Headlight Alignment
For your safety and the safety of other drivers, the headlights on your vehicle should be periodically checked for proper adjustment. This is especially true after replacing a burned out headlamp.
Step 1: Take a few measurements.
Measure the distance between the centers of the vehicle's headlight reflectors. If the vehicle has separate high and low beam headlamps you will need the distance between the high beams and the distance between low beams.
Measure the distance from the center of one headlight reflector to the ground. This measurement should be taken with the vehicle on level ground. To obtain an average height from the ground, take this measurement with a full tank of fuel and a normal load.
Step 2: Transfer the dimensions to a wall or a garage door.
Use a piece of tape to create a horizontal line on a wall or garage door the same distance from the ground as the center of the headlights. This line needs to be at least as long as the distance between the headlights. Make a mark near the center of the line. Make a mark half the distance between the headlights on each side of the center mark. If the vehicle has separate high and low beam headlights you will need to mark the centerlines of all four reflectors.
Step 3: Move the vehicle into position.
Move the vehicle to a position 25 feet from the wall or door, with the center of the vehicle aligned with the center mark.
Step 4: Check the low beam headlight alignment.
Turn on the vehicle's low beam headlights. The area of highest intensity should be 2 inches below and 2 inches to the right of the headlight's centerline.
Step 5: Check the high beam headlight alignment.
Switch on the high beam headlights. The area of highest intensity should be aligned with the headlights vertical centerline and slightly below the horizontal line.
Note: The alignment may vary on vehicles with single headlights. If this is the case, the priority is the low beam alignment. The low beam lamps are the ones we used most often.
Additional information: Headlight adjustment.
If the headlights are out of alignment they can be adjusted by turning the adjustment screws in the proper direction. The adjustment screws are found in a number of locations. Some manufacturers put the screws facing forward with access holes in the headlight assembly or behind the headlight trim. They may also be on the rear of the headlamp housing. Other manufacturers use cable driven adjustment screws. They are located under the hood on the top of the headlight assemblies. There are typically two adjusters for each headlamp, one for vertical and another for horizontal adjustment. Some vehicles require a special headlight adjustment tool. If required, these tools can be found at a local automotive supply outlet or dealership.
