Often people don’t spend much time thinking about their car’s headlights. But just as seatbelts, properly inflated tires and regular tune-ups can help improve driver safety, so too can choosing the right headlights and maintaining them properly. 

    •Replace headlights in pairs to avoid uneven illumination, which can diminish driving visibility.
    •Clean headlights improve vision at night and in poor weather conditions. Regular maintenance helps prevent glare, which can be intensified by dust and dirt on the glass. Clean the headlights or have them professionally restored. Dirty or worn and cloudy headlights will decrease visibility by as much as 90%.
    •At the same time, clean the windshield inside and out (smokers especially). Make sure the windshield washer reservoir is full and operational. Windshield wipers should be clean and free of defects.
    •Consider replacing standard halogen headlights with high performance headlights that produce a whiter light to help improve visibility at night.
    •Halogen lights are under pressure, and anything under pressure has the potential to explode if handled improperly. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when changing your lighting. Do not touch the glass directly with your hands. The oils from your skin, when on the glass, will cause the bulb to overheat, resulting in shorter life.
    •Ask your auto service person to check that headlights are properly adjusted. They can be knocked out of alignment by rough driving and, if not properly aimed, can be distracting to other drivers.
    •Take a moment to periodically check that all car lights are in good working order. Ask a friend to turn on the headlights, brake lights and turn signals as you walk around the outside of the car.