When you get your car inspected, one of the things that may be checked is your car’s headlights. After all, they play such an important role in making your driving experience safe at night. But just how important are car headlights? Well, they can be pretty vital when it comes to preventing accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all fatal collisions happen at night. And if you’re like most drivers, you might not think about changing your car’s headlights until it starts looking really bad. But is that really a good idea? Here are some reasons why it might not be a bad idea to have your car’s headlights checked at a checkup.
What are the different types of car lights?
There are a few different types of car lights and each has its own purpose. The most common type of car light is the headlamp, which is used to guide traffic in the dark. Other common car lights include the tail lamp, which is used to signal to other drivers that you’re turning, and the brake light, which warns other drivers that you’re about to stop. All of these car lights need to be working properly in order to avoid getting pulled over.
How are car lights checked?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that car lights be checked every 5,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the car’s headlamps, taillights, and turn signals are working properly. If one of these lights isn’t working, it could impair your ability to see in the darkness or on a rainy day.
What are the benefits of replacing car lights?
There are many benefits to replacing car lights, including reducing your energy bill and improving safety. Here are four reasons to replace your car’s headlights:
1. They Use a Lot of Energy: Headlights use a lot of energy, so replacing them can save you money on your energy bills.
2. They Improve Safety: Replacing your car’s headlights can help improve your safety in the dark by making it more difficult for drivers to see you.
3. They Last Longer: Headlights typically last around 6,000 hours or more, which is a long time compared to other parts of your car.
4. They Are Easier to Repair: Headlights are easier to repair than other parts of your car since they are located near the ground. If something goes wrong with them, you can just bring them in for service rather than having to take the entire car in for repairs.
What are the risks of not replacing car lights?
If your car does not have functioning headlights or taillights, it is illegal to operate the vehicle on the road. Not having working lights also makes it difficult to see in a dark alley or on a dark highway. If you are pulled over and ticketed for not having working lights, you could be subject to fines and even jail time if convicted.
Additionally, not replacing car lights can lead to decreased visibility while driving at night, which could increase your chances of getting into an accident. Replacing car lights also helps preserve your vehicle’s resale value in the future.
Conclusion
In most cases, car lights can be replaced at a checkup. However, if the light is illegal or unsafe for use on the road, it may need to be replaced instead. If you’re not sure whether your car’s light needs to be replaced or not, ask your mechanic or dealer.