Patterson Motors of Kilgore CDJR

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Dec 22, 2023

How do you know when it’s time to contact your Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer in Kilgore, TX about getting some new headlights? Here are a few signs you’ll want to watch out for.

When You’re Struggling with Depth Perception at Night

A subtle yet significant sign that your headlights may need replacing is if you start struggling with depth perception during night driving. Dim or ineffective headlights can impair your ability to judge distances to other objects on the road, which is crucial for safe driving.

When Your Headlights Seeming Overpowered by Oncoming Traffic

If you notice that your headlights seem significantly dimmer compared to those of the oncoming traffic, even when they are not using their high beams, this can be an indication that your headlights are not as bright as they should be.

When You Notice a Change in Headlight Beam Focus

Pay attention to the focus of your headlight beams. If they seem to scatter light rather than providing a focused beam, this can reduce your nighttime visibility and is a sign that your headlights may need attention, either through adjustment or replacement. Scattered beams can also blind other drivers, so you may realize this is an issue because they may flash their bright light at you when you’re not using yours.

When You’ve Got Glitchy Headlight Switch Response

Notice how your headlights respond when you switch between different settings (like from low to high beam). If the transition is not smooth or if the headlights flicker when changing settings, it could indicate a problem with the headlights or the electrical system powering them.

When You Increasingly Rely on Street Lighting or High Beams

If you find yourself relying more on external street lighting for visibility while driving at night, it’s an indication that your own headlights might not be performing adequately. Good headlights should provide enough illumination to safely drive on any road, regardless of external lighting. And when we say “good headlights,” we mean ordinary headlights. If you have to constantly use your high beams, then you need new regular lights. You should never use your high beams except on poorly illuminated roads when there are no other drivers near you.

When Your Difficulty Driving in Bad Weather Escalates Over Time

If driving in rain, fog, or snow is becoming increasingly difficult over time, this is a strong indicator that your headlights are degrading. Good headlights should cut through and provide clear visibility. While any storm can be bad enough that no headlights will perform well in certain conditions, if you notice the storm is no worse but your ability to see is, then headlights are likely to blame.

If you’re noticing any of these issues, don’t risk your safety on the road. Come talk to our service team at Patterson Motors of Kilgore CDJR.