Dimming and brightening of car lights is one of the problems you will encounter with different types of car lights. This is a serious problem that puts you and other road users at risk, as it can impair your visibility. Dimming can also put you on the wrong side of the law, where you will face penalties and fines.
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The problem of dimming car lights is most prominent with the car's front lights; headlights and fog lights. The dimming of the interior lights is also easy to notice because of their brightness. It is advisable to treat the car's headlights and dimming problem as soon as you notice it for an excellent driving experience. To know more about this car lighting problem, you need to understand its causes.
What causes dimming and brightening of car lights?
Let's take a look at some of the causes of dimming and brightening car lights to know what solution to draw from your vast mechanical experience.
Problems with the bulb
The bulb is the main component responsible for your car's lighting, and it's the first place to check if you have dimmed lights. They may either have exceeded their lifespan or be of poor quality. In the case of headlights and fog lights, you may notice that one side is brighter than the other. If this is a problem, you can buy new bulbs and check their performance. If they work well, your problem is solved.
You should pay attention to the life of the bulbs to see if they have exceeded their years of service. The standard bulb has an average life of five years. Replacements may have more or less years depending on the manufacturer. Deposits on the bulb can be another problem, which you will notice especially with halogen bulbs. With prolonged use, the inert gases in the halogen lamp will create a film on the bulb, reducing its light output.
If you use the wrong bulb, you may also get poor lighting. Some types of bulbs have the same basic configuration but are not intended for alternative use. If you use them interchangeably, you may notice that there is a reduction in light output.
Problems with wiring
Wiring problems can also be a cause of dim lights, especially when driving. If it's accompanied by dashboard lights that go out randomly, it's a sign that you may have a faulty battery or alternator. If it's a wiring problem, it can present itself gradually and become significant over time. Improper connections, shorts or worn wires and a faulty electrical unit can be the causative problems.
Yellowed headlights
Yellowed headlights are common in most new model vehicles, and are caused by exposure to sunlight or dirt. The yellowed lens will reduce the light output of the bulbs, and it can become dim. Yellowing is easy to manage and most of the time the effect is not overdone.
Dirty lights
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Sometimes the problem can be cleanliness where you have dirty lights. The accumulation of dirt, dust and other materials will form a film that acts against the distribution of light. This can be external or internal dirt, the former being easy to deal with. If it is internal dirt, there are several tricks to deal with it. Yet, on the dirt, if there is water inside the light compartment, you may also experience gradation. Another cause of dimming is mechanical damage to the light chamber, where parts such as the lens are missing or defaced.
Read also: Driving safety tips to keep you safe on the road
How to fix car lights and dimming problems
Having looked at some of the problems that can dim your car lights while driving, you now look at solutions to help you deal with them. Here are some of the things you can do to avoid fluctuations in light brightness.
Replace bulbs
If the main problem is a problem with the bulbs, you should replace them immediately. Inspection is a critical step when looking for problems with your car, and you should perform it to see if the bulb is the main problem. Look at its structure, noting if there is a color change on the surface. You can try connecting the bulb to a power source to see if it has a problem, where you can also judge its brightness.
When replacing, make sure you get a high quality bulb and make sure the bases match. Don't go for alternatives; for example, if the socket needs an H11 bulb, go for the H11 bulb for the best service. Also pay attention to its life span, where you are looking for a replacement component that will serve you for a long time without needing a replacement.
Check the electrical and wiring unit
If the car's lights go out when accelerating, it may be due to a low voltage power supply, and the main problem may be the electrical and wiring unit. A professional should check the battery, alternator and wiring to see what the problem is. It could be a faulty battery with improper connections or corrosion, which you can notice by the accumulation of blue or greenish material on the terminals. Battery discharge may also be the culprit.
If this is the problem, you should have a good quality starter with you at all times until you replace the battery. Check for a short on the wiring system, which can occur if bare wires touch. You can replace the wires or cover them with tape.
If there are problems with the electrical unit and wiring, you should be alert to the signs and symptoms. Stalling at idle or headlights that get brighter with acceleration may indicate a problem with the alternator, primarily the voltage regulator. If this is the problem, you should replace it and check the alternator belt, which may be loose.
Clean the headlights
You need to make the headlight brighter by cleaning if there is constant dimming and determining that the problem is dirt build-up. Cleaning the exterior is a straightforward commitment, where soap and water will do the job. If there is yellowing of the lens, the job can be quite demanding as you need to remove the streaks from the lens. You will also need toothpaste and sandpaper to varying degrees.
You'll also need to clean the inside of the headlights, especially if you have a buildup of water or dirt in the headlight. In the case of water, you need to do a thorough inspection to identify the source of the problem, as it could be a faulty assembly or cracks. Get to the root of the problem and deal with it effectively. If it is a defective assembly, then you need to seal the cracks to repair it.
Replace the lighting assembly
If the problem is with the lighting assembly, you need to remove and replace it. This problem can occur due to mechanical damage, and if you don't make the replacements sooner, they can become serious. Certify that you have the correct replacement to prevent the dimming and brightening of the lights from happening again.
Can a faulty battery cause the lights to dim?
Faulty batteries and wiring connections are among the leading causes of dimming car lights due to insufficient voltage supply. Some of the telltale signs that the battery is defective are erratic car lights that dim at idle. Check the terminals and other connections to eliminate battery defects from the picture.
Will a capacitor help my lights dim?
The capacitor plays a crucial role in electrical load regulation, where it stores excess electricity and releases it during low power conditions. While this is a good concept for a car lighting and dimming problem, it is not a valid solution because it stores a low threshold compared to what the lights might need.
Why do my lights get brighter when I accelerate?
When your lights come on with acceleration, the complication may be the alternator's voltage regulator. As the alternator speed increases, more power is produced, and it is the regulator's job to maintain the power output to avoid a power surge. When the lights are brighter, it means the regulator is not working effectively to control the discharge.
Why do my car lights go out while I'm driving?
If your car's lights go out while driving, the fault may be in the alternator or the wiring unit. In the case of the wiring unit, it means you have a corroded ground wire. Make sure you have a clean power line to prevent this problem from happening again, especially if you are dealing with a corroded ground wire. The problem can also occur when the lights go out when the engine is running.
Why do my lights go out when my bass hits?
Lights dimming when your bass hits is a common problem, and it happens because of interference with the voltage flow. If the dimming is more pronounced, you may need an expert to check it.
Last word
Dimming and car lighting is a problem that can be very frustrating for the driver as it makes driving difficult and can lead to accidents. There are several causes for this, such as faulty connections, worn out bulbs and dirt. You need to determine the problem through an inspection to get the right solution.
This article gives you an in-depth look at this situation and how to deal with it. If you have a problem, refer to our professional tips to help you deal with the fluctuating light levels in the car.