CarCare
Print this Email this diggDigg this! del.icio.us

How many times have we all been blinded by an oncoming vehicle and flickered our high beams, only to have the other driver melt our corneas by responding with their brights? The conclusion: Those low beams are jacked up (both literally and figuratively).

Causes Those low beams are jacked up (both literally and figuratively).
Headlights can become misaligned in many ways. One of the most common is when the person replacing a bad light inadvertently turns the adjusting screws instead of the retaining fasteners. Fender-benders and other front-end damage can also cause lights to become askew, as can carrying heavy loads in the rear quarters (which is why several upscale SUVs now have automatic load-leveling suspension systems).


Many repair shops will check and adjust headlights for a modest fee. However, the process is straightforward enough that the average do-it-yourselfer can save both time and money by following the steps shown here. Although special products are made specifically for correct headlight aiming, the method here doesn't require any proprietary know-how or materials—just masking tape, a tape measure and a screwdriver. Incidentally, most repair manuals recommend checking headlight adjustment every 12 months and any time a lamp is replaced or front-end damage occurs.

Find out what vehicles qualify for the government stimulus, Cash for Clunkers program.



Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009



 
Photo Guide

Begin by finding a level surface and a vertical garage door or wall. Park the vehicle close to the wall and mark the lights' horizontal centerlines with masking tape.

Next, mark the low beams' vertical centerlines. For better precision, stand behind the car at its center point and, looking through the back window, guide a helper in marking vertical dead center. Marking the vehicle's centerline is also helpful to verify side-to-side alignment.

Park the vehicle on a flat surface 25 feet away from the wall, pointing straight ahead. Use the lights' horizontal- and vertical-adjusting screws to position the low beams' intensity zones two inches below and to the right of the taped centerlines. (Trim ring removed to show adjusters.)

Adjustments can normally be made without removing any parts. Turning the top adjusting screw clockwise raises the beam and vice versa. Similarly, the side adjuster moves the beam left and right.

High beams' "zones" should be below the line and vertically centered in relation to the vehicle's centerline (not marked with tape in this example). Here, the right-side high beam needs to come inboard. When in doubt, be courteous and err your aim low and to the right.



Related Articles
Bulb and Lamp Replacement
New Twist on Taillamp Replacement
Buying a Battery
Isolating and replacing problematic relays
Fan Upgrade


autoMedia Car Blog
Don't Drink and Drive this Fourth of July Weekend
Forty years ago, my own mother was killed by a drunk driver. She was the first car off a green light when the other driver sped through a red light an ... more...

autoMedia CARnival July 3, 2009: What is happening this week in the auto blogs?
It's the week ending July 3, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight fro ... more...

Editor’s Choice: Haute Haulers
I have an affinity for high-performance wagons, having learned to drive using my parents’ 1969 Ford Country Squire LTD station wagon, with a 7.0-liter ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: how to change out oil pan in 7.3 liter powerstoke diesel Ford F-350 1 ton dully Do I need to pull engine tottally out? and how do I pull this engine I do not now where to start
these people are not really telling you a simple way to try it out first waht you can do is use a nice big jack and just try to creat enough room betw ... more...

Re: 84 Ford f150 Engine swap
hey is there anyway i could talk to you i got a 96f150 with the 4.9 and i want to put the 351 windsor in it for sure no question and i know it will bo ... more...

serpentine belt configuration 1997 buick park ave ultra supercharged
my tensioner melted belt snapped alt water pump powersteering all out,do not have belt pattern on hood,also looks like i have to remove motor mount to ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!
Zip Code

Used Car Buying Guide



2000-2009 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.