There have been great strides in headlight technology in recent years and DC car owners are safer at night because of it. Good headlights improve visibility and peripheral vision, enabling you to see farther and wider. The more you can see, the quicker you can react to road conditions. This is essential because nearly half of traffic fatalities take place at night.
Halogen Headlights are Standard
Most new vehicles sold in Washington DC metro area come with halogen headlights. A decade ago, halogens were exotic and expensive. Now that they are standard equipment, the price has come way down. All halogen headlights dim over time and should be changed out once a year. We suggest you replace your headlights in the fall at the end of Daylight Savings Time. It’s easy to remember – when you change your clock, change all your headlights so they will be equally bright.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights
Many luxury cars are equipped with high intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps. You have probably seen them on Washington DC interstates, they’re very bright and have a bluish tint.
From behind the wheel, there is no doubt that HID headlamps are the best thing going. However, many drivers complain about HID lights in oncoming traffic or when they approach from behind. In fact, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called for public comment, they received a record number of complaints about HIDs. This has lead to several studies – your tax dollars at work. Some expect future regulation of HID lamps.
Upgrades for Older Vehicles
If you have an older late model vehicle with old-school headlights, you might be able to get a halogen replacement. You’ll be amazed at the difference this upgrade will make.
In addition to regular halogen lamps, Washington DC motorists can upgrade to premium lamps that filter some of the yellow light, making a bright white light that’s more like natural sunlight. This light’s easier on the eyes and should improve reaction time.
You may even be able to step up to HID headlights, depending on the kind of car you drive. These lamps should last the life of your car, but cost several hundred dollars a pair. If you want other drivers to think you’re running HID lamps, you can even buy regular halogens that have a bluish tint. Does she or doesn’t she? Only her service professional knows for sure.
Restore Headlight Covers
Over time, plastic headlight covers can get cloudy or yellowed. In fact, AAA reports that nine out of ten headlights are dirty or yellowed, greatly reducing vision. In addition to helping you replace your headlamps, many service centers such as Metro Motor in Washington DC, can restore headlight covers. Headlights can be restored at a fraction of the cost of replacing.
Vehicle care information made available by Metro Motor is presented as helpful advice for general maintenance and should not be construed as instructions for at-home vehicle service. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual and a licensed, professional mechanic for diagnostics and repair.