Is It Time to Ask Your Chevy Dealer About New Headlights for Your GM Vehicle?

Your car headlights make other road users aware of your presence and ensure that you can see, so they’re a crucial part of your vehicle’s safety system. However, over time the bulbs become less effective and more likely to fail altogether. Read on to find out whether it’s time to contact your Chevy dealer about new headlights.

Headlight Lifespan

Your headlights’ longevity depends on their type. While LED bulbs may work for over 30,000 hours, traditional halogen lights only have a lifespan of about 500 hours. The lifespan of the more efficient Xenon and HID bulbs fall between these, often at around 2,000 hours. It’s therefore helpful to be aware of your headlight bulb type for a general idea of when a replacement might be due.

Factors Affecting Lifespan

Certain conditions will also affect the effectiveness of your bulbs and shorten their life. Prolonged usage over extended periods can cause them to burn out more quickly, and faulty wiring or factory defects might also undermine their performance. Vehicles that often drive on bumpy roads or that operate on a higher voltage might also be more prone to bulb failures. It’s important to stay alert to these variables when considering the intervals for your headlight replacement.

Checking Bulb Health

It’s always a good idea to perform a quick visual check on your bulbs whenever you get chance, particularly in winter or if you take a lot of night drives. Look out in particular for the following problems:

One-Sided

Both of your headlights are likely to have been fitted at the same time and have a similar lifespan. If one goes out, it’s best to work on the assumption that the other will also need replacing soon and might already have started to dim. Replacing them in pairs is more convenient and will ensure that you have maximum visibility.

Dimming

Bulbs fade gradually so it can be difficult to pick up on dimming. However, it can seriously impact visibility over time and it’s important to stay vigilant. Be sure to keep your headlight area free of grime and dirt as well, as this can build up and affect the strength of the beam.

Flickering

A flickering headlight might be a sign that the filament is old and worn, or it can signal a faulty connection. Either way, it lets you know that your headlights need attention and might soon burn out entirely.

Nothing is worth the risk of suddenly being plunged into the dark on a late-night drive, and headlights are usually a straightforward and inexpensive replacement. But you still want the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car is in the best of hands, so schedule a service at the Minnesota Motor Company for trained, specialist repair.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »