Headlights are essential for your safety on the road. If they are incorrectly aligned, this can have serious consequences:

  • Headlights that are set too high dazzle oncoming traffic and make it difficult for other drivers to see.
  • Headlights that are set too low do not illuminate the road sufficiently, making it difficult to see obstacles or bends.

An incorrect headlight setting can not only impair your driving safety but can also lead to problems during the main inspection. There is also a risk of fines if the lighting does not comply with legal regulations.

When Should You Adjust Your Headlights?

You should check your headlights regularly and realign them if necessary, especially in the following cases:

  • After changing headlights or bulbs
  • After an accident or severe shocks
  • After chassis modifications (e.g. lowering or raising)
  • If you frequently transport heavy loads
  • If other road users point out that your headlights are dazzling

Adjusting the Headlights: A Simple Guide

With a little patience and the right tools, you can adjust your headlights without visiting a workshop.

What Do You Need?

  • A flat surface with ten meters of space in front of a wall
  • Measuring tape or chalk
  • Screwdriver (depending on the vehicle model)

1. Prepare the Vehicle

Park your car on a flat surface. The tire pressure should be correct, as uneven air pressure can affect the height of the vehicle. If your car has a headlight leveling system, set this to zero.

2. Make a Mark on the Wall

Drive your vehicle about ten meters in front of a straight wall and switch on the low beam. Mark the center of the light cone with chalk or adhesive tape. These points serve as a reference for the adjustment.

Then draw a horizontal line about ten centimeters below the light points. After adjustment, your headlights should be aligned with this line.

3. Adjusting the Headlights

Open the hood and locate the adjustment screws on the headlights. Most vehicles have two screws:

  • Vertical Adjustment: Turn the screw until the light/dark transition of the light cone matches the marking.
  • Horizontal Adjustment: If the light cone points too far to the left or right, you can correct this with the second screw.

Switch the light on and off to check whether the setting is symmetrical.

Common Mistakes When Adjusting the Headlights 

  • Set too high: Oncoming traffic is dazzled, signs reflect too much.
  • Set too low: The road is not sufficiently illuminated.
  • Different headlight heights: The light pattern is uneven, which can lead to poor visibility.

If you are unsure, a check at a specialist workshop may be advisable.

 

Adjusting Headlights on Vehicles from Online Auctions

If you have purchased a vehicle from a Copart online car auction, it is worth checking the headlights after the purchase. The headlights may be misaligned, especially on used or damaged vehicles.

Correct adjustment ensures better visibility and greater safety on the road. If you are not sure, you can also have the headlight adjustment checked in a workshop.

Looking for a suitable vehicle?
Discover offers on Copart.de now. 

 

Conclusion: More Safety with Correctly Adjusted Headlights

Correctly adjusted headlights improve your visibility, prevent glare and ensure safe driving. You should not neglect headlight adjustment, especially after repairs or modifications to the chassis.

If you purchase a vehicle from an online car auction, you should check the lighting system immediately after purchase to ensure that the headlights are optimally aligned.

 

FAQs

1. Can I adjust my headlights myself?
Yes, with a wall, a tape measure and the right screws, you can adjust your headlights yourself.

2. How often should headlights be checked?
At least once a year, especially before the dark season or after repairs.

3. Where are the adjustment screws located? 
These can usually be found on the back of the headlight. A look in the manual helps to determine the exact position.

4. How do I notice that my headlights are incorrectly adjusted?
You should check your headlights if oncoming traffic frequently flashes or your visibility is severely restricted.