Does Your Chevy Need New Headlights?

Headlights are your Chevy’s most important safety system when you’re driving at night or in other low-light conditions. They allow you to easily see the road ahead and to be seen by other drivers and pedestrians. Like any other component, they can develop problems and eventually fail. These are a few signs that you may need to visit your Chevy dealer for new headlights.

Blown Bulb

Headlight bulbs can blow out just as easily and unexpectedly as bulbs in your home. Depending on the bulb type in your car, they have a lifespan of 500 hours to 30,000 hours. This might not sound long, but headlights are only used for a few hours each time they’re switched on. A bulb’s life can also be shortened by electrical shorts or power fluctuations caused by a failing alternator.

Bulbs are installed in pairs, and if one bulb has blown, we recommend replacing both bulbs at the same time. The second bulb is almost certain to fail in a few days, and replacing both bulbs saves you time and money as you don’t have to return to get the second bulb fixed.

Lens Oxidation

Lenses are clear plastic covers that fit over the headlight recess. Their purpose is to allow light to shine out while protecting the bulb, socket, and wiring from water, mud, and dirt. The lenses are made from acrylic, and over time, their exposure to sunlight can tint the acrylic light yellow. The yellow shading reduces the brightness and range of your lights and looks aesthetically unpleasant. Replacing the lens will make the lights shine brightly again.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Another potential discoloration is white spots on the inside of the lens. These white spots are caused by evaporated water, which means the lens is cracked. The presence of water can cause the socket to rust and create shorts in the electrical system. We can fix this problem by replacing the lens and repairing any damage to the socket or wiring.

Flickering Lights

Flickering lights could mean that your bulbs are wearing out and will blow. A  worn alternator can also cause this flickering. The alternator’s job is to produce the electricity for your car’s systems. Alternators are reliable and long-life components, but even they will start to wear out in about eight years. As an alternator becomes older and more worn, its electricity production drops.

Your car has a relatively static demand for electricity, but eventually, the alternator’s electricity production will drop below this. At this point, your computer will have to assign the limited available power to systems as they need it. The headlights are a priority system for electricity, but the fluctuating electricity supply will cause them to flicker. We’ll test your alternator and replace it if necessary.

Driving with damaged or faulty headlights is dangerous and illegal. Visit our service department today at Woodstock Chevrolet in Woodstock, IL.