How to Adjust Car Headlights?
3 Answers
Car headlight adjustment methods include using tools to adjust the knob at the back of the headlight or adjusting the headlight height switch inside the car. Below are the specific instructions for adjusting car headlights: 1. Using tools to adjust the knob at the back of the headlight: Use tools to adjust the knob at the back of the headlight to align the light with the standard line on the wall. 2. Adjusting the headlight height switch inside the car: The headlight height adjustment switch uses a roller for adjustment. The roller is marked with numbered gears, where the height of the number indicates the height of the headlight—the higher the number, the higher the headlight position. Of course, the most suitable gear should be selected based on actual conditions, as the vehicle's load can cause variations.
Last time I adjusted the headlights myself, it was quite simple. Just park your car on level ground about 5 meters from a wall at night, open the hood and locate the adjustment screw holes behind the headlights. There are usually two white knobs, one controls up and down while the other manages left and right. Use a Phillips screwdriver to slowly turn them while observing the light pattern changes on the wall. Note that the low beam should have the left side slightly lower than the right to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Tire pressure and vehicle load affect the height, so I prefer to set the baseline position when the car is unloaded. After adjustment, remember to test drive - if the lights are too high, oncoming cars will flash their lights as a reminder. For older cars, you might need a flashlight to locate the screws while adjusting, but they're usually in obvious positions on newer models.
I've been driving for twenty years and suggest checking the vehicle manual first to confirm the adjustment locations. Most cars can be adjusted with a hex key, while some newer models have an electric adjustment knob on the driver's side. The key is to park the car on level ground, preferably with someone sitting in the driver's seat to maintain normal load conditions. When adjusting the vertical angle, ensure the light cut-off line is 3 cm lower than the bulb center. For horizontal adjustment, make sure the beam doesn't cross the lane centerline. Cars with xenon headlights shouldn't be tampered with casually—professional calibration equipment is required. If the headlight has water ingress or has been modified, also check if the lens is misaligned. Don't forget to tighten the screws after adjustment. Last time, my neighbor's car had loose screws from bumps, causing the lights to misalign again.
