Is internal cracking of the headlight cover covered under warranty?
4 Answers
If not caused by external factors such as collisions, the headlights are not considered wear-and-tear parts and are covered under the vehicle's warranty. During the warranty period, you can apply for free repair or replacement at a 4S dealership. Below is relevant information: 1. At low speeds: Use low beams when driving below 30 km/h. Under normal conditions, the lights can illuminate beyond 30 meters. 2. When approaching intersections: Reduce speed 50 to 100 meters before the intersection, switch from high beams to low beams, and activate the turn signal to indicate your direction. 3. When oncoming traffic is 150 meters away: Switch from high beams to low beams to avoid obstructing the other driver's vision. If the other driver does not switch to low beams, immediately reduce speed and repeatedly alternate between high and low beams to signal them. 4. On well-lit roads: Use low beams when driving on well-lit roads.
I've studied this issue of lamp cover cracking for quite some time. If the car is still under warranty and the lamp cover cracked on its own, it's most likely a quality issue. Many automakers nowadays have quite detailed warranty terms, so you'd better check your vehicle's warranty manual. While lamp covers are considered appearance parts, if the crack is internal with no signs of external force, the 4S shop should acknowledge the claim. However, policies vary by brand - some list lighting components separately with only 1-year coverage. I remember my neighbor's case last time - his headlight cover developed cracks just six months after purchase, and the 4S shop replaced the entire assembly after photo documentation. My advice is to first call after-sales service to explain the situation, and remember to take clear photos of the crack location and details.
Last time I washed my car, I also noticed fine cracks in the headlight cover. Regarding warranty coverage, three key points matter: whether the car is still under warranty, whether the cracks resulted from human damage or quality issues, and how cooperative your local 4S dealership is. Generally, the three-year/100,000-kilometer comprehensive vehicle warranty includes lighting components, but check your maintenance manual for any special provisions. My advice is to drive directly to the 4S dealership and ask the after-sales manager to remove the light for inspection. If there's no external impact damage and the internal material cracked naturally, it qualifies as a manufacturing defect. If the dealership gives you the runaround, calling the manufacturer's 400 hotline to file a complaint is the most effective solution.
This is a fairly common issue. Most brands' new car warranties cover the headlight cover, but it depends on the cause of the crack. Natural aging cracks usually appear in cars over five or six years old. If it happens to a new car, there's an 80% chance it can be covered under warranty. I've handled a few cases: one owner discovered spiderweb cracks inside the headlight cover in the last month of the warranty period. After inspection, the 4S store confirmed it wasn't due to external damage and replaced the headlight directly. Nowadays, some luxury brands even offer longer warranty periods for headlights. Just take your vehicle license to the after-sales service center, and remember to ask them for an inspection report. If they refuse, you can have a third-party inspection agency conduct an appraisal.
