What Would Cause a Headlight to Keep Burning Out?

Driving home late one night, you notice that one of your headlights is scorched out. You remember replacing that bulb not too long ago and wonder if there is an issue.  With winter’s dark days and nights around the corner, this is a concern.  Halogen bulbs and sealed beam headlights have very fine tungsten wire filaments inside that emit light when heated.  Constantly replacing headlight bulbs is not only an inconvenience and expense but also an indication that there could be an underlying issue with your vehicle.  

So what would cause a headlight to keep burning out?  Here are several problems that could be the cause:

• Vibration -- Vibration can be caused by driving over rough roads, the bulb is not securely mounted in the headlight assembly, there is a bent bulb socket or headlight housing, the headlight housing is not securely attached to your car, or the front wheels are out of balance.
• Touching the bulb -- You should always wear gloves or use a cloth if you have to touch the glass of the bulb.  If you touch the glass with your bare fingers, oil from your skin will adhere to the glass and may cause hot spots on the glass when the bulb is on, resulting in uneven heating and probably breakage of the glass. 
• Temperature extremes -- Heat is compulsory for the headlight filament to emit light; though the hotter the filament gets, the less durable it is. If you do an excessive amount of night driving or drive with daytime running lights, the increased amount of time that your lights are on will heat the filament to a higher temperature.  Also, if you drive in cold climates, bulb filaments become more brittle and are more susceptible to breakage, especially if accompanied by vibrations from rough roads and potholes.
• Turning on headlights before starting the car -- Normally, vehicles divert electrical power from any accessories that are on in order to deliver maximum power to the starter motor. If you turn your headlights on before starting your vehicle, the lights will turn off and then come back on when the engine starts, shortening the headlight bulb life.
• Water leaking -- Signs of condensation inside the headlight housing is a sign that water is leaking into the housing.  Because water and electricity don’t mix, any condensation may cause a short circuit. Also, condensation coming in contact with a hot bulb may cause it to break. 

Do you want to know more about what would cause a headlight to keep burning out?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about headlights and brake lights and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Wondering how Often Do You Really Need To Change The Oil?

New and inexperienced car owners may be asking this question of their mechanic.  For those of you who have owned a vehicle for very long have possibly heard it said many times--read your owner’s manual to know what kind of oil change and mileage interval the manufacturer recommends for your car!  This is still sound advice for all drivers.

There are some good reasons why it is compulsory to change engine oil.  Consider the benefits listed below:

• Extends your engine’s longevity
• Optimizes your vehicle’s performance
• Prevents excessive engine wear and tear
• Keeps engine parts lubricated
• Prevents engine overheating

So how often do you really need to change the oil?  Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness.  Many auto mechanics still rely on the advice of changing the oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first.  With today’s advancements in the types of motor oil available as well as advanced engine technology, this mileage interval may now be as much as every 15,000 miles.

Though, depending on your driving habits and situations, you may not be able to rely on the mileage interval.  If your car starts to exhibit one or more of the warning signs below, it’s time for an oil change!

1. Dark and dirty oil.
2. Noisy engine because of lack of lubrication
3. Oil change warning light comes on. 
4. Smoke coming from the muffler. 
5. Oil smell inside the car, combined with gas or exhaust fumes. 

Even though oil changes are relatively simple and inexpensive, many car owners neglect this service because of busy schedules and budget considerations.  Though, many auto shops offer oil change coupons for their customers to help make this service more affordable.  Be sure to ask your mechanic, or go online to your shop’s website and find their oil change coupons.

Are you wondering how often do you really need to change the oil?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for their oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.