Have you ever encountered the baffling experience of cruising down a dark road only to realize that one of your car’s headlight beams is brighter than the other? Confusing, isn’t it?
You might have wondered if it’s just a minor issue, like a loose connection, but what if it’s indicative of something more ominous? Well, get ready for the answer, “why one headlight is brighter than the other”.
Below are 12 of the most common reasons that will unveil the mystery of Why is One Headlight Brighter Than the Other? and put every car owner’s worries to rest!
12 Common Reasons For Uneven Headlight Brightness And Their Possible Solutions
Reason no 1# Burnt out bulb
One of the most common reasons for why one headlight shines brighter than the other in your car can be a burnt-out bulb.
There could be many reasons for a bulb to burn out, like overuse or encountering constant vibrations.
For instance, if you drive your car for cab services like Uber, Lyft, or any other delivery company, chances are that you will use your headlights more often.
As a result, your car will encounter more vibrations from road bumps and irregularities, leading to uneven headlight brightness issues.
Bulbs can also burn out due to melting of the socket. If the socket becomes too hot, it can cause electrical problems that can damage the bulb or even cause a fire. Moreover, older vehicles can also have uneven brightness issues if they never had a bulb replacement for it.
However, as the bulb burn-out issue is more common, it has the easiest and simple solution, Bulb replacement.
How to fix
The solution is straightforward – replace the burnt-out bulb with a brand-new one. But remember, it’s crucial to change both bulbs to ensure even brightness.
Also, to prolong the bulb’s life and provide optimal illumination, it’s best to use high-quality bulbs.
A video on how to replace a burnt-out light bulb
Reason no 2# Dirty or foggy headlight lenses
Dirty or foggy headlight lenses can also make one headlight brighter than other. Further, foggy headlights also reduce visibility by scattering or obstructing light.
It can be caused due to dirt and mud, high exposure to UV radiations, and exposure to different environmental elements (like magnesium and salt build-up).
These factors can coat your headlight screen and can cause a cloudy or foggy film in it which will result in uneven headlight brightness.
Apart from it, the headlight can also get coated from the exterior from dirt and dust if you don’t clean it regularly.
How to fix
To restore clarity and eliminate the dirt and fogginess of the headlight, clean the lens regularly, especially in winter, with a headlight cleaning kit.
However, if the coat is too thick and it’s too damaged, it’s better to replace the lens.
Reason no 3# Loose or damaged headlight housing
Another common reason for “why is one headlight brighter than the other” is loose or damaged headlight housing.
Your loose headlight housing can cause your headlights to point in the wrong direction, resulting in an uneven brightness between the two headlights.
But the question here is, “How did your headlight housing become loose in the first place?” Well, it can be due to a lot of reasons, but the most common ones are continuous Vibrations or improper installation of the headlights.
Or it may also be due to headlight conversion problems or misfit replacements in the housing. Therefore it’s necessary to pick the best headlight assembly replacements and get them installed properly.
How to fix
To fix this loose housing issue, all you have to do is to tighten any loose bolts or screws you see and replace the damaged parts, if any.
However, if the housing damage is more severe, like it’s beyond repair, it’s better to completely replace your headlight housing with the new one.
Reason no 4# Wiring problems
As the headlight is an electrical component of your car, it has a lot of wiring, fuses, and electrical connections behind it.
These wiring and electrical components fuel your car’s headlights, and if there is a fault in them, it can cause headlight brightness problems.
Wiring and other electrical components like fuses of your headlights can be damaged by many factors like aging, wear and tear, and even exposure to the elements of the environment.
This can create an electrical imbalance between your two headlights and cause dimming, misfiring, or even complete death.
How to fix
To resolve this issue, inspect the wiring and replace any damaged or corroded wires. Using high-quality replacement wires ensures proper connectivity to prevent future problems.
However, as wiring problems are complex, if you don’t know which wires are causing the issue, it’s better to get them checked by a professional.
Reason no 5# Misaligned headlights
It’s common sense that if your headlights are not correctly aligned as they should be, you will have uneven headlight brightness problems.
The main reason for misaligned headlights can range from improper installation to damage to the headlight housing.
A misaligned headlight would be a common issue, especially if your car had an accident. It can cause your beams to be too low or too high, making them look dimmer than others.
How to fix
To fix the misaligned headlight, you have to open the headlight housing and, using the adjustment screws located at the back of the housing, and adjust the headlight in the correct posting.
However, make sure to follow the specific car manufactures instructions to prevent problems.
A Video on how to Aim your car’s headlights perfectly
Reason no 6# Mismatched Headlight Bulbs
Using bulbs of different types, wattage or brands can cause one headlight to dim and the other too bright in your car.
This mismatch in the bulb can cause them to distribute light unevenly.
Moreover, if you have recently changed one bulb and the other is left unchanged, It can cause unevenness as the new bulb will be brighter than the old one that was left unchanged.
How to fix
To ensure that both bulbs are properly matched, it’s best to use identical and high-quality bulbs in both headlights.
Also, make sure that the bulb you are using has the same brand, type, and wattage.
Reason no 7# Aging headlights
Aging headlights can also be another reason why is one headlight brighter than the other. As your headlights age, their components like lens, bulb, and reflectors deteriorate and tend to lose their brightness and functionality due to continuous vibrations and wear and tear.
The lens is the most affected part of the headlight because of aging.
The lens becomes yellow due to long exposure to sunlight, dirt, and other road-related debris. This damage to the lens obscures the light and hence makes it look dimmer.
How to fix
To fix this issue, first, you have to pinpoint the component that is aged and causing the problems and has it replaced.
However, if it’s the lens, you can use a cleaning or restoring kit available at auto repair shops to fix it yourself.
Reason no 8# Moisture or water damage
Moisture is the arch nemesis of your car’s electrical equipment. Moisture can cause damage to your headlight housing, in result causing the uneven headlight brightness problem.
During rain, water can enter your headlight housing through even the tiniest of cracks, gaps, or seals, damaging the bulb, wiring, and other parts.
But how do these cracks and gaps appear in my headlight housing?
They can appear in your headlights for several reasons, such as headlights are not properly installed, your car was involved in an accident, and the wrong model of housing was used!
How to fix
To fix Moisture or water damage issues, you have to dry out your headlight housing. Check out these 8 ways to remove moisture from headlights without opening them.
You can do drying by either placing it under the sun for 2 to 4 hours or using a hair dryer to do it quickly. However, if there are damaged electrical components, it’s better to replace them.
A Video on How to Remove condensation from the headlights using hair dryer
Reason no 9# Faulty dimmer switch
Another reason why is one headlight brighter than the other in your car is a faulty dimmer switch.
Dimmer switches in vehicles are used to control the headlight from high to low beam, and if it’s faulty, you will find the brightness uneven.
This dimmer switch can become faulty for reasons like wear and tear, damage, or low power from the battery. It also causes your car headlights to flicker or fail completely.
How to fix
To fix the Faulty dimmer switch issue, make sure to place the switch with a new one and make sure to use a high-quality replacement that is compatible with the electric system of your car model.
Reason no 10# Alternator defect
Alternators are responsible for not only maintaining the proper brightness and function of your headlight but also it provides the fuel (power) to other electrical components of the car, including the power steering, radio, electric windows, and horn.
So, when the alternator fails, it stops providing enough power to the headlights; hence uneven brightness in the headlights occurs.
But how can you tell if it’s the alternator that is defective? It’s simple, turn on your car using the ignition and turn on the lights.
Then switch over to power from the alternator, and if the headlights are dim, that’s your cue that the problem is with the alternator.
How to fix
To fix this problem, have your alternator checked by a professional, and if there is a fault with it, they will fix that for you.
Also, if they say it needs to be replaced, make sure the new one is high-quality to avoid future problems.
Reason no 11# Headlight lens oxidation
The headlight lens is made of acrylic plastic material. Acrylic plastic is known for its reaction with sun rays.
So over time, this continuous exposure to sunlight makes the lens oxidize, making it look cloudy or yellow.
The oxidation build-up restricts the bulb light and doesn’t let it pass through as much as it did when it was clean.
This results in your oxidized headlights looking dim, even if you just bought the bulbs a couple of days ago!
How to fix
To fix the lens oxidation issue, you can use the headlight restoration kits available in the car repair shops.
This kit includes sandpaper, a polishing compound, and a sealer which you can use to easily restore the clarity of the lens.
However, if it’s oxidized beyond repair, as I have said previously, have it replaced!
A Video on how to remove Oxidation from the headlights
Reason no 12# Battery connection issue
The battery is the power source for all your car’s electric equipment, including headlights. So if there’s any issue with its connection, it can be the reason to why is one headlight brighter than the other.
The battery stores all the electric power and provides backup when the alternator is not running.
And if the battery connections are not properly connected or dead, it cannot provide the power needed and hence causes the dimming or flickering of the headlight.
How to fix
To fix the battery connection issue, make sure that battery terminals are firm and in good condition.
However, if your battery connection seems weak or nearly dead, replace it with a new high-quality one.
Tips for maintaining even headlight brightness
Now that you know why is one light brighter than the other, let’s take a look at what you can do daily to maintain the headlight condition and prevent this unevenness from happening in the first place:
- Replace every few years: The accumulation of grime, dirt, dust, cracks, and wiring issues can sometimes render your headlight unrepairable, so it is best to replace your headlights every few years. You must also change the bulb in your headlights after a few months in order for them to function properly.
- Keep in check: Maintain the functionality of your headlights and their components such as wiring, bulbs, and lenses at all times. Sometimes bulbs misalign on their own over time, causing the uneven brightness issue. So keep an eye on them and adjust them as needed.
- Keep your battery health in check: As previously discussed, a weak or dead battery can result in uneven headlight brightness or failure to turn on. Stay vigilant and make it a daily habit to check the battery’s voltage, replacing it if needed.
- Ensure you are using correct bulbs: As previously stated, not all bulbs are the same; some have a different wattage, while others are from different brands. So make sure to consult your local repair shop to find out which bulb will work best for you!
- Drive carefully: Driving carefully means avoiding running your car over bumps and road irregularities. It doesn’t only keep your car headlights in good condition, but it will also help other parts like the engine, chassis, and suspension to be in top shape.
When should you seek Professional help?
Once you solve the mystery of why is one headlight brighter than the other, it’s important to know that you cannot fix everything by yourself unless you are a car mechanic by profession!
Some of those reasons mentioned above can be resolved by basic maintenance or DIY fixes, but if it’s a bit complex, you may require professional hands. Below are some situations in which professional hands are required:
- Complex electrical issue: If your headlight’s brightness is uneven because of any electrical issue like faulty wiring, an alternator issue, or a dimmer malfunctioning, it’s better to seek professional help rather than attempt to DIY it without proper knowledge.
- Headlight housing damage: Another scenario in which professional hands are the best is the headlight housing damage, cracks, and breaks. A damaged housing can further allow water damage and cause more irregularities. Cracks and breaks in headlight housing are quite difficult to fix by yourself, so it’s better to have them fixed by a professional.
- Advanced headlight-related issues: If the issues are advanced and beyond the DIY fixes like bulb replacement or cleaning, its better to seek professional help. These advance issues can include server oxidation removal or damaged interior housing seats.
- Warranty coverage: If your headlights are under warranty coverage, don’t, I repeat, don’t use DIY fixes. Instead, seek professional help from an authorized dealership under warranty. This way, you don’t have to lose the possibility of repair/replacement under warranty if your DIY attempt fails.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your one headlight is brighter than the other, there could be several factors behind it. This includes, a misaligned headlight, a failing bulb, or a faulty electrical connection. It is essential to address this problem promptly as it can compromise safety while driving.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your headlights can help prevent this issue and ensure both headlights are functioning correctly. If the problem persists, it is best to consult a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue.
