Q: Dim high beams; low beams only shine 60-70 feet

asked by on August 10, 2016

I need some solutions to the headlight problems in my truck. They are about 50% less effective than past GM trucks I've had. The high beams should not be this weak and dim. I can't see with them, down the road. The low beams are rather useless and very dangerous because they absolutely and completely cut off around 60-70 feet. Plus, when I change to the low beams from the high beams, there is immediate overdriving of the lights. I live in the country where there are unlighted roads, plus we have a lot of large animals like deer and moose that enter the road. It is extremely dangerous not to be able to see them. Is there a solution for my make/model headlight dimness?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I adjust the speed of the windshield wipers?
Depending on how heavy the rainfall is, you’ll want to adjust your windshield wiper speed. Doing so is easy. When you turn on the windshield wipers, they will be at a low speed. Turn the windshield wiper knob farther, and...
How do I check the oil?
You should check your oil with frequency, including before and after any long trips. Checking your oil is very easy: 1. Park your car on a flat surface, and let the engine run for a few minutes. 2. Turn off...
How to tell if spring has been cut to lower car
The only way to tell if the springs have been cut on your Honda Civic is to raise the vehicle so the suspension can hang with the wheels off the ground. This will allow extra space for a visual inspection...
Power stearing is whining
Hello, the noise could be from air in the system, low power steering pump fluid levels, or internal pump damage. Air in a hydraulic system can create this sound. To remove air that is trapped try this: First check fluid...
Muffler is loud and the van jumps when in idle. When it jumps the muffler makes a puffing noise and smells.
This may be related to a failing catalytic converter or potentially a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it enters the motor and relays this information to the computer...
Signals from my purge valve sensor are intermittent says the diagnosis.
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. There could be a vacuum leak at the purge valve or around the purge valve. Look to see if the gas cap closed properly, there is no cracks or other damage on the charcoal...
I'm getting a check engine light with codes p0455 and p0456. I tried a new gas cap from the dealer but the light comes back in a few days.
Hi there. The fuel cap could have been one item that may have been leaking. There could be a leaking return fuel vapor line or the purge vent valve could be damaged. Check the fuel system and look for any...
Lights
Depending on the vehicle you have you may just have the interior light control switch turned on at the headlight combination switch. You may also have a more serious problem like a bad lighting control module shorted and keeping the...
2007 volvo s60 battery wont hold a charge or start car
You may have a failing voltage regulator that could be allowing the alternator to supply too much or too little amperage to the battery resulting in the battery never maintaining a consistent charge as it is designed to. The voltage...

Related articles

When Should I Use Fog Lights?
Most Most cars used to come with only high and low beam headlights. That was about it. Fog lights were introduced in an effort to make highway travel during foggy conditions safer. Many newer vehicles come with fog lights as...
What Do the Headlight Indicators Mean?
Headlight indicators help you know if your headlights, taillights, and high beams are on for your car.
Industry News for Automotive Techs: October 8-14
50 MPG Chevrolet Cruz Diesel, Mazda's G-Vectoring drive system, Uber and Volvo collaborate on autonomous cars, and Hubb's new reusable oil filter.