Headlights are essential for driving at night or on foggy days. Dimming headlights are always a danger and should be addressed as soon as possible.
There are lots of reasons why your headlights might be dimming. These include aging bulbs, blown fuses, corroded wiring, and a foggy headlight cover among others.
The most common cause is failing light bulbs. If you have one headlight that appears dimmer than the other, chances are that it’s just more worn out.
Let’s go over this issue in greater detail and figure out why one headlight is dimmer than the others. What’s the best and fastest remedy to this problem?
Why is One Headlight Dim and the Other Bright?
Here are a few likely explanations for a dim headlight:
● Burnt-out headlight bulb
This is the most common cause of a dim headlight. If one of your headlights is noticeably dimmer, it’s likely because the bulb has burned out and needs replacement.
You can sometimes tell if a bulb is burnt out by looking at it. The filament will look broken or may even be missing. If so, you should replace the bulb immediately.
Your bulb may still be burned out even if you can’t see it. Don’t assume it works just because the filament looks fine.
● Faulty electrical connection
A loose or corroded electrical connection can also cause one headlight to appear dimmer than the other. This corrosion can happen if you have a faulty wire connector, and you can fix it by tightening or replacing the wire.
● The fuse has blown
In some cases, the most common reason for a dim headlight is a blown-out fuse. The fuse protects the headlight from overloading and destroys itself when it overheats. When this happens, you can replace it with another fuse with a higher amperage than the original.
● Oxidation of the plastic cover causes a foggy appearance
In some cases, the plastic cover of your headlight may have become oxidized or yellowed over time when exposed to the sun or cigarette smoke. This can cause a cloudy appearance in your headlights, making them hazy.
● Wrong bulb installation
Most likely, one of your bulbs is defective and not lighting up well because it isn’t getting enough power from your wiring system or ballast resistor (which regulates current flow through each lamp).
To check this out, remove one bulb at a time and shine it into a mirror to see if there’s any dimming going on with each bulb. If so, you’ll need to replace them all at once.
● The headlight aimer is out of alignment
Finally, one of your headlight aimers may be out of alignment. This problem can cause one light to appear dimmer than the other because it does not point in the right direction. Adjusting the headlight aimer should take care of the problem.
How Do You Fix One Dim Headlight?
If one of your headlights is dim and the other is bright, there are a few potential causes.
1. Fixing Burned-out bulb
First, check to see if the headlight bulb itself has burned out. If the bulb is faulty, replace it with a new one of the same amperage.
2. Correcting a faulty headlight socket
A corroded or damaged socket affects the current flow to the bulb, causing it to appear dim. To fix this, clean the socket or replace it if necessary.
3. Fixing a faulty fuse
Remove the fuse box from the instrument panel and check for blown-out fuse(s) to check for faulty fuses. If you find any damaged fuse, replace it with a new one, and then test your headlamps to see if they will light up again.
If you are unsure which fuse to use, call an auto parts store and ask them what size you should use.
4. Cleaning a foggy plastic cover
To clean a foggy headlight:
- Remove the plastic cover by unscrewing it with your hands
- Wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel to remove all dirt particles
- Next, clean it off with rubbing alcohol or other solvents,
You can also apply some silicone grease to prevent further oxidation.
5. Correcting electrical issues
A dim headlight could be due to an electrical hitch, and the problem could be as simple as a connection or loose wire or a more severe issue like ground wire problems.
It’s advisable to have a professional mechanic check your car if you suspect an electrical problem.
Can you Drive with a Dim Headlight?
You can still drive if your car has only one dim headlight, but it’s not safe. It’s best to replace the headlight as soon as possible. If you can’t replace the headlight immediately, make sure you drive with your bright headlights on so you can see and be seen.
Do Headlights Have Separate Fuses?
Headlights typically have separate fuses. Therefore, checking both fuses is essential to see which one is faulty.
If you’re unsure which fuse corresponds to the headlights, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Once you’ve identified the blown-out fuse, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage.
Is Left Headlight Brighter than Right?
Generally speaking, the left headlight appears to be brighter than the right. This is because the left headlight faces more directly towards oncoming traffic, while the right headlight looks away from oncoming traffic.
You’ll see the reflection of the light from the left headlight on the cars that are approaching, giving the appearance of more brightness.
Furthermore, the left side of your car has a broader reflector than the right side. Therefore, when headlights are on at night, more light will come from the left side of the car.
The wider reflector also emits brighter light with a broader visibility angle making it seem as though your left headlight is brighter than the right one.
None of these explanations mean that your left headlight is necessarily dimmer. To determine that, you’ll need to point your lights at a blank wall at night and compare the beams.
How Do I Calibrate My Headlights?
If one of your headlights is dim and the other bright, it’s likely that your headlight aim is off. You can calibrate your headlights yourself with just a few tools.
First, find a level spot to park your car. You’ll also need a tape measure and something to mark the pavement with, like chalk or tape. Once you have everything set up, measure the distance from the center of each headlight to the ground.
Next, use your marks on the pavement to create a level line in front of your car. This line should be about 3 feet long. Now, measure the distance from the center of each headlight to this line. The left headlight should be further away than the right headlight.
If your headlights are not already level with each other, you’ll need to adjust them. To adjust them, find the adjustment screws on the back of each headlight assembly. These screws move the headlight up and down. Turn both screws the same amount until the left headlight is at the same height as the right headlight.
Why is One Headlight Higher than the Other?
If you’ve ever noticed that one of your headlights is higher than the other, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that can happen for many reasons.
For example, an accident can bend the headlight frame causing the headlight to misalign. After hitting a curb or pothole, the lights may have become jammed out of place.
This problem can also happen if one headlight mount is loose, causing the headlight to sag over time.
Final Words
One dim headlight may seem like a minor problem, but the repercussions can be deadly. If you’re driving at nighttime with poor visibility, you pose a danger to yourself and your fellow drivers.
You should fix this problem as soon as possible.