Image via Pixabay.
Toyota is known for its long-lasting vehicles, but all vehicles require maintenance to keep them running in top shape. One often-overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance is the headlights. Ensuring that your Toyota’s headlights are in optimal condition is important to maintain the aesthetics but, much more important, for your safety, as well. Here are some signs you need new headlights from your Toyota dealer.
Dimmed Brightness
One of the most evident signs of a problem is simply decreased light output. If you’ve been driving your Toyota for years and suddenly realize that nighttime driving seems darker than usual, it might not be your eyes. It could be that your headlights have diminished in brightness, making driving at night or in poor visibility conditions very hazardous.
Flickering or Inconsistent Light Output
If your headlights flicker on and off or produce an inconsistent beam pattern, this could indicate an electrical problem or that the bulb is nearing the end of its lifespan. This isn’t something to ignore. You might feel that inconsistent beam pattern still gives you enough light to see by, but they could be glaring right into the eyes of other drivers, putting both of you at risk as you pass.
Discoloration or Yellowing
UV rays, pollutants, and time can damage the outer layer of the headlight, leading to a yellowish or brown tint. If your Toyota’s headlights are no longer crystal clear and have taken on a discolored hue, it’s time to get a replacement.
Visible Damage
Accidents, small impacts, or even just the wear and tear from road debris can cause cracks or holes in your headlights. Physical damage of this sort can allow moisture to seep in, and that will degrade the headlight’s performance even more. If there’s fogging or moisture inside your headlight casing, you might also have a breach in the headlight’s sealant. That moisture can drastically reduce the light output and even damage the internal electrical components, leading to potential headlight failure and a more expensive repair.
Mismatched Beams
Turn on your headlights and observe the beams on a flat surface, like a garage door. If one headlight appears significantly brighter or has a different beam pattern than the other, one of them might be deteriorating faster than the other. Most of the time, though, you should just get both replaced when you see this kind of inconsistency. One of them may appear to be in good shape still, but since they were installed at the same time, it’s likely the second will fail not long after the first.
Your Toyota’s headlights keep you and other drivers safe. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take fast action and keep yourself safe. You might need a simple restoration, a bulb replacement, or a full headlight unit change: whatever it is, come see us at Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota right away for help.
Connect with us
