How to Aim Auto Headlamps
With all of the safety features incorporated into our vehicles, some of the most basic features rely completely upon the driver's understanding and recognition of a problem. Case in point: headlight aiming. There are mandated measurements to the aim of a headlight's beam. These allow for the light to provide maximum benefit for the driver. Out-of-specification headlight adjustment can result in a poor field of vision for you, the driver, resulting in the inability to recognize obstructions in the vehicle's path and poor vision in the case of foul weather. Moreover, poorly aimed headlights pose a safety issue for oncoming drivers who might be blinded by your headlights.
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Things You'll Need
- Level surface
- Wall
- Masking tape
- Carpenters level
- 25-foot tape measure
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Park the car on a flat and level surface with the front of the car within a foot of a wall. Turn the headlights on and note where the beams shine on the wall. Mark the center of each beam (on the wall) with the masking tape. This can be done by making a cross (+) in the center of each beam with the masking tape.
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2
Place a line of masking tape from the center of one cross (+) to the other using the carpenters level ( +----------------+ ). Mark the exact center of the line with a vertical piece of tape ( +---------I---------+ ).
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3
Move the vehicle back away from the wall 25 feet and examine where the main light beams fall on the wall. Properly adjusted headlight beams should fall just below the horizontal tape line and slightly to the right of the cross markings when on low beam. High beams should fall just below the horizontal tape line with each beam falling half-way between the cross marking and the center vertical tape line.
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4
Turn the adjuster screw on headlights needing adjustment. Find the adjuster screws on the light in question, typically on the outside edge of the light housing. Some adjustment screws may be found on the rear of the housing. Turn the screws to move the light beam in the direction needed. It is best to make small adjustments and note what changes are being made to the light's direction as you go.
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5
Drive the vehicle a few miles and return to the wall. Note if the headlights remain in adjustment. Make adjustments as needed. Repeat annually or any time a headlight is changed.
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Tips & Warnings
This method is best accomplished at early evening as the sunlight begins to fade.
Use light tack painters tape to ease removal of tape from wall when finished.
On vehicles with adjustment screws that do not turn with ease or if you are unable to locate the adjustment screws on your vehicle, see a qualified auto mechanic or garage in your area.
