Good headlights allow you to drive with confidence, as you can see and be seen by others. If you need new headlights, your Ford dealer can fit them for you. These are a few headlight problems you might encounter.
Signs You Need New Headlights From Your Ford Dealer
Corroded Headlight Sockets
Your headlights fit securely into sockets located in the headlight recess. These sockets connect the lights to the electrical system so they can receive power. Like any socket, they are delicate and can be damaged by dirt or water. Water is a particular problem for a socket as it can cause rust and also interfere with the electrical system.
Typically, water can't reach the sockets as a clear plastic cover protects the headlight recess. If this cover is damaged, the damage could be sufficient to cause a crack. Water can easily seep into a crack and will reach the socket. If this happens, your headlight could blow, and the socket itself will be damaged. We can clean the socket or replace it. In addition, we'll replace the lens to prevent further water damage.
Damaged Relays and Switches
Your car's electrical systems contain numerous relays, switches, and fuses. Each of these components enables the electricity supply to be controlled. Each headlight, for example, has a relay for the low beam and a separate relay for the high beam. In addition, the headlight has a switch that can activate with a relay. The headlight also has a fuse that protects it against electrical surges or shorts.
Relays and switches can wear out as time passes and can suffer damage. If this happens, it will affect one or both of your headlights depending on the damage. A headlight may refuse to switch on, or it could be damaged and blow. To find the exact cause of the problem, our technicians will investigate your electrical system. Once we've identified the problem, we'll repair it.
Worn Lenses
A lens doesn't have to be cracked to cause a problem for your headlights. Sand, salt, and debris from the road can scratch a lens surface as you drive. Over time, this minor damage can become significant enough to dim the light from the headlight bulb. An old lens will gradually fade due to the action of the sun's rays on plastic, and it will turn opaque.
Damage or discoloration of a lens makes it more difficult for your car to be seen at night. It's also a traffic offense to drive with damaged lenses. We can fix this problem by replacing one or both lenses.
If you have a headlight problem, call our service department today at Ken Ganley Ford.