Adjusting the headlights with our own hands

Adjustment of headlights by yourself is within the power of almost any driver. The main thing is to choose one of the proven options for adjustment and follow all the recommendations for the work exactly. It is also important to understand the features of the light equipment to understand which screw to turn and in which direction.

How the dipped beam headlights should shine

There are requirements for the intensity of light for the lights, but there is no point in studying the indicators, as it is impossible to measure them without special equipment. Therefore, it is worth to understand the features of the dipped light to understand what it should be in normal conditions. Features are shown in the scheme, it can be understood that the light flux is distributed unevenly, it occurs due to the different shape of the diffusers.

This is what looks like an ideal scheme of distribution of dipped light in headlights with halogen lamps.

Several conclusions can be drawn from this graphic:

1. The main part of the light should be distributed along the traffic lane for a distance of at least 60 meters.
2. The side of the road must also be illuminated, for this purpose the light flow is slightly shifted to the right (and in countries with left-hand traffic to the left).
3. Part of the light is distributed to the oncoming lane. But it is very important to set the light so that it does not blind the oncoming drivers, and this is most often the adjustment.

Modern cars often have an automatic headlight corrector, which lowers or raises the light, depending on how the car is loaded. In models with a manual corrector, you have to do it yourself.

Where are the adjustment screws of headlights light

Even before you start, you need to know clearly where the adjusting screws are located. They are on all types of headlights, but the location can vary, as well as the design. The important thing to remember here is the following:

1. The easiest way to study the information in the instruction manual of the car or find data on thematic forums dedicated to a particular car model. It is not uncommon to find videos that show everything visually, which makes the process much easier.
2. There are two screws on each headlight. The first adjusts the light flux in the vertical plane, the second - in the horizontal. Therefore, you can adjust not only the height of the light, but also, if necessary, shift it relative to the roadway.
3. The adjustment system can also be different. You can turn the screws manually, with a flat or Phillips screwdriver, hex, or even with a star. It is worth clarifying this point in advance so that the right tool is at hand. Do not rotate plastic parts with an inappropriate tool, they are very easily damaged.

In some models of cars, adjustment is made through special holes in the front trim. In this case, the main thing is to find a screwdriver or other wrench of suitable length.

Sometimes the headlights are adjusted through a special hole above the headlight.

What the adjustment is for

This work should not be done when problems occur, but at least once a year or immediately after a light disturbance has been noticed. Periodically adjusting the headlights is necessary for several reasons:

1. To ensure normal visibility at night. A large number of accidents occur because the driver did not see an obstacle or a pedestrian in time.
   Near beam should provide visibility of at least 60 meters.
2. Avoiding dazzling oncoming traffic. Because of this, accidents also often occur.
3. Keeping the control system up and running. Plastic elements in a few years can simply stick to each other and will not move.

Without a properly adjusted headlight, it is also not possible to pass the inspection. It is better to make sure in advance that everything is okay with the light.

Tuning

If there is no possibility to adjust the system in the car service, you can do it yourself. This will require a level area with a wall or solid fence against it. This is a prerequisite for any variant of adjustment.

Middle light

In this case, it is easier to use the universal method, which is almost the same for all cars. Only the distance from the wall to the car may vary, most often it is 7.5 metersBut some models are set at 5 meters, this point is better to specify separately to set the right light. Next, you must prepare a marking.

1. The car is driven up close to a wall or fence, then on the surface of the marks are made clearly in the middle of the dipped beam headlights and opposite them. These will be the main landmarks.
2. Then the car can be driven away and proceed to the ruling. At 5 cm below the center of the headlights put two more marks and connect the horizontal line. Vertical lines are also drawn through the points so that there is a clear reference point.
3. The central axis of the car is determined and also marked on the wall. The end result should be about the same as in the diagram below.

All parameters are determined individually, since the size of cars and the location of headlights are always different.

Then you can proceed to the setting. It is important that the car was filled with at least half a tank of gasoline, and on the driver's seat sat a person or lay a load about equal in weight to the driver. The easiest way to adjust the lights near the wall is as follows:

1. The car is positioned at a distance of 5 or 7.5 meters, with the center line coinciding with the middle of the hood. It is important to align the car correctly.
2. The hood is opened and a screwdriver or other tool for adjustment is prepared. The light is turned on and one headlight is covered with cardboard or any other opaque element.
3. The upper edge of the light flux (it is clearly visible) must be in line. If it is displaced, the appropriate screw that adjusts the light in the vertical plane is adjusted.
4. Adjustment in the horizontal plane should be done so that the place where the light flux begins to rise up was on the vertical mark opposite the headlight.

This is how the adjusted light flux looks like.

The second method is much similar to the first, but in this case you need to position the car at a distance of 10 meters from a wall. The horizontal line in this case is drawn 12 cm below the center. Some argue that increasing the distance provides greater accuracy of adjustment, so if there is enough space, you can try this option.

Before adjusting the light, don't forget to set the headlight corrector to zero.

Video: A clear example of headlight adjustment.

High beam

High beam headlights do not have clear lines, they distribute light evenly, so the adjustment will be an order of magnitude easier. The preparation process is almost the same as with dipped beam, the main reference point will be a horizontal line 5 cm below the center of the headlights and vertical lines opposite the bulbs.

In this case, you need to adjust the light so that the center of the beam was at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal line of the corresponding headlight. Accuracy is not so important here, as high beam is used only when there is no oncoming traffic. If the dipped and high beam are combined in one bulb, the adjustment of one option is enough to make the headlight work as needed.

The high beam is not distributed the same way as the low beam.

If the adjustment screws do not provide a normal setting, it is worth loosening the headlight mount and adjusting its position. Often problems with the light are due to improper installation.

In the video set the high beam on the Hyundai Tucson.

Fog lights

In this case, there are no screws to adjust and you can only change the position of the light output in the vertical plane. Before you start the work, you should loosen the fasteners of the fog lights. Often they are oxidized, so it is desirable to treat them in advance with a penetrating lubricant.

A line is drawn on the wall, its height must be 10 cm below the location of fog lights. After that, the car should be driven away at 7.6 meters, set against the marking and turn on the headlights. In this case, the upper border of the light flux should coincide with the line, only this position will provide normal visibility in a fog.

Fog lights also require adjustment for normal operation.

Read also: How to improve the headlights on your car

Safety precautions

In order not to cause damage to your health and not to break the headlights, you need to remember a few simple tips:

1. Wear gloves when working and do not touch the wiring.
2. Use only the proper tool for the adjusting screws, they break very easily.
3. Use only a suitable tool for the adjustment screws, they break very easily.
4. Do not apply excessive force when adjusting.

One final adjustment method.

It is not difficult to adjust the headlights if there is a flat area with a wall in front of it. The main thing is to correctly draw a marking, the accuracy of the adjustment depends on it. If oncoming drivers blink after the work is done, then the light hits too high and it needs to be lowered.