How to adjust headlights?

Headlight Adjustment Manual

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle

Start by checking your tire pressure, as this can affect the settings if your tires are not properly inflated. Then, place your car on a flat surface with no load on it and check that the manual leveler is set to 0. Ideally, have someone sit in the driver's seat to simulate the weight of the driver.

Step 2: Park the vehicle on level ground

The car should be parked on level ground, 3 or 4 meters from a wall or garage door (preferably on a surface that is not too light). Then you need to check that the shocks are firmly in place and resting on all four wings of the car.

Step 3: Measure the distance between the headlights

Once this check is done, you can measure the distance of the headlights from the ground to make sure the suspension is in the correct position and finally turn on your low beam lights (without the high beam or fog lights).

Step 4: Mark the center of the headlight projection

Next, mark the center of the headlight projection on the door or wall with a cross and colored tape. Then measure the distance from the center of the cross to the ground, which should not exceed 1.06 m (4 ft.).

Step 5: Move your car back 10 meters

Place your car perpendicular to a wall at a distance of 10 meters. You can also stand 5 meters from the wall. The distance of 10 or 5 meters makes the calculations easier.

Step 6: Adjust the headlights to the correct height

Turn off the spotlights and remove them from their rings to locate the adjustment screws or knobs. Two of these screws adjust the horizontal and vertical position of the headlight, respectively (check your vehicle manual to find them). When adjusting one headlight, remember to cover the other so that the two lights are visible.

• If the height of your headlights projected on the wall is above this mark, then you need to adjust your headlights so that the beam comes down to the level of your tape mark.
• If the height of your headlights projected onto the wall is below this mark, you will need to adjust your headlights to raise the beam to the level of your tape mark.
• Similarly, if the beam projected onto the wall is too far to the left or right of your tape mark, you will need to re-center your headlights.

Step 7: Check that you've screwed it on correctly.

Now you can test your new headlight position on the road!

When should I adjust my headlights?

Headlights should be adjusted as often as possible, ideally once a year. It's a good idea to have your headlights checked and adjusted, if necessary, in the fall as the dark season begins. Adjustment outside of these intervals may also be necessary if repairs are being made to the vehicle or if damage from an accident is being repaired.

What should I keep in mind when adjusting the lights?

Accuracy is the first priority when adjusting a vehicle's headlamps. It is at least as important to create the most realistic driving conditions possible (see above regarding vehicle occupancy and at least half-full gas tank). In addition, the vehicle must be unloaded during the adjustment.

How are LED headlamps adjusted?

On most vehicles, LED headlamps can be adjusted using a conventional adjustment tool. This is true at least for headlamps with a single optical lens. However, some headlights, especially those with multiple light sources, have special features that need to be considered. For example, the convergent lens of the adjuster is often too small to capture the light coming from all the LEDs at the same time, making adjustment difficult. If you're not sure about the adjustment, it's best to have it done by a professional workshop or authorized dealer.

Always use the best bulbs

Even older cars without powerful xenon headlights can be upgraded to more modern lighting. It's important to use as much as possible. More and better lighting means safer driving and better visibility for other road users. If they are not available, daytime running lights can be useful. Replacing the old bulbs in the tailgate, side lights and turn signals with LED bulbs will complete the improvement, adaptation and adjustment of your car's lighting system.

Now you know how to adjust your headlights! If you need help adjusting your lights, don't hesitate to call a professional. It's important that your lights are properly adjusted if you want to drive safely.