Driving at night without your lights is dangerous and reckless, and you shouldn’t do it, agreed? This is because you need to see as far down the road as possible to avoid running into something avoidable.
Driving with a headlight out is at least half as careless then, isn’t it? In fact, driving at night with anything less than the most light possible can result in hitting unexpected objects or animals in the road or not seeing an upcoming turn until its too late.
Aside from injuring yourself or someone else and the damage you can do to your car, you can also get pulled over when a headlight is out. Nobody needs the hassle and cost of a fix-it ticket. So what do you do when you notice your headlight is out?
Replace Those Bulbs
One rule-of-thumb is if one bulb is out, the other isn’t far behind. Go ahead and replace them both. Newer bulbs are up to 30% brighter than older bulbs and can give you up to 25% more visibility. That might be the difference between slowing down to avoid a deer or colliding with it because you never saw it. There are three types of bulbs to choose from to give you better night vision:
- Halogen: Halogen headlights use a special filament mixed with halogen gas to generate a much brighter light than conventional headlights.
- Xenon/HID: Instead of using a heated filament, Xenon headlights use gas. Xenon lights are brighter, have a lower operating temperature, and last longer. Unfortunately, they can be more expensive, and professional installation may be recommended.
- LED: The advantage of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have over halogen bulbs is that they draw less power to operate, run cooler than halogen lights, and last much longer. Most newer vehicles come equipped with LED headlights from the factory. These last so long that you’re probably not even reading this article!
When Bulb Replacement Isn’t Enough
Over time, your lenses can get dirty with a buildup of dirt and grime. It’s good to clean them off from time to time to maximize your ability to see at night. Unfortunately, no matter if it is night or day, you might find yourself in a fender-bender. When that happens, bring your car into the experts at Cline Collision Center. We are committed to integrity, honesty, safety, and craftsmanship. Whether you have major damage or just need a quick fix to get you safely back on the road, we like to say that choosing Cline Collision Center is no accident! Contact us online or call 707-591-9909 today!
