Headlights are hands down one of the most important parts of your vehicle as it directly impacts your safety. Without a headlight, one can't even imagine taking their vehicle out for a drive during the evening or night.
Even during the daytime, if it is heavily raining or foggy, headlights are essential to your safety. If your headlights not working but high beams are still operating fine, then this article is for you. Here we will explore the reasons along with quick fixes.
At the end of the article, we will also discuss some of the frequently asked questions regarding the headlights and high beams. Let's dive in.
Burned Bulb
If you wonder why high beam lights are working absolutely fine but only headlight bulbs are burned out, then the reason is obvious. Headlights are turned on more often compared to the beam lights, which eventually results in the burning of the headlights quicker.
When something goes wrong with a vehicle, we often think of a major issue that might cost a fortune. However, sometimes it might be just a burned bulb that requires replacement. And changing a headlight bulb is a relatively easy process that you can perform at home. In case, changing the bulb doesn't help, then you may go ahead with changing the wiring or fuse.
If you need to replace your headlight bulb, you can find the best aftermarket headlights at reasonable prices at SuncentAuto.com.
Fuse or Relay
All the vehicles are incorporated with fuses to ensure that there is no electrical issue. Whenever there is a power surge in the vehicle, the fuses are blown. In this case, the bulbs also don’t receive the power because the circuits of the headlights are also connected with the same fuse.
Moreover, many headlights come with a feature that transfers the power to the high beams of your vehicle. Hence, whenever the headlights don’t work due to a power issue, it still helps high beams to work normally.
Sockets
This could be another reason for your headlights to not get turned on. Corrosion might create an issue and damage the sockets of your vehicle that can stop the power flow to your headlights.
In case, the sockets are not receiving proper power in the low beams, it will not turn on the headlights but high beams will turn on. This is the reason why high beams work but low beams don't.
Wiring
Another reason could be the wiring of the headlights. Yes, if the connections get loose for some reason or it might get chewed by the rats (in case you have parked at the wrong place or forgot to put the cover on your vehicle), then this can cause an issue with the headlights.
However, if the high beams wires are not damaged then they are going to work fine without any issues.
FAQs About Headlights and High Beams
Q1: What Are the Basic Components of Headlights?
Headlights are one of the simplest systems of a vehicle to understand as it includes basic items including bulbs, fuse, a relay, and a switch. Most of the headlights are functioning with these basic components.
However, some modified and high-end cars might come with additional features like daytime lights or fog lights. Although the concept remains the same. There is a switch in the vehicle that activates a relay whenever you turn on the headlights.
The relay simply provides power to your headlight bulbs, aside from the battery. Fuses are incorporated in case there is any failure in the power flow so that it can protect the wires.
Q2: How To Fix High or Low Beam Headlights Not Working?
The four reasons mentioned above can also cause high or low beam headlights to stop functioning. Mostly, it's the switch or a relay issue.
Keep in mind that some vehicles come with a separate relay system for their high beams, which may not be connected with the lower beams. If you find that the high beam relay isn't receiving the power, then it is mostly the issue of the switch or the wires.
Q3: Why do Headlights Seems to Be Dim?
Usually, when headlight bulbs are not functional, they simply don’t start at all. Although in some cases they might appear to be dim. The reason could be dirt, fog, or even oxidized headlight glasses that might be blocking the bright light. Here's an article that discusses the reasons in detail why headlights are so dim. Click here to learn more.
If the headlights are dirty, you can simply clean them but if they appear to be foggy, then you might need to make a small hole with the help of a drill to drain the water out of the lenses. While this will not permanently fix the issue, you might need to replace them completely. If you don’t have the right tools to do the needful, always seek a professional’s help.
Q4: Should I Call A Professional Or Fix It Myself?
Whenever your vehicle breaks down for any reason, the first thing that comes to mind is whether you should call a mechanic or fix it yourself. Well, if you troubleshoot the issue and understand that there is a minor issue such as burned-out bulbs, then you can do it yourself.
However, there are other cases including wiring and socket that might require professional help, considering the fact that you don’t own the tools required. In case you are not sure about the problem and have difficulties in diagnosing it, then it is highly recommended to take your vehicle to a nearby mechanic during the day hours.
Conclusion
Keeping your vehicle in a good condition is highly recommended even if you are not planning to go for a long drive anytime soon. In case of an emergency, any vehicle in a good condition may come handy.
Especially, when the headlights are not functional, it might create issues when you are heading out - either for quick grocery shopping or for a long drive with your family. Hope this article helped you to understand why your vehicle’s headlights not working but the high beams are working absolutely fine.
