The Experts Guide To Car Headlight & Foglight

What Is a Headlight?

A headlight or headlamp is simply a light attached in front of the vehicle to make the road visible in dark conditions. Although both headlights and headlamps are used as synonyms, technically headlamp is a device that emits a beam of light known as the headlight.

What Is a Fog Light?

The fog lights or fog lamps are the types of headlights that emit a straight beam of light in a bar shape. Usually, these fog lights have a sharp cut-off on the top with a light beam angled towards the road at a sharp angle increasing the visibility.

It is important to understand that the headlamps use both high beam and low beam depending on the conditions to increase the visibility over a distance. While a high beam emits light at high intensity over a long distance, a low beam emits a wider low-intensity beam to give a clearer view of the ground to a certain distance. Fog lamps are placed at a much sharper angle to emit light beams at the ground just in front of the vehicle.

Types of car headlights and fog lights are mentioned below as follows:

1. Halogen - In many classic cars, we can find the use of incandescent light as headlamps. But with time, the makers started installing halogen headlights as a part of a standard installation for many makes & models. Although there are five types of halogen lights, only two types are used as headlights. These are iodine or Bromine halogens. The composition of iodine or bromine prevents the tungsten filament from breaking. They also prevent the blackening of the bulb from inside. Although a remarkable product, halogen lights are prone to malfunction when in contact with moisture as their bulbs produce a lot of heat as the electricity passes through the filament which emits light by glowing.

2. Xenon, HID, Arc - Unlike halogens, Xenon or High-Intensity Discharge light don’t use filaments to discharge light. The light is emitted by high voltage arcs between two electrodes. This phenomenon is like a controlled bolt of lightning discharge. The xenon gas present in the HID bulbs ignites to emit white/bluish light. The heat produced in this process is far less than that in halogen bulbs. But unlike halogen, HID bulbs may take some time to reach an optimal temperature to emit full light.

3. LED - Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs are the recent trend in the car industry. Not only do they function well, but they also add to the car’s aesthetics. These lights are popular because of their price effectiveness, easy installations, and life span. It uses the process of electroluminescence by converting electricity to light via diodes. LED lights have been proven to last longer and emit higher intensity of light over long distances, thus making driving safer and better.

Following are the problems faced because of bad or faulty headlights:

• Loss of brightness because of a mechanical fault
• Lights getting dirty
• Soot formation in bulbs
• Cloudy lens cover
• Cracked bulb
• Broken filaments and dull headlight

Following are the problems faced because of bad or faulty fog lights:

• Clicking sound from the relay
• Fog lights are always on
• Blown fog light fuse

It is important to understand the symptoms, to find the correct faulty part, and to replace it properly. Thus, proper knowledge is a necessity.

Symptoms Of Bad Headlight

Headlights are one of the most important components while driving a car. They are your extended eyes on the road and a major security check while driving. Headlight enables the driver to see the far-off distance on the road and be seen from far off at the same time. Headlights come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and designs and vary from model to model. The headlight provides illumination in low light conditions and works as a savior in the dark. It enables you to see other drivers and prevents collisions on the road. Thus, we need to understand its importance and make sure that the lights are always functioning properly.

1. Dim Headlights - The most common symptom of a faulty headlight is dimming. Over time, the headlight can get worn odd or damaged from the inside and become dimmer. A dim headlight will not give proper illumination and thus should be replaced immediately.

2. Headlights flickering on/off - Flickering of the headlight is another common symptom observed due to worn-out light of damage in the filaments or diodes. Usually, the flickering bulb doesn’t last long and will soon run out. Another reason for this symptom can be bad or damaged wiring and connections to the headlights. Thus, proper inspection is advised before replacing.

3. Headlight not turning ON - The most dreadful symptom is the headlight not turning on and is completely out. This might be because the headlight is old and has worn out with time. Another reason can be because of a problem with the switch and wiring issue. But this can pose a serious security issue and must be resolved immediately. Consult a professional mechanic for diagnosis.

Symptoms of Bad Fog Light

The prime function of fog lamps is to increase visibility. Usually below the headlight, they provide extra visibility on the road. These lights help the driver on sharp curves and adverse weather like rain and fog. Although not a major component, still it is advisable not to leave them non-functioning as their requirement can occur anytime. Thus, keep a keen note of their symptoms for proper diagnosis.

1. Fog lights are dim or flickering - Dim or flickering fog lights are one of the most common symptoms of problematic fog lights. These symptoms can be due to worn-out bulbs, problems in the light switch, or wiring issues. Thus, examine properly before diagnosing and replace the faulty component accordingly.

2. Fog lights do not turn on - If the bulb has completely died, the fog light will not illuminate and will need replacement. This can be because of filament or diode breakdown or wiring problems. Thus, replace the damaged component properly.

If you want to repair your Headlight & Fog Light all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your Headlight & Fog Light? Don’t worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your Headlight & Fog Light.

Headlight:

• Socket and Wrench Set
• Screwdriver (Philips Head and Flat Head)
• Floor Jack
• Jack Stands
• Pliers

Foglight:

• Socket and Wrench Set
• Screwdriver (Philips Head and Flat Head)
• Pliers

Do you want to know the related parts of the car headlight & fog light? Don’t worry! Parts Avatar Canada is here at your service.

• Headlight Switch
• Fog Light Switch
• Hazard Warning Switch
• Fog Light Relay
• Light Control Module
• Light Control Module Repair Kits
• Light Control Relay

More than any other failure in a car, there's almost nothing that's as heartbreaking as a completely damaged Headlight & Fog Light. Now when we talk about the replacement cost, it might vary a lot even on the same car depending upon its performance, labour cost, brand, etc. The average cost for a headlight replacement is between $17 and $1038.The average cost for a fog light bulb replacement is between $58 and $71. Labour costs are estimated between $36 and $46 while parts are priced between $22 and $25.

Following are the steps to be followed for changing the faulty headlight and fog light with a new one.

How To Change Headlights?

Refer to the vehicle user manual to know how to replace the headlight bulb and which bulb to buy as per the specifications.

Step 1 - Power Your Car Down

It is advisable to keep your vehicle turned off with keys out of the ignition to avoid any electrical shocks.

Step 2 - Open Engine Compartment

Open the hood of the car and locate the headlight holder near the front of the car.

Step 3 - Disconnect the Headlight Bulb Power Wires

If you look carefully, you’ll find three wires attached to the base of the light bulb. Push the clip down which is holding the headlight in place.

Step 4 - Unscrew the Old Headlight Bulb

This step is important as you need to unscrew the light carefully. Locate the light and see how it is clipped. Avoid breaking the clips on extractions or you’ll have to replace the entire headlight. Gently take out the bulb and replace it to avoid any damages.

Step 5 - Screw In the New Headlight Bulb

It is important to insert a new bulb carefully without damaging its glass. Avoid installing with dirty hands. After the new bulb is installed, close the hood and check for its functionality. The headlight should work again properly with all the symptoms removed.

How To Change Fog Light?

It is advisable to get your fog lights checked every 6 months to ensure they are functioning properly. The fog lights are present below the headlight. These lights can be easily replaced at any auto store. Check for the specific model either from the manual on the part number mentioned on the light bulb itself for the correct replacement.

Step 1

Unplug the electrical plug from the fog light assembly by reaching it under the headlights from under the hood of the car. Next, pull the connection off the bulb’s ballast by squeezing the release tab on the top.

Step 2

Remove the fog light from its housing by turning it counterclockwise.

Step 3

The next step is to install the new light bulb by turning it clockwise in the housing. Check for the correct light by matching the part number from the old one.

Step 4

Reconnect the electrical plug back to the ballast of the fog light. Verify for the proper functioning of the light after installation.