4 Of The Best HID Headlight Kits Reviewed

Want to increase the safety of yourself and your family? Then this list of the best HID Headlight kits is just for you. We’re sure you know already but, headlights are an important factor of everyday driving. From driving during the night, through a fog, during storms, or even in full daylight. We have advanced significantly ever since the first halogen light bulb was presented to the ordinary vehicles. Today, you have got a couple of variants to select from, many of which are an update from the standard OEM headlight bulbs.

#	Preview	Product	Rating	Price
1		Morimoto HID Kit, H11B Elite System with 35w...	No ratings yet		Buy on Amazon

1. Fahren HID kit

No products found.

Look, I’ll cut straight to it.

When we first wrote this article there were a lot of other HID kits out there that made our list. But revisiting in 2023 shows the Fahren HID kit is the best of the best for HID conversion kits. Don’t take our word for it… read the No products found..

As for specs, well it’s what you’d expect in a quality kit. Cool 10k Lumen color which lights up the night. 5,000 hour bulb life keeps you driving safe for a few years. Easy installation so you don’t have to retrofit your factory housing. And many more.

Check out the No products found.

2. SNGL Super Bright

No products found.

The No products found. to buy with a huge 90 watts of mega bright light.  The focus length is flexible and it also includes dual-beam LED lighting.  This SNGL LED Headlight Conversion Kit uses LUMILEDS LUXEON MZ LED as well as Adjustable Focus Length patent innovation assuring an appropriate ray pattern with no dark spots or bleary light.  This package comes with a sensible cooling system using a turbo cool fan assuring more durable bulbs.  It lasts a fantastic 50,000 hours of use.

Bottom Line: If you’ve owned a pair of HID lights before that keep burning out or flickering, then check out the SNGL kit. We’ve had a great experience with ours.

With plug and play installation this amazing maintenance free kit is also shock-proof, rainproof and waterproof plus vibration resistant.  SNGL lighting kit also offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.  This kit comes with zero wait time and maximum road brightness as soon as you switch the lights

3. Morimoto System

Morimoto HID Kit, H11B Elite System with 35w...

• Ships with H11A bulbs STANDARD - Specify H11B if you require them.

Buy on Amazon

If you want to shell out a little more cash for peace of mind, check out the Morimoto HID kit. With a 5 year warranty and the brand name to back it, these are some of the best HID lights for your car or truck.
The Morimoto System with HD Relay Harnesses is a well-designed conversion kit for almost any make or model of auto. Buyers can choose the size and the color layout of bulbs, that vary from 3,000K to 6,000K alternatives. The HD relay harness design and size also may differ with various system packages, however, installation usually requires 20 to 30 minutes with any chosen package, whether it’s an expert or home job.
Morimoto systems maybe have one negative downside – they are a little more costly compared to ordinary HID kit, but they deliver very high performance with a correct installation. Xenon bulbs have ceramic bases along with quartz glass tubes, guaranteeing maximum luminosity and beam steadiness. This HID system integrate a plug-and-play system, streamline installation, and Morimoto provides a canbus harness alternative enabling successful installation in some of the difficult automobiles.

4. The Xentec Slim Kit

No products found.

One more last HID system that we’ve used and is popular in the automotive enthusiast world is the No products found.. What is awesome regarding the kit is the total price for the whole package (approximately 40 bucks) and the big selection of colors to select from. First of all, this kit includes everything you might need to get your HID system working. There is the 35w alloy slim ballast, zip ties, plug and play connectors, wires and the HID bulbs. These bulbs are able to produce a brightness of 3,500 Lumens so waste around 35% less electrical power. Be ready to get around 5000 hours of continuous running time, or approximately 200 days.
There are several colors to choose from, starting with 3000K and 4300K, 5000K etc. In terms of bulb size, there is a match for every vehicle. You can check this kit out on Amazon and you will additionally be capable of seeing extra specifications.

2. OPT7 Bullet

(2023 update, these are no longer available)

3. Kensun Xenon

(2023 update, these are no longer available)

4. The APEX

(2023 update, these are no longer available)

Editor Note:  Whoa it looks like this kit is no longer available! You’re gonna have to pick a different one 🙂

What are HID and LED headlights?

Lots of high-class vehicles coming directly from the manufacturer’s lines come with high-intensity Discharge (HID) headlights instead of the conventional halogen bulbs invented before few decades. HID (XENON) and LED headlights comes with lower energy consumption while at the same time improving night driving visibility by around three hundred percent.

How do I choose an HID or LED kit?

We suggest first finding your headlight bulb style. Here’s the easiest way to do that: Just browse to Sylvania’s website and enter your make/model/year:  www.sylvania.com/en-us/applications/automotive-lighting-systems/

There are many HID conversion kits available on the market today. They enable car owners to upgrade their autos regardless of the make or model. Many drivers pay auto mechanics to perform HID headlight installations, even while many others complete this upgrade on their own. These finest kits ensure car owners get exactly what they pay for and keep low illumination and energy consuming halogen headlights behind once for all.

So down the page, check out the best HID kits to get for yourself and your vehicle.
After you pickup your shiny new headlights, be careful to adjust them so you’re not blinding the oncoming traffic! When you install these HID or LED kits, you’ll shine about 250% more light on the road… and this can blind other drivers if your lights are not aligned properly!

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Final Thoughts

I hope this list of the best HID Headlight kits helped you find some new lights for your ride! If you have any questions, please comment below!

-Vince

Suggested: https://scanneranswers.com/guide-fuel-injector-cleaner-system-additives/

The post 6 Of The Best HID and LED Headlight Kits Reviewed appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Hey there! Mike here with ScannerAnswers to bring you a guide to buying the best LED headlight conversion kit. Light-Emitting Diode or LED are becoming a very popular headlight option. The are a happy medium than the old dull halogen bulbs that you see in most cars, but they are not as blinding as Xenon (HID) lights.

Choosing a new LED headlight setup for your ride

A few months back we wrote a post on the best HID headlights. Since then we’ve gotten a lot of questions about different types of headlights and what the best LED headlights are. In this guide we hope to answer that!

Want to skip the reading? Here’s the products!

#	Preview	Product	Rating	Price
1		JDM ASTAR G1 COB Chips H11 H9 H8 All-in-One LED...	No ratings yet		Buy on Amazon

Our Choice: The 5 Best LED Headlight Conversion Kits

1. HIKARI LED full conversion kit

No products found.

Hikari prides itself in using state-of-the-art technology to offer vehicle owners advanced lighting options. They are ahead of other manufacturers in terms of beam patterns and frequency conversion. You’ll love the new look these headlights give your vehicle.

Pros

Cons

Summary

This product harnesses all the necessary technology to produce an excellent LED light. If the price suits your budget, you’ll love the effect and easy installation.

2. CougarMotor 9006

No products found.

These cool white lights will transform your vehicle’s aesthetics, even ushering older models into the current century. This is a quality kit, requiring effortless instalment. Unfortunately, the list of sizes isn’t extremely long.

Pros

Cons

Summary

This is an excellent and affordable option to give your car a whole new look. You’ll love the low-cost upgrade and it will last you a long time.

3. OPT7 Fluxbeam

No products found.

Fluxbeam offers an excellent light option in this product. It’s a user-friendly and long-lasting option if you’re thinking about upgrading your headlights. The company excels in customer support from a help center to all its clients. What else will you love about the company and these lights?

Pros

Cons

Summary

These are excellent LED’s to try out. They’re priced reasonably, though not cheap, so it may be a smart option if you’re new to LED lights.

4. JDM Astar

JDM ASTAR G1 COB Chips H11 H9 H8 All-in-One LED...

Buy on Amazon

JDM offers a solid competitor in the LED market, with this product. The exceptionally bright light may be simply what you’ve been looking for if you do a lot of night driving. Here’s what you’ll get.

Pros

Cons

Summary

This is not the best-quality light available, but you may love the brightness. However, there are more durable lights available for more or less the same price, so you may want to use them instead.

5. Win Power

No products found.

Last on our list is the WIN Power LED kit. This is the cheapest LED conversion kit that we tested and for the price, it’s a great deal! The kit allows easy installation of the lights into most vehicles. Here’s our favorite features:

Pros

Cons

Summary

It’s unfortunate that these lights aren’t available for all types of cars, as they’re one of the more affordable options on the market. Though their quality is not as exceptional as more expensive units, you may want to give them a try to see if you prefer LED’s to halogen and HID lights.

The Best LED Headlights Reviewed

Now that you know what to look out for, let’s take a look at some of the best LED headlights on the market.

Headlight temperature and some guy named Kelvin

Have you ever been driving down the road at night and meet an approaching car that has headlights that seem to be on “Brights…” But when you flash your lights and they flash on their brights, it looks like the sun just back-handed you? Yeah those are most likely Xenon (HID) headlights that you saw. Some people even question the legality of those lights because they’re so bright.

“But Mike, my old halogen headlights just don’t light up the road, so what headlight bulb should I buy?”

Introducing the LED headlight kit.

LEDs are a great in-between option between dim halogen’s and intense HIDs. They have a “cool white” temperature of around 6,000K (Kelvin), and could look kind of blue. The higher the Kelvin number, the whiter/bluer the color. The lower the Kelvin, the yellower (Halogens are right around 3-4,000K).

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Check out this awesome headlight color temperature comparison from Sonic Electronix:

Are LED Headlights better than Halogens or HID?

LED headlights are much better than Halogens due to producing up to 100% more light. This extra light gives you safety and can help prevent accidents. Compared to Xenon HIDs, it’s a close race.

Advances in technology bring you different types of lights. These days, you can replace most vehicles’ standard lights—halogen or HIDs (high-intensity discharge lamps)—with LED’s (light-emitting diode). Their effect may be aesthetically and practically pleasing, but you need to make sure they’re the safest option, before making the change. This review features some of the best LED headlights on the market to help you choose the right one for your vehicle.

LED is the new popular item on the car scene. HID’s are their direct competitor (Halogens don’t stand a chance!). Motortrend did a good article comparing these lights.

Bottom line: LEDs provide great light, consume less power, and usually have longer life than HID’s, but they are slightly more expensive. If you want a cheaper option and don’t mind some draw-backs like glare, then go with HIDs.

Here’s why some car owners decided on switching to LED headlights:

The negative aspects of LED lights

No product is perfect and LED lights have certain drawbacks. You need to weigh these with the benefits and determine whether LED’s will be an improvement to your current situation.

• LED lights are usually more expensive than halogen lighting
• LED’s brightness may blind to other drivers on the road, if it shines directly in their eyes, because of its intensity. Make sure you adjust your headlights!
• Some LED headlights are positioned in more decorative patterns, than practical ones. This may afford narrower beams of light in front of the car
• If you’re swapping old headlights with new LEDs, you run the risk of compatibility and installation issues. You need to be sure you choose the correct size headlamp. Professionals may need to assist you, which becomes an additional expense.

How to find the right LED bulb size for your car

Before you get all excited and spending money on a headlight kits, you need to make sure you get the right bulb! We’ve found this site to be a great way to find out which bulb you need: Philips Automotive Bulb Search

Just punch in your vehicle year, make, and model, and the website will return which bulb number you need to buy. 

Closing thoughts

Most manufacturers offer the same type of features in their lights. Quality should be the feature that sets apart a certain item, because you don’t want to be stuck in the dark without headlights, simply because they suddenly stop working.

Our favorite LED kit would be the No products found. or No products found.. We’ve found them to hold their brightness for longer, have less flicker, and provide the best darkness piercing characteristics.

If you have any questions or still need help choosing headlights for your vehicle, contact us or write a comment below!

Hey check out this sweet article: https://scanneranswers.com/best-car-wax-and-paint-sealers-for-the-value/

-Mike

The post Best LED Headlight Conversion Kit appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Matt here with ScannerAnswers to bring you our latest guide to finding the best halogen headlight bulb to replace your factory OEM lights. Your vehicle’s lights are essential to its level of safety; therefore, maintaining your headlights is essential. Maintenance includes replacements of headlight bulbs when age or damage forces you to.

5 Best Halogen Headlamp Bulb Comparison Chart

Below you’ll find our recommended bulbs to replace your factory OEM halogens. Picking any of these lights from this list will give you great results with night driving and not be too blinding to other drivers.

#	Preview	Product	Rating	Price
1		SYLVANIA - 9005 SilverStar - High Performance...	No ratings yet	$26.99	Buy on Amazon
2		SYLVANIA - 9006 SilverStar Ultra - High...	No ratings yet	$37.98	Buy on Amazon
3		Philips Automotive Lighting H7 VisionPlus Deluxe...	No ratings yet	$28.70	Buy on Amazon
4		Philips H11 CrystalVision Ultra Upgraded Bright...	No ratings yet		Buy on Amazon
5		SYLVANIA - 9007 XtraVision - High Performance...	No ratings yet	$18.93	Buy on Amazon

Halogen headlight bulbs Pros and Cons with Reviews

Alright, you’ve seen the quick overview of our choices. Let’s dive a little deeper in these headlight bulbs and discuss the benefits of them and help you find the right one for your ride!

1. Sylvania SilverStar

SYLVANIA - 9005 SilverStar - High Performance...

• Lights Dim Over Time, Replace In Pairs: Your lights are a pair, one is never turned on without the other. If one bulb burns out, the other isn't far behind. Replace your 9005 SilverStar Halogen bulbs...
• More Downroad Visibility: SilverStar halogen headlights create a whiter light with more downroad visibility that will enhance your overall experience on the road at night.
• Whiter Light For Added Clarity: The combination of down-road, side road, and whiter light achieves more clarity during nighttime driving. More clarity improves contrast and makes it easier to see...

$26.99

Buy on Amazon

We believe the Sylvania SilverStar are the best OEM halogen replacement bulbs for the price. They offer a great balance of build quality, price, and longevity. Grab a set of these headlamps and you won’t go wrong.

Sylvania is the leading brand when it comes to halogen bulbs. The company knows what clients prefer and offers excellent options from which to choose. This particular product draws ideas from other types of light sources—such as HID—to offer customers a modern look via a trusted source.

Pros

• The globes are available in various sizes, so you should easily find one that fits your vehicle
• Instead of the yellow light of many halogen lamps, these bulbs emit white light that looks similar to HID lights. This is partly made possible by the xenon halogen gas technology used in its design. The technology coordinates the temperature of the color, so it looks as crisp as HID
• The pack includes two globes. It’s smart to change both headlamps at the same time, even if only one is showing defects. If one is showing effects of age, the other one is bound to stop functioning soon as well. You don’t want to be caught without lights because you didn’t properly prepare. If you replace them at the same time, it also means your light source creates an even beam, instead of creating circles that differ in intensity
• The light transmission is enhanced by a cobalt layer on the outside
• They are legal for use on public roads.

Cons

• These are some of the most expensive lights on the market
• Quality control can be lacking and Sylvania doesn’t always honor their warranty

Summary

You’ll love how suave you feel when driving with these lights instead of your old halogen lights. You’ll have the benefit of more crisp, white light, without the danger of blinding other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, they come at a high price, so you have to weigh the aesthetic value of the bulbs and your available budget, and decide which feature wins.

2. Sylvania SilverStar Ultra

SYLVANIA - 9006 SilverStar Ultra - High...

• Lights Dim Over Time, Replace In Pairs: Be sure to replace both 9006 headlights at the same time for optimum performance. If one bulb burns out, the other isn't far behind. Replacing in pairs allows...
• Brightest 9006 Headlight Equals Most Downroad Visibility: See all aspects of the road better with Sylvania's premium headlight bulbs, the Ultra Night Vision performance headlight.
• Whiter Light For Added Clarity: Patented Tri-Band Technology helps provide the whitest 9006 light compared to Sylvania OE bulbs. Improve contrast and object visibility such as street signs and road...

$37.98

Buy on Amazon

The SilverStar range is an upgrade of Sylvania’s basic range, and the Ultra is the highest quality in the Silverstar lineup. These bulbs offer high clarity with a Kelvin rating around 4,000 making them ideal for night driving.

Pros

• A brighter light due to the high Kelvin range
• The beam lights up the side of the road so you can be more aware of what is going on around the car
• The color of the light is conducive to safe night-time driving
• These headlamps are made by an OEM (original equipment manufacturer), so you can be sure of their quality. If vehicle manufacturers trust these items, you can too
• You can legally use them on public roads
• They are easy to install

Cons

• This is an expensive halogen globe
• Many users complain about the globes’ short life span. Even though they give excellent light during these short periods, it may not be enough to justify a regular expense

Summary

You’ll love how bright the road seems, without having to use HID or LED lights. These bulbs are an excellent source of light, but unfortunately not exceptional in life span. You may want to purchase them once and see how long a pair lasts you. Then you can accordingly draw up a budget.

3. Philips VisionPlus

Philips Automotive Lighting H7 VisionPlus Deluxe...

• HIGH PERFORMANCE AND VALUE: The performance choice for safety-conscious drivers, VisionPlus headlight bulbs offer high-performance and excellent value. VisionPlus is the right choice for today's...
• UP TO 60% MORE VISION FOR A SAFER DRIVE: Philips VisionPlus headlight bulbs allow drivers to see father for greater safety and comfort by producing up to 60% more vision. (When compared to standard...
• OEM QUALITY AND DOT COMPLIANT: VIsionPlus bulbs meet the Department of Transportation requirements. Choosing original equipment bulbs reduces the chance of early failure thanks to their higher quality...

$28.70

Buy on Amazon

Philips is a trusted company in terms of technology, and even in the area of headlamps, they manage to compete well with other brands. Their 100 years of history and the trusted name should be a sign of the durability. Philips claims performance up to 60% better than others on the market. Let’s look at some of the facts.

Pros

• Standard halogen lamps give limited light, but this Philips product gives 60% more light than average bulbs. This is measured in terms of how far the light reaches. The light produced reach 80 feet farther than average Halogens. This increases your level of safety.
• You can see far ahead, so you can react in time
• You’re more visible to others on the road
• The lights are available in quite a few sizes
• Philips are some of the more affordable bulbs on the market, especially when compared to Sylvania
• They are DOT compliant, so you can legally use them on public roads
• A 12-month warranty may help if you find they don’t perform as well as promised

Cons

• There are limited sizes available. Other Philips products come in more sizes, but don’t offer this exceptionally bright light. You need to make sure it fits before purchasing one. It may be beneficial to ask a professional’s advice
• Some clients have issues with their lifespan, but this may be situation or vehicle specific

Summary

Philips offers vehicle owners an affordable headlight bulb with enhanced features. This means you’ll have a better night-time view than with bulbs supplied by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You should do this sooner rather than later so you know you’re as safe as possible on the road.

4. Philips CrystalVision

Philips H11 CrystalVision Ultra Upgraded Bright...

• Get the bright white light look
• Choose Philips CrystalVision ultra headlight bulbs for the look of HID and get bright white light on the road. Philips CrystalVision ultra headlights are DOT compliant
• A unique blue cap on the bulb creates a cool blue effect in the headlamp’s reflector in daytime

Buy on Amazon

The Philips CrystalVision is another exceptional Halogen for driving at night. They are Philips’ answer to the Sylvania SilverStar Ultra. If you need a bulb that illuminates a large part of the road, consider the CrystalVisions.

The approach when designing these bulbs was to afford vehicle owners the look of HIDs and Xenons, without having to purchase them. This is made possible through the xenon look of the CrystalVision bulbs. This is perfect if you prefer halogens, but love the HID Kelvin temperature. The globes also offer many other benefits.

Pros

• 4,000K colors light up the night
• The blue effect that many modern drivers love is created by a blue cap. This will even be seen in daytime
• Though slightly more expensive than some of the Philips options, these are still affordable, so it’s the ideal way of giving your car a makeover
• Available in various sizes

Cons

• They are slightly more expensive than other Philips products
• Sizes are limited
• Though marketed as white and blue, some customers complain the lights are still too yellow for their taste

Summary

This is the ideal way of sprucing up your car’s look. You can keep using halogens, while you get some of the white and blue effect similar to HID/LEDs. If possible, watch a demo before you purchase them, because your expectations of color may not match the real effect. There are some limits when sticking to halogens, rather than giving HIDs a try.

5. Sylvania XtraVision

SYLVANIA - 9007 XtraVision - High Performance...

• Lights Dim Over Time, Replace In Pairs: Your lights are a pair, one is never turned on without the other. If one bulb burns out, the other isn't far behind. Replace your 9007 XtraVision Halogen bulbs...
• More Downroad Visibility: XtraVision bulbs have an enhanced downroad visibility with no added glare.
• Reliable Design For Optimal Performance: XtraVision bulbs have a robust filament design and propriety gas mixture that can be driven for superior performance.

$18.93

Buy on Amazon

The last item on our list is once again from Sylvania. If you’re looking for the best cheap halogen headlamps, check out the XtraVisions. Oh, and just because they’re cheap doesn’t mean they are crappy bulbs.

These still perform better than many other halogen lights, especially old ones. Though there’s nothing too fancy about these globes, they may be the perfect option for vehicle owners who want an enhanced light source without any additional features.

Pros

• You get a quality product from a respected brand, at a very low price
• The light shines more yellow than white. If you prefer sticking to the old look, these are the best option
• “Casts” your headlight a long distance
• They don’t create glare than can irritate your eyes or others on the road
• Legal for use on public roads
• Manufactured by a trusted OEM company
• 12-month customer satisfaction guarantee on the headlights

Cons

• If you’re looking for bulbs that shine white or blue, these lights are not the answer
• Lifespan can be less than other more expensive bulbs

Summary

If you’re looking for simple replacements for your current headlights, try these. They will give you the same type of light as most factory OEM headlights, so you don’t have to get used to something new and gimmicky. The enhanced down-road light can only be beneficial. At the amazing low price, it’s ideal for strained budgets as well.

Verdict

If you want a simple replacement, try Sylvania’s Xtravision halogens. They’re a great replacement to your dimmer and old headlamp bulbs. If you’re in search of some great headlights for night-time driving, give Philips CrystalVision a chance. They offer a super bright 4000K beam and light up the road and much less than the cost of an HID or LED kit.

Choosing the best halogen headlights replacement for your car or truck

If you’ve been following our recent cool car stuff postings, then you’ll see that we’ve suggested purchasing an LED headlight kit, or a HID conversion kit. While these LED and HID kits are substantially brighter than stock/OEM halogen lights, they are usually more expensive and can have other issues (flicker, overheating, and more). On top of that, they are more expensive than Halogens.

Related: https://scanneranswers.com/best-synthetic-motor-oil-comparison-chart/

The market is flooded with different types of headlamp bulbs, but some people still prefer halogen bulbs. If your car is manufactured with halogen bulbs, you may have the least number of problems if you replace the old ones with the same type. To help you make a decision, let’s look at some facts and then review some of the best headlight bulbs on the market.

When do you need to replace stock headlamp bulbs?

Any bulb can be in need of replacement if it shows one of the following problems:

• Bulbs may shine less brightly than you’re used to. This can be because of normal deterioration or damage caused by normal shock that all cars experience during driving
• Bulbs may not throw light far enough from the car. This can become dangerous, because you can’t see far ahead
• Bulbs may cease working completely. They may simply be too old to work, or they could have been damaged

You should do regular checks to ensure all your lights are working optimally.

What features do quality headlight bulbs have?

When looking for the ideal bulb to replace your old one, you should choose one that offers the following features:

Brightness – The bulbs must afford bright enough glow to light up the area around the car.

Range – The light needs to reach far enough from the vehicle to make night driving safe.

Installation – They should be easy to install yourself, so you don’t have to pay a dealership to do it.

Features to consider before picking a Halogen replacement

There are so many Halogen headlamp replacements on the market, it can become confusing. As long as you keep these features in mind, you should be able to figure out which one is best for your vehicle.

Size – Lights come in different sizes. Make sure you pick one that fits your vehicle. We recommend you go to the Philips website and simply enter your vehicle’s make, model, and year and it will tell you the right size. Here’s the link: http://www.philipsautolighting.com/

Application – Halogen globes can be used for different circumstances. Some are more dynamic when used in foggy weather. Make sure you choose one that matches the climate you usually drive in.

Color – Lights can emit different types of light, such as white or yellow. This is called the “temparature” and it’s measured in Kelvin Units.

Regulations – Some manufacturers produce clones of quality bulbs. They may seem to work well, but if it’s a replacement of an essential part on your vehicle—such as headlight bulbs—make sure the one you purchase is from a trusted brand like Philips, Sylvania etc.

How do halogens compare to LEDs and HIDs?

Many people prefer LED (light-emitting diodes) or HID (high-intensity discharge) lamps. These lamps have some benefits such as:

• Brighter light
• Instant brightness
• Longer lasting globes
• Use less power

Unfortunately, HID + LED + Xenons also carry these trade-offs:

• If the car wasn’t manufactured with these types of lights, they may not fit into the headlight casing
• The lights may not be certified for use on public roads
• The lights are so bright that they sometimes blind oncoming drivers. It’s essential that these lights are correctly fitted so they shine in the right direction onto the road

Conclusion

Read more about our thoughts on HID and LED kits.

I hope this guide has helped you find the best halogen headlight bulb to replace your worn out and dimming factory lights. If you have any questions, please leave them in a comment.

-Matt

Like this article? Check out: https://scanneranswers.com/best-hobby-rc-cars-and-trucks-to-buy/

The post Best Halogen Headlight Bulb Comparisons appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Best Headlight Restoration Kits

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. In my humble opinion, the same goes true for the headlights in your vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you have an old or new car, or if your vehicle was newly painted. If the headlights look old, dull, yellowed, or oxidized then your car will still look tired, no matter how much wax you apply to the finish or how much tire dressing is on the tires. So if you’ve got tired eyes, you’re need to read our guide to choosing and using the best headlight restoration kit to restore the life to your lights!

Comparison Table

#	Preview	Product	Rating	Price
1		Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit	No ratings yet	$10.39	Buy on Amazon
2		H&A QUALITY Headlight Restoration Kit, Car...	No ratings yet		Buy on Amazon
3		Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit - Long-Lasting...	No ratings yet	$22.75	Buy on Amazon
4		3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, 39008, 1 Kit	No ratings yet	$21.22	Buy on Amazon
5		Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit,...	No ratings yet	$79.77	Buy on Amazon

P.S. You might want to upgrade to some new LED or HID lights too 🙂 Check out our guide to the best LED headlight kit and how to choose an HID upgrade.

Modern cars are usually equipped with plastic lenses for the headlights. Over time, the plastic lens will begin to show signs of degradation due to wear and weather exposure. There is no other way to prevent this from happening. The good news is that you can restore them to their former glory using the best headlight restoration kits.

My first car was a beat-up mid-90’s Nissan Sentra. It was equipped with glass headlights, so I had no problems with yellowing or oxidation. I remember when my friend bought a used fifth-generation Honda Civic. That car was equipped with plastic headlights and it already had mild oxidation when he bought it. But the headlight lens began to exhibit severe oxidation after a year, and my friend was desperate to find a solution.

He was having a lot of trouble seeing in the dark, even when he replaced the bulbs on the headlights. Dull and yellowed headlights will not only make your car look older, but it is a minor safety concern that needs to be addressed immediately.

The Best Headlight Restoration Products with Reviews

If the above mentioned DIY headlight restoration tips produced average results, then you should try purchasing a commercially available headlight restoration kit. Remember that this is way cheaper than buying a new set of headlights for your vehicle.

Quick Summary:

1. Turtle Wax Kit

Turtle Wax T-240KT Headlight Lens Restorer Kit

• Kit includes: 3 restoration pads of various grits from 2400 to 8000 grit, Spray Lubricant (4 Fl Oz.), Lens Clarifying Compound (4 Fl Oz.) and Lens Sealing Wipe (4" x 4")
• Can be used on all lenses, plexiglass and plastic surfaces
• Restores dull, yellowed headlights to like new condition in less than 5 minutes per lens

$10.39

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The Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer comes complete with 3 restoration pads with varying degrees of grit to remove deep scratches and severe oxidation on the headlight lens. Also included are a spray lubricant, lens sealing wipe, and the lens clarifying compound.

This is probably our favorite of the best headlight restoration kits due to the low cost and very good results. The main thing we didn’t like about this kit was the headlights started oxidizing after about 1 year and a new application was needed. This could have been that we got unlucky in our test, but we found the Sylvania kit lasted longer. But for the price and results, you really can’t beat Turtle wax.

The latter is my favorite because using it alone is usually enough to restore the clarity of mildly oxidized lenses. The Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer is designed to remove surface discoloration on all plastic and plexiglass surfaces.

This product also employs a 3-step process to remove mild or heavy oxidation. The first step is to thoroughly clean the headlights with soap and water to remove dirt and grime. Next, apply the lens clarifying compound. By this time, mildly oxidized headlights will be quickly restored to their former glory. If this is the case, simply apply the lens sealing wipe and you’re good to go.

Total time to get results…. Around 5-10 minutes. Hard to beat that!

If the headlights need a bit more work, simply use the spray lubricant and restoration pads to smooth out the problem spots.

Pros

• Easy 3-step process to bring back the clarity of the lens
• The lens clarifying compound is powerful enough to remove mild oxidation
• Low price

Cons

• The restoration pads are a bit small and only good for a single application
• The restored look can fade after a year or so

2. H&A Quality Quick-E

H&A QUALITY Headlight Restoration Kit, Car...

• Restore Light Output: The headlight kit polishes cloudy headlights for a crystal- clear appearance
• Detail & Shine: Suitable for acrylic/plastic lenses for UV protection, light clarity, and visibility
• Easy To Use: Simply wipe dull car headlights with the headlight cleaning wipes to restore and shine

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Living true to its name, the H&A Quick-E Headlight Restoration Kit is simple and easy to use.

What I love most about this lens restoration kit is that you don’t need to use harsh abrasives and sandpaper.

There is no need to employ tons of elbow grease, and you don’t need to use a drill either!

This product claims to clean and restore the clarity of dirty, scratched, yellowed, and dull headlights in about 60 seconds. The truth is the entire process will probably take you more than that, but the 3-step process is so easy that even women and kids can do it (no pun intended).

The kit includes 2 cleaning cloths (one for each headlight), 1 drying cloth, 1 polishing cloth, and 1 protective glove. The process is nothing more than using the cleaning cloths to clean the lens, rubbing the lens with the drying cloth, and buffing the surface lightly with the polishing cloth. That’s all it takes.

This product works well on mild to moderately oxidized headlight lenses. However, if your headlights are severely yellowed or oxidized, then you might look into the Sylvania or 3m kits.

Pros

• Easy and simple process of removing oxidation
• No power tools needed
• No sanding required
• Removes mild scratches and yellowing on the lens

Cons

• The kit is a bit costly
• Only effective in removing mild to moderate oxidation or yellowing

3. SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration

Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit - Long-Lasting...

• Easy Headlight Restoration Kit: The Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit is easy to use and includes everything needed to repair two headlight lenses and restore light output with no tools needed
• Restores Headlight Clarity: Designed to eliminate haze and yellowing, this foggy headlights restoration kit provides a like-new appearance to your headlights
• Improves Night Driving Visibility: The headlight refurbishment kit restores the clarity and shine you need to see down the road at night safely

$22.75

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It was a tough competition between the Sylvania and the TurtleWax kits. We recommended the TurtleWax mainly because it was half the price and restored our headlights just as well as the Sylvania product. However! If you want a lifetime warranty and don’t mind paying a little extra for the quality, grab this headlight restoration kit.

The SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to fully remove the haze and oxidation from your headlight lenses. This product can restore the clarity and beam pattern of your old headlights so you can drive safely in the night.

What I really like about this headlight restoration kit is that it employs an easy 3-step process to restore the clarity of the lens. Best of all, you don’t need power tools to complete the process. However, you will need a bit of elbow grease to get the job done more effectively.

The process starts with the application of the surface activator. Simply wet the headlights and spray the surface activator until the headlights are completely covered with the solution. Let it soak for 30 seconds or more. You will immediately see the oxidation break down. Wash with water and prepare for the next step.

The kit includes 400-grit, 1000-grit, and 2000-grit sandpaper. Wet sanding is highly recommended. First, use the 400-grit followed by the 100-grit and finish off using the 2000-grit sandpaper. Apply the clarifying compound then rinse with water.

The final step is to dry the headlights completely and apply the UV block clear coat and you’re done.

Pros

• Easy 3-step process
• Complete kit includes sandpaper and UV block clear coat
• Pocket-friendly price
• No need to use power tools or a drill

Cons

• It takes a lot of work
• More expensive than the Turtlewax

4. 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System

3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, 39008, 1 Kit

• KIT INCLUDES: 1 - Disc Pad Holder, 3.25 in (8,2 cm) 6 - 3M Gold Sanding Discs 500 Grit, 3 in (7,6 cm) each 4 - 3M White Finishing Discs 800 Grit, 3 in (7,6 cm) each 1 - 3M Trizact Refining Disc, 3 in...
• LIKE NEW HEADLIGHTS: Easy heavy duty kit solution help your headlights look like new
• REMOVE HARSHEST YELLOWING: Kit is powered by drill-activated sanding to provide maximum clarity

$21.22

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The 3M Lens Restoration System is not only good for headlights, it can also be used to clean and revive tail lights, fog lights, and the directional lights or turn signals in your car. While it’s not as quick and takes more elbow-grease than the Turtlewax or H&A kits, it can restore heavily oxidized headlights.

This kit is designed to restore the condition of your headlights by safely removing oxidation. A minor caveat is that you need to use a corded drill. Of course, you can also use your hands and apply a bit of elbow grease, but using a drill is the preferred method when using the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System.

This kit includes a #M drill backing plate, a P800 grit white abrasive disc, P500 grit yellow disc, P3000 foam disc, orange foam compounding pad, and 1 0z. 3M headlight lens polish.

The process starts by using the 500-grit disc to remove scratches and haze from the lens. Next, use the 800-grit disc followed by the 3000 wet disc. Finish it up by applying a small amount of the 3M lens polish.

Full instructions can be found on 3M’s website: http://3mauto.com/products/headlight-restoration

Pros

• Works well on severely oxidized headlights
• Complete kit including the lens polish
• Friendly price

Cons

• You will need a power drill
• It takes a lot of effort to produce satisfying results

5. Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Kit

Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit,...

• PROFESSIONAL RESULTS: Cleans oxidized, yellowed and hazy headlights
• REVOLUTIONARY COATING: Protects against yellowing and re-oxidation of headlights for up to 12 months
• HEADLIGHT RESTORER: drill powered polishing combines with sanding for outstanding results

$79.77

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Let me say it upfront: the Meguiar’s Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit is the most expensive product in this review. You will also need a corded drill. This kit includes 1000-grit and 3000-grit sanding discs, hand sanding pad, easy-buff wool pad, 4 oz. of PlastX, 2 oz. headlight coating, and a headlight coating applicator pad.

The best part about this product is that it works well on severely deteriorated headlights, provided that you follow the directions carefully. It will not only remove the cloudiness or yellowing from the lens surface, but this product is also designed to smoothen out deep scratches for a like-new finish.

The process is basically the same with the other products in this review. You will need to wet sand the lens using varying grit sandpaper. Next, use the wool pad to apply PlastX to polish the surface. Finally, apply headlight coating to seal the surface using the included applicator pad.

The headlight coating is designed to protect the lens against further oxidation and yellowing for up to 12 months.

Pros

• Works well on severely scratched and oxidized surfaces
• Thoroughly restores the clarity of yellowish headlight lenses

Cons

• It still takes a lot of work
• You will need to use a corded drill
• It’s a bit expensive

DIY Headlight Restoration

Allow me to share the DIY headlight restoration solutions that my friend employed on his trusty old Civic.

Before the advent of high-quality headlight restoration kits, the only recourse was to either remove the headlights from the vehicle and have it repaired at the body shop or to employ a couple of tricks on your own. Mind you, the process is basically the same, even with the availability of commercial headlight restoration kits.

The process still entails a lot of sanding and elbow grease. On some restoration kits, you will need to use an orbital buffer or corded drill.

But before we get to that, you might want to try these simple remedies using basic materials you can find in your own home.

Restore Headlights with Toothpaste

This method worked well for my friend’s Civic. It didn’t restore the headlights to a like-new condition, but it certainly helped clear up some of the fogginess from the plastic lens.

All you need is a small amount of toothpaste and a small microfiber or terry cloth towel. Don’t use toothpaste brands with crystals or salt. In this case, plain white toothpaste will do.

1. Simply apply a small amount of toothpaste on the cloth and rub it around the headlights. Make sure that every nook and cranny of the headlight is covered with toothpaste.
2. Use small circular motions. After a minute or two of intense rubbing, you will already see a noticeable improvement.
3. Lightly buff off the toothpaste from the headlight. Remove excess toothpaste with a clean cloth. You can repeat the process when necessary.

Toothpaste contains mild abrasives to clean your teeth. Those mild abrasives are usually enough to remove mild oxidation from the headlights.

Please take note that the toothpaste method might not work well in severely oxidized or yellowed headlights. If that’s the case, you can try the next method below.

Restore Plastic Headlights with Vinegar and Baking Soda

This method may sound unusual, but vinegar and baking soda is an old-school way of removing haze and oxidation on plastic headlights.

1. Make sure that the headlights are clean and free of dust and dirt before proceeding.
2. Mix a small amount of baking soda and plain vinegar in a small bowl until you have a paste.
3. Apply the paste on the headlights using a terry cloth towel. Rub the paste lightly using small circular motions.
4. Remove the excess with a separate cloth, buff lightly, and check the results.
5. You can repeat the process if the headlights need further cleaning.

Headlight Restoration Tips

• Follow the instructions carefully. Most of these kits use a sanding method, and if the instructions recommends using masking tape to protect surrounding surfaces, then do it. Otherwise, you might end up harming the paint finish.
• It is good practice to remove the headlights from the front fascia when using headlight restoration kits. If not, then you should mask the surrounding areas with tape.
• You should work in an enclosed or shaded garage.

Conclusion

Choosing the best headlight restoration kit will depend on the severity of the damage on your headlights. All the products in this review worked well provided that you follow the instructions included in the box.

However, what really caught my attention was the Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer and the H&A Quality Quick-E Headlight Restoration Kit. Both products were extremely easy to use, didn’t require the use of a corded drill, and came with a low price.

Make sure your halogen are shining bright with these best halogen bulbs

-Vince

The post DIY Headlight Restoration and the Best Headlight Restoration Kits appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Keep your lights shining bright by removing water buildup

Vince here with ScannerAnswers to share some tips for keeping your car or truck in top running shape. We’ve got some friends in Seattle that endure very rainy seasons and experience condensation build-up in their lights. This presents some serious problems because it dims the headlights and taillights and can potentially burn out your bulbs. Especially if you’re using an HID headlight kit.

If you happen to get some water in your tail lights and are wondering how to remove it and keep it out, then you need to understand a few simple things regarding the tail light assembly of your car.

The tail lights are sealed from the factory. There are also water channels built into the tail light assembly. It is not unusual to find rubber seals along the casing. But if a seal is broken or missing, then water will have a chance to seep inside the casing.

Remember that not all vehicles are manufactured the same way and the tail light assembly will differ according to the make and model of your car. However, the basic assumption would be to open the trunk, remove the carpet sidings on the back of the tail light assembly, and carefully inspect the nuts or screws that hold the tail light in place.

Water and condensation on vehicle tail lights are unsightly to look at. It can even be a determining factor in the rapid deterioration of the lens, bulb, and casing of your tail lights. If you don’t act quickly, then rapid deterioration will not only affect the lighting performance of the tail lights, but it will also make your car look old and dull.

Of course, you can always buy a quality set of aftermarket tail lights for your vehicle, but not everyone prefers the tuned or modified look, and not everyone has money to burn for a new set of lights. You can expect to shell out at least $200 for a new set of tail lights (you will probably spend more for OEM factory parts).

If you happen to own a new car with the warranty still intact, then it’s best to bring your car to the dealer and have the tail lights inspected or replaced. The presence of water or condensation might be caused by a faulty tail light assembly or inadequate application of sealants.

For those who have older cars, here are the simple steps on how to remove water and condensation on the tail lights of your vehicle.

How to Remove and Keep out Water from Vehicle Tail Lights

You Will Need:

• Hair dryer or blower
• Weatherstrip adhesive, butyl or silicone based sealant
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Terry cotton rag

Step 1 – Remove the Tail Light Assembly

Remove the tail light that contains water and condensation. This procedure will differ according to the make and model of your car. Refer to the owner’s manual or repair manual of your car. You also need to remove the electrical sockets and the bulbs before removing the tail light from the vehicle body.

Yes, you can still remove water and condensation even if you don’t remove the tail lights from the body. But if there is too much water in there, then you have no choice but to remove the tail light assembly so you can shake off all those excess water and moisture before proceeding to heat and dry up the condensation.

Step 2 – Use a Hair Dryer to Dry the Tail Light

Point a hair dryer or hot air blower on the socket holes at the back of the tail light assembly. This will help heat up the tail light and quickly evaporate water or condensation.

If your tail lights have a lot of excess water, let the water drip by turning the tail light over and remove any traces of excess moisture before using the hair dryer. Remember not to point the hair dryer directly on the lens of the tail light as excess heat may warp the lens and cause damage. Point the hair dryer on the back of the tail light as the plastic casing is more durable against excess heat than the lens itself.

Repeat the procedure until all water and condensation have been evaporated. Heat the tail light for 5 minutes and rest for 2 minutes before repeating the above-stated procedure.  Be cautious not to use too much heat to avoid damaging the light.

Optional tip: (if you have a couple extra days where you don’t need to use your vehicle): Place silica gel packets inside the tail light housing. Silica gel is a desiccant that can help absorb moisture. Leave the gel packets inside for a day or two before reassembling the tail lights.

Step 3 – Inspect the Seal on the Tail Light Enclosure

The seal or weather-stripping on the tail light assembly might be warped or damaged, causing the accumulation of moisture or water. A commercially available weather-strip adhesive or silicone sealant should be applied to the edges of the tail light enclosure to further seal against water and condensation.

Carefully inspect the surrounding area and search for water entry points on the body of the casing. The weather-strip adhesive may come in handy tubes for ease of application. Follow the directions stated on the tube and let dry for at least 30 minutes.

Here is an unconventional way to find out where the leak is coming from: you can partially fill the tail light assembly with tap water, and move the tail light around to find the source of the leak. If water spills out, then you have found the source of the leak.

Of course, this also means that you will need to thoroughly dry the insides of the tail light before applying sealant. This method is not for everyone, but it is better to find the source of the leak rather than applying sealant on the entire casing.

Step 4 – Attach Tail light Assembly to the Vehicle Body

Now that you have removed the water and condensation from the tail lights, it is time to put them back in the factory position.

Align the tail light assembly on the vehicle body and secure by tightening the nuts or screws that hold the enclosure in place. Insert the bulbs and the electrical sockets and test for proper operation.

Conclusion

The methods prescribed above will also work on the headlights of your vehicle. You will need to be extra careful when using hot air on the headlights so you don’t run the risk of damaging the sensitive lens. But the procedures are basically the same, and you can have a sparkling clean set of headlights devoid of water and condensation.  If you are uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself or if the issue persists, it’s advisable to consult with a professional mechanic or visit a car service center to address the problem.

If your car has water and condensation on the tail lights, you don’t need to replace them right away. Simply following the steps above will not only save you money, but it will make your car look better without burning a deep hole in your pocket.

Now that you have some clean taillights and/or headlights, make sure your engine is running in peak condition by running a full engine diagnostic scan with one of these OBDII code readers

Vince

The post How to Remove Water from Tail Lights of your Vehicle appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

The other day I took my family to the drive-in movie theater to watch the new Avatar: Way of Water. (yes there are still around 300 drive-in theaters in America!).

As we’re sitting waiting for the show to start, the kids were coming and going… you know, they had to get their popcorn, refill soda, use the restroom, etc… Every time someone opened the car door, it turned on the dome lights and our car shone like a lone Christmas tree in a forest. Very bright. It got me thinking, “I wonder if I can turn off my lights with the door still open.” I learn the answer will be very vehicle specific. However, here are nine tips:

1. Wait 2 minutes

Many vehicles have an auto-off feature to avoid draining the battery. So you could try shutting off your car, removing keys from ignition, turning off the exterior lights, and waiting a couple minutes to see if they automatically shut off. Be careful if the lights stay on a while ( 30 minutes+) as it could drain the battery.

2. Join a Forum

Chances are, others have had the same question as you. Since this question will vary between brands and models, check out forums dedicated to your ride. For example, check the Ford forums or Toyota forums and ask around.

You will probably have to join the forum to ask a question. Be sure to do a thorough search to check and see if anyone has already asked the question and it has been answered.

A member is also likely to offer an idea you may not have thought of and even a trick or two to make the process easier. Before you ask questions locate the forum menu.

There are lots of questions posted so be sure to read through them you could find a related problem or more than one way to fix the problem.

3. Google Search

That’s right. A classic Google query may be all you need. Do a search and see what you can locate about interior map/dome lights and how to turn them off when the door is open.

4. Unplug the battery or pull the fuse

A surefire way to turn the lights off when your doors are open is the pull the ‘light module’ fuse, or disconnect the battery. When disconnecting battery, remove BLACK/ground cables first, then RED/hot cables second.

Pulling a fuse is easy. Just make sure you find the one for your car. Some fuse boxes will have them all marked, otherwise you’ll need to Google it, or dig through the owner’s manual.

If you don’t wanna fuss around with fuses, disconnecting the negative battery cable will shut off all lights in the car. Some downsides to this would be that it could reset your stereo settings, and you’ll have to reconnect the wires when it’s time to leave.

What causes the lights to remain on after the automobile has been switched off?

If it takes so long for the headlights to switch off, it is quite probable that there is a problem with the body control module. This is a typical failure mode for this particular kind of car a Ford 2010, 2011, or 2013.

It could be that the mechanism used was the same for all models. This is why the interior lights can’t be turned off while the doors are open and must be done manually.

What is a body control module?

The car’s Body Control Module to connects with the various (ECUs) Electronic Control Units in the vehicle.

This module can be compared to the brain, which sends and receives transmissions through the nerves to operate various bodily parts (different ECUs) (vehicle BUS).

Its ability to engage with other ECUs, a BCM unit, operates as a hub. Having to use cabled plug-in connections between ECUs in the car is no longer necessary.

What does the body control module do?

It is a multifaceted electronic component that performs numerous purposes, the most important of which is to manage a wide range of vehicle body electronics. automotive BCM.

Using data from input devices, the system module makes decisions on how to operate output devices.

By pressing a power window button, the car’s battery can interact with the ignition module by sending power to the BCM unit.

This then transmits information to the load, causing the motor to rotate and the window to be controlled.

Similar to this, there are numerous control functions that should run smoothly and consistently.

It’s also possible to control these components without a BCM unit, but this would necessitate adding more wiring to the car.

By using a BC, you can do away with all of this extra wiring. When numerous functions are being performed at once, it controls power flow because then the electromagnetic module of the vehicle isn’t overtaxed.

How does the body control system affect the car interior lights?

Because the body control system is the brain of the car it controls nearly everything includes how the driver performs manual overrides, how the lights turn on and shut off.

How the radio is operated, the doors lock, the hatch latch, the ignition turns over, and how the battery knows to turn over and start. It knows when switches and levels need to open, push, lift, and pull.

When the driver closes the door and turns the key in the ignition the interior lights inside the cabin turn on and the lights stay off and after a few minutes the bulbs become dimmer.

When the driver gets in the car and has close and locked the car door it’s time to drive.

At night it is essential to have interior lights they make it easier to find the ignition and insert the key when the door is closed and your cabin is dark.

What would cause a dome light to remain on?

Dome lights installed inside a car are controlled by a number of controls. It is usually found on a movable knob on the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel, or on either side of the headlight switch.

If a dome light would not turn off, it is likely that the switch has been stuck in the “On” position. Often times the interior light, door, the hatch is open and hasn’t had the latch put on this will keep the car lights on when the doors are open.

To prevent this issue, you could shut the door, push it to make sure you hear the latch sound.

If this does not work for you try looking at the computer systems menu and see if you need to download an app or possibly find the location of a bad wire, fuse, and make sure the battery is not being drained.

If the interior lights stay on check the fuse, battery, hatch is closed, door is shut, give the door a pull and push to make sure it is close, you can also check the bulbs and fuses to make sure they have not blown.

Check the menu to make sure all the interior light bulb switches are in the correct position. If they are not the lights need to be checked manually.

Shut off Interior Lights

When you want to turn the lights off use the switch, make sure all doors are closed. If you want the lights to stay off when the door is open you can remove the fuse, bulbs, make sure the ear light are turned off again all great ways to keep your battery charging.

How to locate off equipment?

The location of the mechanism can sometimes seem like a trick to locate. Most times when you open the car door the interior lights come on without a key in the ignition. Look around the steering wheel or dash. Below is a photo from an old Dodge Ram pickup truck. See how it’s a simple “OFF” dial?

Is it even possible to turn all the lights off with the door or hatch open?

Many vehicles have an automatic function to turn off interior doors to save battery life. If yours doesn’t, try the tricks we’ve listed. At least one of them will work 🙂

The post 9 Ways to Turn Off Interior Car Lights with Door Open appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Learn how to keep your headlights shining bright for the life of your car!

You know when you’re driving down a country road at night and the car right behind you leaves their headlights on high? That happened to me recently … but I wasn’t annoyed. I was relieved! Those high-set and bright beams made it so easy to see every twist and turn in the road.

When the other car turned down a driveway, I had to face the truth. My car’s high beams weren’t cutting it anymore. Headlight haze was the culprit, and it was time for me to take action.

Related: Why You Should Upgrade Old Halogen Headlights To An LED Or HID Kit

Why Do Headlights Get Foggy?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving an old Mazda or a high end BMW. Headlight haze can strike any car over time. This cloudy, sometimes yellowed effect comes from a number of sources including:

How Do I Keep My Headlights From Getting Cloudy?

Looking to prevent or delay cloudy lens issues?  Keep them clean and promptly repair  seals at the first sign of condensation.  However, given enough time and driving-related wear and tear, there’s a good chance that the acrylic layer will get damaged.

If you want to make your headlights last longer, then consider purchasing a headlight coat spray and apply it once a year. This will drastically prolong the life of your lens housing. I reccommend the Meguiar’s Headlight Coating

Sale

Meguiar's Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit,...

• RESTORE HEADLIGHT CLARITY: Introducing a car detailing kit featuring high-quality car care products that quickly and easily restore headlights. The simple two-step process removes oxidization and...
• YEAR-LONG PROTECTION: The revolutionary headlight coating in this car care kit helps your car shine brighter, longer by protecting against yellowing and re-oxidation for up to 12 months of better...
• ONLY TWO STEPS: Simply apply the cleaning solution to the included abrasive pads, then apply the headlight coating – no drill required. It quickly and easily removes oxidation, cloudiness, and...

$22.04

Buy on Amazon

How Big of a Problem is This?

According to AAA, headlights that have deteriorated (including those with headlight haze) may only be putting out 20% as much light as they’re supposed to.  A big difference like that makes it challenging and downright dangerous to drive around at night. Worst of all, this light reduction sneaks up on you. As the years pass, it’s all too easy to get used to your dimmer headlights and not even realize how bad the situation has gotten.

One of the major contributers to this problem is that headlight assemblies are made out of plastic rather than glass. Plastic is cheaper to manufacture and easier to mold, but it yellows and hazes much faster than glass.

So what can you do here? There are a couple options available, ranging from going to the pros to DIY products.

Professional Headlight Restoration

If you aren’t very handy or would prefer to leave this job to the pros, you can find plenty of services that will tackle the problem for you. Bigger cities may have specialists who do nothing but restore headlights. For other places, you may need to inquire at your local auto mechanic’s and see if it’s on their list of services.

One advantage of going to the pros is that they may have access to tools and techniques that you won’t have. This could include power sanding to remove oxidation, expertly resealing the housing so it’s watertight, or using surface coatings that enhance your headlights’ overall brightness.

How much will this cost you? That varies depending on:

Most professional headlight restoration costs will be between $80-$150 bucks though.

How to DIY Headlight Restoration

Prefer to roll up your sleeves and tackle this on your own? Great! There are a number of products and kits on the market that can help. Most of these require just basic skill levels and common tools in the garage.

Your First Step

Let’s start with the easiest fix. Get a clean, soft microfiber cloth and a basin of soapy water. Dampen the headlights and let them sit for a minute or two. This gives the water time to loosen stubborn buildup. Wipe away the film of dirt, turn the cloth to a clean and grit-free surface, and wipe again. Rinse well.

You might be surprised by how dirty your washcloth looks after this. Do you regularly send your car through a car wash? Even if you do, your headlight lenses may not be getting the kind of focused TLC that they need to look their best.

If your lenses still need help, you may need to pick up a restoration kit like the Meguiar's G2980 Heavy Duty.

Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit,...

$79.77

Buy on Amazon

How to use a Headlight Restoration Kit

You can find these kits put out by a number of companies, from Meguiar’s to Turtle Wax. Most kits follow the same general pattern of removing old sealant, buffing the acrylic lens, and resealing your headlights to prevent future damage.

1. Preparing the surface: You’ll want to make sure the headlight is clean (see above), but sometimes that’s not enough. The idea here is to remove any leftover flakes of the old protective sealant and get started on smoothing out deeper scratches on the lenses. Some kits will come with an abrasive cloth, cream that’s rubbed in, or fine grit sandpaper. Others will tell you to buy your own prepping product. If so, look for something around 1000 grit sandpaper.

2. Buffing the lenses: Your kit may have emery papers or sanding disks that can be attached to an electric drill or other power tool. You’ll work from the coarsest to the finest grit. Each pass will create a smoother and clearer surface, letting more light shine through.

3. Sealing the headlights: This sanded and polished surface may look great, but it’s vulnerable to new damage. That’s why you don’t want to skip the sealing step. This typically includes a protective clear coat that is applied, let set, and the excess wiped off. For some kits this coating may need to be reapplied. Again, for the best results you’ll need to read the instructions carefully.

Do you prefer to watch and follow along? Here’s a youtube video of the techniques. It shows off the Meguiar’s kit, but you can use those same steps with most most kits on the market.

Conclusion

Dim, hazy headlights can be downright dangerous under the right (or in this case, wrong) circumstances. With the right kit and technique, you can rewind the clock and enjoy bright headlights again. After you’ve removed the haze from your headlights consider upgrading those old bulbs with an LED Headlight Conversion Kit

The post Best way to remove haze from headlights appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Why apply clear coat?

Before we discuss the best clear coat for car headlights, it is important to talk about the importance of applying clear coat in the first place.

If you’ve read our guide on cleaning headlights with household items you know that you can use WD-40, toothpaste, and a solution of baking soda and vinegar to clean the “fog” off your headlights.

However, most DIY cleaning solutions will only produce temporary results.

It’s the same principle in removing scratches and swirls from paint. If you don’t polish or shave off a small portion of the clear coat to level the damage, the scratch will remain visible even if you apply wax.

In order to remove the cloudiness and haze on plastic headlights, wet sanding will produce permanent results. But after sanding the headlights, the surface will be bare and unprotected. After cleaning the lens, it’s critical that you apply a clear coat to your headlights or the cloudiness will come back as soon as a couple weeks!

Similar to after polishing your vehicle’s paint, you should apply a thin coat of carnauba wax. It’s the same principle with plastic or acrylic headlight lenses. The clear coat will act as a barrier to repel surface damage and UV rays. It will also provide lasting clarity and many years or protection against oxidation.

Read more about why headlights get foggy

The Best Clear Coat for Headlights

After sanding and polishing the headlights, it is best to apply two or three coats of clear coat. This will not only protect the headlights from future UV damage, but it will give the lenses unsurpassed clarity. Here’s two products that I suggest you use.

The first, Spraymax 2k, is the most effective product and you can use it to make your headlights last for years. But it’s a little more expensive, and doesn’t include a “lens restore kit.”

The second, Sylvania Restoration, is a complete kit that contains the clear coat as well as p-400, 1000 and 2000 grit sand paper. Everything you need to restore those lenses! The clear coat spray can be purchased seperataly and it’s about half the price of the Spray Max.

1. Spraymax 2K Clear Coat

Spray max USC 2k High Gloss Clearcoat Aerosol

• Maximum resistance to abrasion and scratching
• Suggested Use: For use over all basecoats.
• Mix: Ready to spray: Activate, shake and spray.

$24.99

Buy on Amazon

One of the best clear coats for headlights is the Spraymax 2K. This product leaves behind a superior high-gloss finish. The coating is also tough enough to protect the lenses from deep scratches and surface damage.

The product is easy to use. Spraymax recommends two to three light coats to achieve the best results. However, the Spraymax 2K Clear only has a shelf life of 48 hours upon opening the product. Since it will easily expire in around 2 days, it is best to plan ahead for multiple projects (You can use it for body-work too) so you can consume the contents in the can.

This is not exactly a big issue. But if you’re buying the Spraymax 2K Clear for the headlights only, it might not be worth the $20 asking price. But then again, this product is one of the best in terms of gloss and protection. So if you have more than one car in your garage, this clear coat will be more than enough to coat all the headlights in your vehicles.

2. Sylvania Headlight Restoration UV Block Clear Coat Kit

SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Essentials Kit -...

• Most Important Step In Headlight Restoration: Regardless of what product or brand you use to restore your headlights, Sylvania's UV Block Clear Coat is the difference that will keep your headlight...
• Benefits Of Using Uv Block Clear Coat: Specially formulated UV blockers help provide UV Block Clear Coat sealing power that protects your headlights once restored, keeping the lenses clear for long...
• Easy To Use, Long Lasting Protection: The UV Block Clear Coat is easy to use and provides a UV resistant barrier that protects against hazing and yellowing of the headlights.

$12.75

Buy on Amazon

First things first, you can buy the Sylvania in two different ways:

1. An all-in-one kit that includes sand paper AND the UV clear coat – 
   The Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit is awesome if you don’t have any supplies and want a simple way to restore your lenses from start-to-finish. It comes with a surface activator to pre-clean the plastic lens prior to applying the clear coat. You also get three sets of sandpaper to wet sand. Plus you get an awesome clear coat to protect!
2. UV Clear Coat only
   If you opt for this, it’s half the price as the full kit (and the Spraymax 2k) but you only get the clear coat. This is perfect for guys that already have the right sand paper grits or followed our home remedy for clean car headlights.

The kit also comes with an easy to follow instruction manual to guide you in the entire process. In my experience, it will take you approximately an hour or so per headlight to complete the job. This will also hold true if you’re working with severely oxidized headlights.

Read more reviews from customers on Amazon

The results will speak for themselves. This is not only of the best clear coats for plastic headlights, but it delivers incredible value as well.

What causes the plastic headlight lenses to fog or cloud up?

The primary culprit is UV oxidation. Plastic headlights are treated with a protective UV coating when new. But as the plastic is exposed to UV rays and weather elements, the barrier of clear coat will eventually fade or warp. If the clear coat wears off, the clear plastic lens will begin to turn yellow, which is the initial stage of oxidation.

But the sun is not the only thing to blame for foggy or cloudy headlights. Road debris such as sand, dirt, gravel, and road salt will also wear down the initial layer of clear coat. Deep scratches and pits caused by flying stones will also leave deep indentations on the lens, which will severely contribute to the cloudiness or fogginess of the lens.

How can I prevent the plastic headlights from turning yellow?

If you have a newer car, there are certain things you can do to prevent the plastic headlights from oxidizing. Since UV exposure is the primary cause of oxidation, it is better to always park your car in the shade. If you have a habit of leaving your vehicle under the hot and baking sun, you can expect the headlights to turn yellowish much sooner than expected.

Another way to prevent yellowed or cloudy headlights is to clean the headlights (and your entire vehicle for that matter) regularly. I highly recommend to wash your vehicle with clean water and car shampoo at least once a week, or once a month is the vehicle is not driven regularly. Washing the headlights will remove standing dirt and road chemicals, which are two components that contribute to accelerated wear on the plastic headlight lenses.

How to Sand and Restore Plastic Headlights (in 10 easy steps!)

If you prefer a video, check out Chrisfix’s guide:

Okay this is a pretty simple process, but it does take time. I couldn’t break it down in 3 steps, so here’s my 10 step guide 🙂

For this procedure, you’ll need a couple of items:

Start with a clean pair of headlights. If the headlights are dirty, clean them first using water and car shampoo. This will prevent inducing scratches and nicks on the lens as you sand. Park the car in a shaded garage. It is more convenient to sand the headlights under the shade.

1. Use masking tape to protect the surrounding areas on the headlights. This will also prevent you from sanding off painted surfaces, which is not good to begin with.
2. Grab the spray bottle to apply liberal amounts of water on the headlights. Make sure the lens is soaking wet.
3. Use 400-grit sanding paper to start. Spray water on the sand paper until soaking wet and proceed to sand the plastic lens using horizontal strokes. A little bit of elbow grease is required, but don’t apply too much pressure. Let the sand paper do the job. It is important to consistently spray water as you sand the plastic lens. Do not allow the lens to dry while sanding.
4. Grab a clean towel to wipe of the excess liquid and grit on the headlights.
5. Next, grab a small piece of 600-grit sand paper and soak it in water. Use this to sand the lens once more using light horizontal strokes. Remember to constantly spray water on the headlights as you sand the lens.
   Using 600-grit will smoothen up the rougher surface left by the 400-grit sand paper. This procedure is only recommended for severely oxidized and yellowed headlights. If the headlights in your vehicle are lightly or moderately oxidized, you can skip the 400-grit and 600-grit sand paper and go straight to using 2000-grit or 3,000-grit sand paper.
6. This is the final sanding process. But this time, you’ll be using 2000-grit sand paper. Spray water on the sander until soaking wet. Work the sand paper until the surface is smooth to the touch. Don’t forget to consistently spray water on the headlight when sanding!This step will also remove coarse grit left behind by the 600-grit sand paper. Using a finer grade will also smoothen and level off the surface to achieve the desired smoothness and clarity.
7.  After the final sanding, wipe the headlight clean using a clean towel. Make sure to remove all traces of grit on the lens before applying the clear coat.
8. Wait until the plastic lens is dry before applying clear coat. Depending on the product you’re using, you can either spray on the clear coat or apply using a small applicator pad. Allow the clear coat to dry for at least five minutes before applying a second and third coat.
   If you prefer using a spray like the Spraymax 2K Clear, make sure to cover up the surrounding areas of the headlight to prevent overspray.
   Depending on the type of clear coat, it is important to allow the solution to dry overnight, or for at least two to three hours.
9.  You’re not done yet! The final step is to apply a thin coat of pure carnauba wax. This will add another layer of protection to protect the clear coat from harmful UV exposure and environmental elements. Apply the wax using an applicator pad and allow to dry to a haze for at least 10 minutes.

Finally, wipe off the haze using a clean towel. Now step back and admire your work!

-Mike

Main image by MikesPhotos from Pixabay

The post Best Clear Coat for Headlights Restoration – Protect and defend your hard work! appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

3 DIY Home Remedy Headlight Restoration Techniques

Are the “eyeballs” in your vehicle clouded, yellowed, or simply not aging gracefully? Need an effective home remedy to clean car headlights and restore the clarity of those hazy, faded, and yellowed headlight lenses?

Read on to learn 3 effective ways to clean ’em up and add new vitality to your ride!

Hey there I’m Matt and no, that’s not me in the picture above 🙂 But let me tell you, I’ve been around cars my whole life and there’s nothing worse than dull, yellow, faded headlights. Not only are they dangerous but they look terrible! I remember one of my first cars was a 1997 Mustang GT and the yellow headlights contrasted the white body paint so bad! I spent many hours scrubbing those headlights trying to clean them.

What my naive high school self didn’t know is that soap and water isn’t enough to remove headlight oxidation. Yeah, that’s the biggest word I’ll use today!

What’s up with plastic headlights these days?

Plastic headlights are utilized in modern cars for several good reasons. One of them has something to do with cost. Plastic headlights are cheaper to manufacture than those heavy glass headlights on older cars.

The plastic can also be manipulated into any type of shape. This enables the headlights to match the contours of the vehicle, which inevitably results in better aerodynamics and overall styling.

Bonus: Read more about the pros and cons of plastic vs glass headlights

But those plastic headlights have their quirks. The most popular would have to be the tendency to get cloudy, faded, or yellowed over time. This not only makes your vehicle look old or outdated, but it will also affect the safety and visibility of your ride especially if you’re halogen lights are outdated.

Do I need to buy a headlight restoration kit?

In many cases, yes.

In fact, I would recommend you spend the $20-something-bucks to just restore your lights without a “home remedy.” It’ll last longer, be less hassle, less risk in damaging your lights, and kits are pretty affordable.

Purchasing the Meguiar’s, Mothers NuLens, 3M, or SYLVANIA quality headlight restoration kits are a sure-fire way to refurbish the look and functionality of modern plastic headlights.

Sale

Meguiar's Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit,...

$22.04

Buy on Amazon

Sale

Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit —...

$17.77

Buy on Amazon

3M Headlight Restoration Kit, Simple Process to...

Buy on Amazon

Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit -...

$22.75

Buy on Amazon

However, not all headlight restoration kits are the same. For example, the 3M kit contains sanding discs and a polishing pad to literally scrape away the dullness on the headlight covers. But you have to be careful when sanding to not sand too deep. If you do it wrong, it is easy to end up damaging (instead of restoring) the headlights altogether.

But are headlight restoration kits really that effective?

But how affective they are depends on the severity of the damage. For light cloudiness or hazing, these headlight cleaning kits will erase the damage in no time at all. However, for severely clouded or oxidized headlights, the results might not be the same. In this case, it is better to consult a professional. It may be cheaper to purchase a new set of headlights than to restore or fix the damage.

How to clean car headlights  – Home Remedy

This is likely the reason you’re here, looking for home remedies to DIY restore your headlights, right? Well I got good news for you then because here are 3 methods that you can use at home to save some cash and hopefully clean your headlight lenses on a budget!

Let’s get into it!

1. Bug Spray – Clean and restore with DEET!

Yes, you read it right.

Bug spray or insect repellent containing DEET is good for cleaning and restoring the clarity of plastic headlight lenses.

But there’s a catch. You can’t do this repeatedly and you HAVE to clean it off immediately or you will melt your headlight.

Home Remedy #1

The reason is because the DEET in bug spray or insect repellent will literally melt away the top layer of the plastic coating. Over time, the chemical will eventually weaken the plastic with continuous use, which will eventually damage the headlights.

But as an effective home remedy for cleaning headlights, bug spray is effective as long as you don’t do it often.

1. Start with a clean surface. Wash the headlights with water and car shampoo to remove dust and dirt from the lens.
2. Grab a dry microfiber towel. Spray the insect repellent ON TO THE towel until moist. Two or three sprays will do. Avoid getting on paint.
3. As an added tip, remember not to apply the bug spray directly on the headlight lens.
4. Wipe the headlights in a left to right and up-down motion to remove the cloudiness and haze on the lens.
5. Grab a separate clean towel and give the headlights a final wipe.
6. Clean the headlights with white distilled vinegar and then soap and water. Apply a UV Clear Coat like Meguiar's Headlight Coating

This method is an effective quick fix in removing the cloudiness on plastic headlights. But then again, use bug spray sparingly. If this method failed to restore the clarity of the headlight lenses, do not repeat the procedure. Using too much bug spray will inevitably weaken and damage the plastic.

Watch this video by ChrisFix before you try cleaning your lights with Bug Spray!

Vinegar and Baking Soda – Restore clarity with this one-two punch!

Plain old white distilled vinegar and a spoonful or two of baking soda is also an easy and effective method to restore plastic headlights. This method will remove light hazing, moderate cloudiness, and yellowing of the clear plastic lens.

Home Remedy #2

1. As usual, it is best to start with a clean surface. Removing dust and dirt will also prevent scratching the headlights as you wipe the lens with the home made cleaning solution.
   Wash off the headlights using water and car shampoo. Wipe dry.
2. Pour approximately half a cup to one cup of white vinegar in a small bowl.
3. Add one or two teaspoons of baking soda in the bowl and mix well.
4. Grab a clean microfiber towel. Dip a small portion of the towel in the vinegar and baking soda solution and wipe the headlights using small circular motions.
   Don’t hesitate to add some elbow grease as you wipe the headlights. Focus your efforts on areas with extensive cloudiness or hazing.
   Of course, you should work with one headlight at a time.
5. Grab a separate towel and wipe the headlight dry. By this time, the headlight will be clearer than when you started. You can choose to repeat the procedure if you wish to remove more cloudiness or haze from the lens. This is also a cost-effective method in cleaning car headlights. However, don’t expect the headlights to look good as new in the presence of severe oxidation and fading.

The Toothpaste Method – Everyone has this stuff around

If you don’t have bug spray or if you don’t want to mess around with the stinky smell of white vinegar, this next method is perfect. All you need is a small tube of toothpaste and a damp microfiber towel.

Home Remedy #3

• Clean the headlights with

soap and water before proceeding. Since you’ll be scrubbing the lens with toothpaste, removing standing dirt will prevent adding scratches and surface damage to the headlights.
1. Grab a small microfiber towel, dip it in water, and wring off the excess liquid. The idea is to start with a mildly damp towel.
2. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the damp towel. Rub the towel on the headlights using small circular motions, making sure to distribute the toothpaste evenly on the surface of the headlights.
   Don’t be afraid to add more toothpaste as needed. Rub the headlights lightly until all traces of haze are scraped off the lens.
3. Some people like to remove the excess haze using a dry towel, but it is easier to wash away the gunk using a small spray bottle filled with clean water or a basic garden hose. Wash away all the toothpaste residue so you can inspect the condition of the headlights. If you need to remove more haze, repeat the above steps until you achieve the desired results.

Consider Applying UV Clear Coat to Plastic Headlights

So, after cleaning the headlights with any of the above methods, what’s next? The reality is the hazing, cloudiness, and yellowing will come back if you fail to protect and seal the headlight lens after cleaning.

Read more about choosing a clear coat spray for your car headlights here

It’s very important to seal and protect those lights. I recommend you grab a can of SYLVANIA  or Meguiar’s. Here’s two kits I like:

SYLVANIA - Headlight Restoration Essentials Kit...

$12.75

Buy on Amazon

Sale

Meguiar's Keep Clear Headlight Coating,...

$13.26

Buy on Amazon

It is similar to polishing and waxing the paint. Polishing will remove swirl marks and restore the color and shine of the paint. But if you don’t apply wax, the paint will be vulnerable to UV and weather damage. Wax will seal the paint and repel dirt, mud, and harmful UV rays. It’s the same with the headlights in your vehicle.

And since the primary cause of faded and yellowed headlights are the harmful UV rays of the sun, you’ll need to protect the lens with a UV clear coat. This product is easy to apply and will guard against weather and environmental damage. It is also ideal for all lighting accessories like the fog lights, taillights, and DRL’s in your vehicle.

Best of all, applying UV clear coat on the lenses will protect your headlights for many years to come. Make sure to consider revitalizing the UV coating on your plastic headlights by applying a fresh coat of UV protection after cleaning!

Conclusion

If none of the above How to clean car headlights home remedy worked in removing the haze and cloudiness in your headlights, it is better to consult a professional or consider buying a quality headlight restoration kit. Just make sure to read and follow the directions carefully to ensure a safe and hassle-free cleaning process.

Matt

P.S. If you’ve tried these home remedies to restore your headlights and still aren’t getting the results you need, consider upgrading your headlights bulbs. Vince and Mike wrote a couple reviews here:

Featured Image by Lisa Johnson from Pixabay

The post How to Clean Car Headlights – Home Remedy appeared first on ScannerAnswers.

Have you ever found yourself in a position where your car lights wont turn off? We are going to look at the different types of exterior and interior lights. Most common reasons they wont shut off are:

• light sensor
• faulty grounded wire
• bad switches
• switch that is stuck in the “on” position
• blown fuse
• bad relay
• daytime headlight/lamps running module.

Let’s start by looking at your car’s exterior lights. Your vehicle has seven sets of exterior lights.

Headlights or Headlamps

The headlight and headlamp provide the same purpose. The ability for the driver to see the road and surrounding area while driving at night, the last thing you want to do is search for the lines on the road.

Your headlights/lamps consist of one system. The low beams and high beams are connected slightly brighter bulbs are used for the high beams.

If they won’t shut off it is typically because of a faulty relay which is a switch that is operated remotely.

If the headlight switch breaks or becomes stuck in the on position your headlights/headlamps will not shut off this can happen using the low beams or high beams.

A temporary fix

A quick solution for disabling the ruined switch is to unhook the battery (negative wire first, then positive wire) and this will turn the light off and prevent your battery from being drained.

If you find that the battery was not the cause of the problem then the wiring needs to be examined. Oftentimes little critters such as mice will move inside under the hoods of vehicles and wreak havoc with your wiring, and the light on the dashboard, doors, the dome light switch, and all the lights.

Other Exterior Lights

There are dozens of lights on your car. Many you may not even realize are there because you have been looking at cars most of your life they are easy to overlook.

Fog Lights

When there is a problem with the fog lights it is usually a problem with the switch or wires. Mechanics suggest cleaning the switch first and if it still doesn’t work then bring it to your dealership for repair or replacement.

Brake Lights

Brake lights that don’t turn off will quickly drain your battery and if you’re driving it will appear that you are “stopping” constantly.

Believe it or not, there are several reasons for your brake lights to remain on. Let’s look at the list below and the cause and repair.

If you do not take care of it the damaged brake lights you run the risk of damaging your brakes and needing new ones which can be dangerous and costly.

• Bad spring release in the pedal
• Broken brake switch
• Bad wiring
• Blown bulb
• Water in the plastic housing

Bad Spring Release in the Pedal

If the pedal gets stuck in place or there is debris wedged in between the pedal and the switch it will cause the spring release to become damaged and may not work and it is dangerous to drive with a damaged spring release.

Oftentimes you can remedy this problem yourself. Give it a good scrubbing with an old toothbrush to make those contact points shine like new. Then turn the car engine over and pump the pedal a few times. The pedal should return to its original position and the brake lights will turn off.

Broken Brake Switch

The quick and simple fix is to replace the switch. Make use you always disconnect the battery whenever you’re working on a car for obvious safety reasons.

If your car is an older model and you have any issues it’s best to take it to your garage and let the experts do their job so you don’t cause more damage.

Bad Wiring

Rodents enjoy nibbling at the wires in your vehicle if you find chew marks then this is likely the cause of the bad wiring.

You should take the car to the mechanic for repairs. This is more complex than changing a fuse or replacing a light.

Blown Bulb

If you can reach it is easy enough to go to the auto parts store and get a new one and switch it out yourself. if you cannot reach it or find it then you will need assistance from the mechanic. Fixing this problem is inexpensive.

Reverse Lights

These lights let other drivers or pedestrians know you’re going to back up. Usually, when they won’t turn off it is one of three things.

• Blown fuse
• Bulb
• Shifter to the transmission link

Fixing a Blown Fuse

Find your fuse box and replace the fuse if the lights shut off the problem is solved.

Bulb

Carefully remove it and replace or clean the connectors.

Still having trouble? Read more ways to turn off car lights.

Types of Car Interior Lights

Learn how to turn off interior lights when a door is open. The interior lights of a car are:

• dashboard lights
• dome lights
• map lights
• vanity lights
• Modified LEDs

Common Problems That Cause Interior Lights To Stay On

If the car’s interior lights do not turn off when the doors are closed, try the following.

• Secure the hood
• Close the doors (including hatchbacks)
• Check for broken door ajar switch
• When the interior’s turn-off button is broken or missing shattered door
• Blown Fuse
• Faulty wiring

How Do I Fix a Dome Light When it Won’t Turn Off

To turn off the dome light, flip the dashboard light control knob to the lowest position. If, the dash light does not change despite the modification, the switch is likely defective.

Further troubleshooting

When your vehicle inside lights don’t turn off automatically when you close the doors then there is an issue that may be caused by one of the following things. You should check each individually to eliminate a possible problem one by one.

• Is the knob adjusted for the lights dimming switch to the farthest position?
• Did you close all the doors including a hatch so that they latch?
• Check the door’s unlock switch to make sure it is off.
• Missing interior light off button

Further troubleshooting

If the interior lights won’t turn off will it drain my battery?

If the interior lights are left on for an extended period it will drain your car’s battery. Luckily, a jump start will help your battery spring back to life quickly!

Aren’t the lights supposed to turn off automatically?

If your automated lights aren’t turning off, consider the methods listed above. Try disconnecting the battery and unplug the dome box circuit. It’s frequently under the dash, just next to the glove box, or on the engine compartment at times. The dome lights will be disconnected if the lights are removed.

Conclusion

If your car’s dome lights don’t turn off, it’s most likely due to one of the problems listed above. Most of the time, the issue arises when someone else utilizes the interior lights & leaves the buttons in a state you don’t typically leave it in, or there is a flaw that requires a thorough examination.

To address your problem, you’ll have to experiment with different button combinations depending on the model and electrical arrangement. The dimmer is our case’s button and rotating it in several directions but never force it if it doesn’t want to move.

At some time or another, you are bound to have an issue with your car’s light system. You can check some of our other blog posts for other auto-related issues.

The post Why Wont My Car Lights Turn Off? 7 reasons appeared first on ScannerAnswers.