What to Do If the Headlight Adjustment Screw Is Broken?
3 Answers
Solutions for a broken headlight adjustment screw: Go to an auto repair shop to replace the screw; if the screw base is damaged, since the base and the lamp body are integrated, the entire headlight assembly must be replaced. Below are specific methods for adjusting car headlights: When adjusting the headlights, avoid using a wall. Drive the car onto a flat road, align the near-light points at a 30-meter distance so they overlap, and adjust the far-light points to be parallel with the ground. Using a wall is for aligning the two far-light points parallel. 1. Park the car 7.6 meters away from a wall, ensuring the ground is level and the car is perpendicular to the wall. 2. Measure the height from the ground to the center of the headlight and the distance between the two headlights. 3. Place a horizontal masking tape on the wall 0.1 meters lower than the headlight height, ensuring the tape is centered directly in front of the car. 4. Adjust the vertical adjustment screw until the headlight beam is centered on the tape on the wall. 5. Continue adjusting the vertical screw until the headlight beam points straight forward. To ensure accuracy, measure the height of the beam on the wall and compare it to the headlight height, making sure they are equal.
I also encountered a situation where the headlight adjustment screw was broken last time. While driving, the light was flickering uncontrollably, making it impossible to see the road clearly. Don't panic yet, you can do a simple check yourself: After turning off the engine, open the hood and locate the adjustment screw position behind the headlight. Shake it with your hand to see if it's loose or broken. If it's just loose, try tightening it yourself with a screwdriver; if it's broken, don't force it as you might damage other components. In this case, it's recommended to drive to a professional repair shop. It usually doesn't cost much to fix, around a few dozen yuan, and they can also check the safety of the entire lighting system while at it. Pay attention to cleaning the headlight area during car washes or maintenance to prevent rust and extend the lifespan of the parts. Safety comes first. A broken screw causing misaligned lights could lead to a ticket, and it's even more dangerous when driving at night.
Headlight adjustment screw issues are actually quite common, usually caused by aging or rough driving. If you can't fix it yourself, it's best not to force it and just take it to a repair shop. The mechanic will check whether the screw is stuck or broken - the former might need lubrication or replacement parts, while the latter requires complete removal and replacement. The whole job isn't complicated and can be done in about ten minutes with quick hands, costing relatively little. But don't cheap out on low-quality parts. Poorly adjusted headlights don't just affect visibility; they can cause dangerous glare from oncoming traffic, especially scary when driving on highways at night. It's recommended to have technicians check the headlight alignment during every oil change - catching problems early saves hassle and money.
