Faulty headlights in any vehicle can be quite a challenge for car owners, especially during a night drive. The headlights provide illumination for drivers, offering safety in dark times. Not only do these lights help you see, but they also make your car visible to other drivers. Hence, the implications of a faulty car headlight are grave and should be fixed as soon as possible.

This guide provides key information on the common causes of headlight damage and also helps you identify signs of fault in your Saab’s headlights so you can find a solution in time.

Why Do Saab Headlights Fail?

You may expect that your Saab’s headlights should last for as long as your car lasts. However, this is not always the case as car headlights could stop working at any time and the reasons are not far-fetched

1. Lack of maintenance

This tops the list of reasons for headlight failure in most vehicles. Maintenance of vehicle parts, including the headlights helps to keep them in good shape and prevents unwarranted damage.; if you fail to maintain your Saab’s headlights, there is every possibility that it could develop a fault and stop working. Simple maintenance actions like cleaning off dust and grime, replacing the bulbs regularly, and using UV-resistant coating can help your car’s headlights last longer.

2. Alternator/Battery Issues

Another reason why your car’s headlights could stop working is if the battery or alternator of your car also fails. The battery or alternator is responsible for supplying power to the headlights and if they fail to do so, the headlights could stop functioning.

3. Blown fuses

Like every other car part that requires electrical connections to work, the fuse determines how the headlight functions. The fuse helps to supply power to the headlights and it also controls how much power gets into these lights. However, if the fuse gets blown due to a high voltage supply, then the headlights could also stop working.

4. Moisture

If water seeps through your car’s headlight cover it could affect the bulb, leading to a short out. Hence, you should always inspect for broken seals and keep your car covered during rainfall or heavy snow.

How do I know if My Car’s Headlights Need to be Replaced?

The most obvious sign that a car’s headlights have failed and need a replacement is when they go dead. However, it does not have to get that bad before you change your car’s headlights. Here are some signs to guide you in making your decision.

Flickering headlights

This is usually an early sign of damage and as soon as you notice your car’s headlights starting to go on and off at random, then you should start planning towards new headlight bulbs. Once the flickering starts, it won’t be long before the bulbs go dead; hence, you should get a replacement before this happens.

Dim lights

You could be driving late and you notice that your Saab’s headlights are not as bright, even on the highest brightness level. This is a sure sign that your car’s headlight bulbs are faulty and you need to get a replacement before they go dark. Dim lights could also occur because the headlight lenses are covered in grime or dirt and cleaning the lenses could solve the problem.

Visual Signs of Damage

Sometimes, you may just have to take a look at your car’s headlights to know it’s time for a replacement. If you notice visible damage such as breaks, cracks, or chips in the headlight of your vehicle, you should replace the affected part(s) before it becomes worse and causes more damage.

Burning Odor

Another serious sign of fault in your car’s headlight is a burning smell. This could mean that a fuse or part of the electrical components has blown or is burnt, as a result, the bulbs could go off and you may need a mechanic to find the source of the problem and fix it.

The Best Auto Repair Services for Your Saab’s Headlight Concerns

Your Saab is a luxury car, so it deserves the best care and attention. You should find qualified hands for any issue with your Saab.

Swedish Auto Service is one of the best maintenance and repair automobile shops in Austin. We offer exceptional services using the best equipment and the best hands to achieve the best results. If you are in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, or Austin and you want the best for your car, bring it down to us today.

* Gray Saab Car image credit goes to: Roman Stasiuk.