Headlights are not on - what is the cause?

Exterior lights are the most important element of the safety of any car.

Exterior lights are the most important element of the safety of any car. They provide illumination of the road surface and space at night, are identification lights in heavy precipitation, signal other road users about changes in direction and so on. In this article we will consider the main types of brightest h1 headlight bulb, the reasons why the high beam headlights are not on or other devices do not work and how to adjust the optics.

According to the principle of the device headlights are divided into two types: European and American. The key difference between the headlights is the following:

The focus of the dipped light. In European headlights the beam of light is directed at the roadway and the right shoulder, the American focus is uniform, the light beam illuminates the road, both curbs and signs placed above the road.

The shape of the light beam. The European standard is aimed at clearer identification of road signs, improving their readability in the dark. The American type involves illumination of the roadway, focusing on the overall illumination.

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Clarity of the boundaries of the luminous flux. In contrast to the American type, the European standard has a sharper boundaries of illumination. It gives an opportunity to use a powerful lamp and minimize the risk of blinding the oncoming driver.

Almost every motorist is faced with the problem of tuning the headlights, or repair of certain optics. Their dysfunction creates a real threat to traffic safety. Decreased lighting efficiency may lead to a lot of unforeseen situations, which greatly increases the likelihood of accidents. Adjustment or repair can be done in two ways: with special equipment or manually. The first option, as a rule, is realized in car service centers. After all, not every motorist can afford to purchase professional equipment that requires special knowledge for operation. The second option, independent adjustment, is a fairly common procedure among motorists. However, there are a lot of supporters of this method, who argue that only specialists of car services can provide high-quality results. This procedure requires knowledge and high accuracy in performing all actions, which is not possible for every car owner. How to perform the adjustment of headlights independently, what do you need to pay attention to? Before answering this question, consider the causes of poor quality lighting.

Not lit headlight dipped or high beam

There are a number of malfunctions in which the dipped headlight does not work, or the far-beam optics do not light up. Let's take a closer look at each potential problem, as well as methods for fixing them. Since the far and low beam optics involve identical devices and parts, the causes of failure and their solutions are similar.

Lamp. In car headlights, special lamps are installed, inside which there are two spirals, one provides a high beam, the other a dipped one. When switching on, a certain filament accumulates. It is impossible to fix this failure, you will have to replace the lamp completely.

Button to turn on the parking lights. This problem is most often found in economy class cars. It is necessary to carefully check the element, if the wire broke off or the contact oxidized, the malfunction can be easily eliminated on your own. If the mechanism of the button itself is broken, you should replace it with a new device.

Contacts. All contacts must be checked (relay, lamp, fuse box and paddle switch). They may be disconnected or oxidized. The solution is simple, clean and secure. You can also check the wiring for breaks, insulation defects, and so on.

Fuses. This is one of the most common reasons why the dipped beam headlight does not light up. It is necessary to carefully check all fuses, if you find a blown one, replace it with a new equivalent.

Lack of contact of the lamp. This problem is more common in foreign-made cars. To fix it you must check if the negative terminal of the bulb is firmly fastened to the common ground.

Tuning of headlights with your own hands

Headlights must be adjusted in accordance with the instruction manual of the vehicle. Before starting to adjust it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory works. To adjust the headlights by yourself you need a wall with adjoining flat area or special stand (shield). The wall (board) must be strictly vertical, without the slightest protrusions, slopes and other irregularities. Alternatively, you can use the area near the garage, if it fits the above parameters.