How to check your car bulbs

Checking that your vehicle's lights are in good operational condition should form part of your regular vehicle maintenance check. Here are some of our simple checks to help you:

• Headlamps should be cleaned to remove dirt to provide optimum light output, as dirt on the headlamp unit can cause refraction of the light that can lead to glare for other road users. Similarly in wintry conditions, you should clean any snow off your lights before starting your journey so that other drivers can see you clearly.

• Ask a friend or partner to help you check brake lights and indicator lights by observing the lights while you apply the brake pedal and indicators respectively.

• It’s not always immediately obvious when a car bulb blows. If visibility seems poor or other road users flash their lights at you, check your bulbs are operating correctly as they may be trying to warn you about bulb failure. 

• If you can hear one of your indicators blinking faster than usual, it means there is a fault or the indicator bulb has blown. You should try to rectify this as soon as possible as other road users won’t be able to see you turning.  

• You should try to replace your bulbs in pairs. If a bulb has blown and it is one of a pair of lights replacing both will give consistent light output.

Remember, if you are in any doubt, or find that you have a blown or faulty bulb, pop into MKD Automotive where our trained staff can supply, fit and align replacement bulbs for you. Don’t chance it, check your bulbs today.