Broken Headlights: The Best Guide on What to Do

Why Your Headlights Dim or Stop Working and What to Do About It

Picture this: you’re driving home from The Producers at the Hardin County Playhouse when your headlights start to dim, then fail entirely. And you wonder what could be causing this and what you should do. Because, your vehicle’s headlights are crucial for safe nighttime driving. And, if they suddenly dim or go out entirely, these broken headlights can be both dangerous and frustrating.

Several factors could cause this issue, and knowing what to do can help you stay safe on the road. So, in this blog the experts at Meineke in Elizabethtown examine what could cause your headlights to dim or stop working and what you should do about if it happens while driving.

Common Causes of Dim or Non-Functioning Broken Headlights

1. Weak or Failing Battery

   • A dying battery may not supply enough power to keep the headlights bright. So, if your headlights are dimming along with other electrical components, your battery could be on its way out.

2. Faulty Alternator can Cause Broken Headlights

   • The alternator powers your vehicle’s electrical system while the engine is running. So, if it’s failing, your headlights might flicker, dim, or shut off entirely.

3. Bad Wiring or Loose Connections

   • Corroded, damaged, or loose wiring can interrupt the flow of electricity to your headlights. And this can cause them to dim or cut out unexpectedly.

4. Blown Bulbs or Faulty Headlight Switch

   • If one or both headlights go out, it could be due to burnt-out bulbs or a malfunctioning switch.

5. Faulty Fuse or Relay can Cause Broken Headlights

   • A blown fuse or bad headlight relay can prevent power from reaching your headlights. And this can leave you in the dark.

What to Do If Your Headlights Go Out While Driving at Night

1. Stay Calm and Reduce Speed

   • Slow down and assess your surroundings. And avoid sudden braking to prevent accidents.

2. Try Your High Beams or Fog Lights

   • If your low beams fail, switch to your high beams or fog lights to see if they still function.

3. Check for Immediate Power Issues

   • If your dashboard lights or other electronics are also failing, your battery or alternator may be the problem.

4. Pull Over Safely

   • If visibility is too low, find a safe place to pull over and turn on your hazard lights.

5. Call for Assistance

   • If you’re unable to restore your lights, call roadside assistance or a friend for help. And then call Meineke in Elizabethtown to schedule an appointment to resolve the issue.

Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Broken Headlights

The following tips can help avoid broken headlights or related issues.

• Regularly check your battery and alternator to ensure they are in good working order.
• Inspect and clean headlight connections to prevent corrosion and loose wiring issues.
• Replace bulbs and fuses as needed to keep your headlights functional.

Maintenance is Key to Avoid Broken Headlights and Associated Problems

Being proactive with headlight maintenance can help prevent unexpected failures and keep you safe while driving at night. So, if you notice your lights dimming or flickering, don’t ignore it—get it checked out at Meineke on North Dixie Highway in Elizabethtown before you find yourself in total darkness on the road.

If the Meineke in Elizabethtown is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:

Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548

Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457

Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541

Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820

Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336

Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216

Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526

Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765

Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474

Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889

Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844

Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659

Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212

Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290

Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010

Meineke Car Care in Elizabethtown, KY

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