Why Headlight Keeps Burning Out (Main Causes of Bulbs Blowing)

Ideally, investing in high-quality kind of bulbs is the right option. Nowadays, the issue of headlight bulbs blowing has become so rampant. There are many reasons which cause the blowing.

However, when such problems occur, the problem is not necessary a wiring fault.

Irrespective of the reason why the headlight is blowing, there are some steps that you can follow to avoid frequent problems related to that.

First of all, cheaper bulbs can be easily broken by any amount of power as the inner components are not resistant enough. It is also advisable to ensure the connection is tight to avoid an excessive production of heat than required.

Main causes of headlight bulbs blowing

In this article, we shall discuss the main causes of headlight bulbs blowing, the remedies that should be taken to avoid the headlight bulbs blowing frequently as well as when and how to replace the LED headlight bulbs.

Main causes of headlight bulbs blowing

The type of bulb

Headlights are vital as they help us to drive during the night. In simpler terms, they are a source of security on any modern car.

Normally, when the headlights are used more often, chances are they will also burn out easily. This explains why the nature of the headlight matters. There are some cars with the auto day running lights, and if you have this make, it means you will buy more of them.

Here are some more things to avoid while using the bulbs:

• Body contact

  It has been proven that replacing the headlight bulbs while their surface is in contact with your body skin usually reduces their lifespan. In this case, you should consider using latex gloves just in case you want to change the bulb.

• Correct Voltage

  Ideally, every headlight has a certain voltage limit. In the event where the alternator has begun to malfunction, chances are there could be voltage fluctuations as well. Once this has started happening, you will need to get an alternator for the proper functioning of the headlights.

• Poor installation

  While installing the headlights, the whole process needs to be smooth and systematic. When the installation is done in a hurry, the incorrect installation is likely to create problems for the bulb.

• Condensation

  The headlight lens needs to be dry and free from dirt all the time. With the presence of moisture, it will eventually accumulate on the light bulb surface and blowing will occur.

• Poor / loose connections

  When the circuit is not complete as it ought to be, chances are the excessive electricity will create more of an ‘arc’ and this means the electricity will not flow smoothly. There will be excessive heat produced in the fitting and eventually it will blow.

  When the connection within the spring is loose, the electricity will ‘arc’ around the contact and this will eventually lead to excessive emission of heat and lead to bowing as well. Well, you can identify this problem by simply checking on the contact and see whether it looks pitted.

Protecting Headlights from blowing frequently

In the case where your headlight bulb is blowing regularly, then you need to check on the countersigns that could be leading to the same. Knowing the real cause is normally the first step of being cost efficient as you will not go through the extra pain of replacing them.

Protecting Headlights from blowing frequently

How often do you use them?

Normally, the halogen headlight has been designed to last for at least 400 hours; it implies that if you drive more at night or prefer keeping the headlights on in the course of the day, then the much your bulbs can last is up to 3 months.

Just in case you are the type of driver that uses the headlights for a long period of time, the best you can do is replacing them with the durable headlight bulbs

Excess vibration

A good number of bulb manufacturers normally use the toughened glass for the manufacture of the headlights; however, this doesn’t make them strong enough to resist thermal shock.

This usually happens when the bulbs get in touch with water or moisture that has leaked within. Once this happens, the bulb will get damaged. On this note, you should ensure the bulb has been well installed so that the filament remains secure.

Check the electrical system of the car

During the installation process, always ensure that the electrical connectors that emanate from the power source have been well joined within the metal connectors to the headlight bulbs, the alternator on the other hand should be monitored to ensure there is no overcharging of the battery. Ideally, the recommended voltage for the bulb is usually 13.2 volts.

Good quality Bulbs

In most cases, users can be tempted to go for the cheap quality kind of bulbs. However, they are not the best since they lack quality components that usually give them a short life span. High quality bulbs are those which have to go through a series of testing and the required quality standards.

Once you have looked into these precautions, chances are that your headlights will serve you for the time that is required. Well, there are times, however, when you need to do the replacement. Usually, you are the last person to know about it.

The other drivers will notice it first! So what happens when you finally realize one of your headlights need replacement? This is not the time to panic. With the basic knowledge at hand, you are set to go.

There is usually three types of bulbs and you have to decide on the one that is appropriate for your car. During the replacement, there are some precautions that you need to consider:

• Replace them at the same time

  In the case where one bulb is affected, make it a point to replace all of them at the same time. Normally, when one bulb is blown, the chances of the other one blowing are also high.

  It is therefore recommended that you replace all of them at the same time. Replacement of the bulb should also be done when the lifespan has reached.

• Make use of the gloves

  When replacing the bulbs, make use of the gloves and not your own bare hands as they can leave some marks on the glass. If you want to get the best results, ensure you have replaced them in pairs and have used the protective gloves during the replacement.

• Identify the right type of bulb

  There are usually three types of bulbs: the standard halogen bulbs, xenon, and the modern upgrade bulbs.
  The standard halogen bulbs are usually fixed by the manufacturer and have a lifespan of between 300-400 hours. Basically, these bulbs are ideal for normal lighting on the road.

  The Xenon bulbs on the other hand, as the name suggests use xenon gas. In this case, they have a brighter light than the standard halogen bulbs.

  This is the main reason why they are usually preferred for driving during the night as they are much safer. Since they have a high performance, these bulbs can work between 200-300 hours.

  The long life bulbs on the other hand are the most durable type. With them, you will not need to reduce the bulbs from time to time.

  They use more reinforced heavy duty inner components and this explains why they have a lifespan of between 500-600 hours even though they produce much light just as the standard halogen type. The only difference is they are more expensive than standard halogen bulbs.

  This article has provided an overview of the main causes of headlight bulbs blowing regularly, some of the solutions that need to be taken and the general precautions that should be considered while replacing the headlights.

  It is vital for drivers to know that the standard halogen bulb is not the only option. There are better upgraded versions of bulbs that can be installed depending on the needs at hand. The general handling of the bulbs is also an important factor since it enhances the cost effectiveness.

The choice of headlights matters

it is also necessary to consider all the detailed steps during the installation of the headlights as it determines the ultimate success of the light that will eventually be produced.

A good number of drivers have failed to replace the headlights at the same time at least twice in a year. Unless this is done, chances are you will experience more problems of burning out. If your headlights have a tendency of blowing more often, then check out on the main area of the problem and have it fixed within the shortest time possible.

This is more convenient than the burden of having the bulbs replaced from time to time. It is also necessary to know how often you use your headlights as this will guide you on the right kind of headlights to install.