Why does my headlight keep going out? The likely culprits include a faulty bulb or mishandling during installation, electrical issues like blown fuses, faulty relays or wiring, headlight housing leak or condensation. Additionally, extreme temperatures can also lead to headlights not staying on.

If your headlights keep blowing, don't continue driving as it puts your safety at risk. In this guide, we’ll explore the reason behind this common headlight problem in detail and suggest common solutions.

Bulbs Issues

One of the primary culprits behind frequent headlight go out is the headlight bulb inside the unit.

Most older vehicles use halogen bulbs. This type of headlight bulb contains very fine tungsten filaments which emit light when heated. Unfortunately, their lifespan is limited, and the filament is prone to breaking down prematurely when exposed to the shaking and jostling of uneven, bumpy roads.

Fix: Swap out the faulty bulb for a high-quality replacement. Or better yet, upgrade from halogens to LED headlight bulbs . LEDs typically last much longer and stand up better to vibration and temperature changes.

Electrical Issues

Electrical problems within your vehicle can also contribute to headlights frequently burning out issues. Several potential culprits include:

a. Overvoltage or voltage fluctuations: These can cause excessive strain on the bulbs and lead to premature failure.

b. Wiring problems and shorts: Faulty wiring or shorts in the electrical system can disrupt the proper functioning of the headlights.

c. Faulty relays or switches: Malfunctioning relays or switches can affect the power supply to the headlights, resulting in frequent burnouts.

d. Blown fuse. If your headlights seem to be dying frequently, the problem is likely a faulty fuse. A fuse should only blow on rare occasions to protect from power surges. If the same fuse keeps blowing, it indicates a short circuit or other electrical issues that needs diagnosis and repair. It's best to have the vehicle's electrical system checked by a mechanic to locate the source of the problem. A blown fuse can also result in headlights not working altogether .

e. Turning on your headlights before starting your engine can cause headlight bulbs to fail more often.

Fix: Consult a professional mechanic or technician to diagnose and resolve any electrical issues affecting your headlights. They have the expertise to identify and fix the problem correctly.

Installation Errors

Did your headlight keep going out after replacing the bulb? Consider the following installation-related factors:

a. Mishandling bulbs during installation: If you touch the glass with your bare fingers when installation, the oils from your skin will adhere to the glass and may create hot spots on the glass when the bulb is illuminated, leading to uneven heating and potentially causing the glass to shatter.

Therefore, it's important to handle the headlight bulb with gloves or a soft cloth during installation to avoid leaving oils and contaminants on the glass portion of the bulb.

b. Incorrect wattage or compatibility issues: Using bulbs with wattages that exceed your vehicle's specifications can overload the electrical system and lead to burnouts. Using the wrong size of the bulb can also cause problems.

It’s always best to double-check your vehicle's manual for proper bulb type, size, and wattage.

c. Loose or faulty connections: Inadequate or faulty connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the bulbs, causing them to fail. Ensure sockets are clean, undamaged, and securely connected without overtightening.

Environmental Factors

Extreme weather conditions like scorching heat or frigid cold can put undue stress on both bulbs and headlight housing, causing the headlights to keep blowing. Especially in intensely cold temperatures, the delicate filaments inside the stock bulbs become fragile and prone to breaking.

When conditions allow, park your vehicle in a shady, sheltered spot. You can also apply protective sealants, films or shades to shield your headlights as much as possible from environmental stresses.

Headlight Assembly Issues

If your headlights need frequent replacement, the problem may lie beyond the bulbs themselves. Faulty headlight assemblies or housings can also lead the problems like headlights keep going out.

Moisture or water trapped inside the headlight housing can damage the bulbs over time. In severe situations, cracks or holes in the housing may expose the interior bulbs and components to water from rain, snow or puddles. A bump or sudden jolt in the road while driving in these conditions could cause water to splash directly onto the bulbs, dimming or completely extinguishing them prematurely.

Fix: Consult a professional mechanic or technician to inspect and, if necessary, seal or replace the headlight assembly or housing. They have the expertise to properly address these issues.

So to sum up, in repairing the headlight keeps going out issue, you may need to replace the faulty bulb, check the wiring, fuses and relay, and sealing any leaks in the headlight housing. Cleaning condensation from the inside of the housing may also solve the issue. And it’s always best to consult an auto electrician for complex electrical problems.

Other common headlight problems:

Dim Headlights 101: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention

Why Won't My Headlights Turn On? Troubleshooting Guide

Why Are My Headlights Flickering? Common Causes and Solutions

FAQs

Q: What can damage headlights?

A: Environmental factors like UV exposure, high heat, humidity and chemicals can damage headlights over time. Oxidation causes the plastic lens to become yellow and brittle, reducing light output.

Q: How often should car headlights go out?

A: The lifespan varies depending on the bulb type and how often the headlights are used. Halogen bulbs last 500-2,000 hours and typically need to be replaced more often than LED or HID bulbs. For information, check our guide on how long do headlight bulb last.

Q: Can I drive with high beams if headlight out?

A: No, using high beams when a low beam headlight is out can be illegal and dangerous. High beams can blink other drivers and many states will ticket you. Replace the faulty headlight promptly.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a headlight?

A: Costs vary based on vehicle make/model, headlight bulb type, and labor. Expect to pay $30-$100 for the bulbs, with labor costs ranging from $40-$60. Here’s a detailed guide about headlight bulb replacement cost.

Light the Way to Safety

We know how annoying and unsafe constantly burning out headlights can be. If your bulb is the culprit, consider treating your ride to premium LED headlight bulbs from SEALIGHT. We offer budget-friendly picks like the SEALIGHT S1 series as well as higher-end options such as the SEALIGHT X4 series. We have a wide range of LED lighting products to suit your needs. Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders. Visit our store and find the LED bulbs for your vehicle now!