For best local driving visibility, Robin Barkdull, All-N-1 Detail and Reconditioning owner, suggests routinely checking vehicular headlights to ensure they're working to maximize both enjoyment and safety. Proper headlights help identify potential hazards, reduce accident risks, and are especially crucial for night driving or treacherous weather conditions. Robin provides tips to Greenwood City Lifestyle readers, based on his experience servicing all types of cars and trucks at his Greenwood auto detailing shop.
DO ALL HEADLIGHTS GET WEAKER OVER TIME?
"Yes, they do. Lenses become oxidized and cloudy. Bulbs start losing brightness."
WHAT SIGNS INDICATE HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE RECONDITIONED/REPLACED?
"If headlights are visibly yellowing, dimmed light output, flickering or one bulb's burning out. We can replace headlight assemblies if they cannot be restored, but it's cost-saving to restore versus replace."
HOW OFTEN ARE HEADLIGHTS RESTORED?
"Vehicles vary, depending how much time they sit in the sun and how often they're going through automatic carwashes. Car headlight lenses should be restored at least once annually to maintain optimal visibility."
SHOULD ALL HEADLIGHTS BE CHANGED AT SAME TIME?
"Standard halogen headlight bulbs should be replaced every 1-2 years, as their lifespan's between 500-1,000 hours, while LED bulbs can last approximately 30,000 hours."