We are closed. Call Willaim 804-769-0009
We are closed. Call Willaim 804-769-0009
On the dark country roads here in King William County, your headlights need to function correctly. They are essential for spotting pedestrians, deer, and other hazards like water on the road, which cause many accidents.
Headlights have improved over the last few years, but not as much as you might think. Sadly, almost no models before 2016 have headlights rated as “good,” and you might be surprised how few new cars get a good rating, as well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates headlights every two years. They perform standardized tests that measure how far the lights reach on straightaways and curves, assess the visibility of low beams and high beams, and determine whether the level of glare produced is excessive for other drivers. The agency weights low beams more because they are used more often; it also weights straightaway results more heavily because crashes are more common on straight sections of road.
In 2016 only 2 out of 195 cars tested by the IIHS rated “good.” In 2018, that number increased to 32 of 165, and for the model year 2020, 85 out of 185 models received a good rating for their headlights. Unfortunately, only 8 of these models with good ratings were standard issue on those cars. Most automakers make you pay more to get improved headlights. They are offered as extra-cost options, part of expensive options packages, or are only offered on higher trim levels.
It is crucial for you to identify hazards in time to stop before you reach them, so don’t despair, King William; there are things we can do here at Stanley’s Shop to help you stay safer on the road and increase how well your headlights perform. One simple and inexpensive thing we can do is to restore your headlight covers. If they are dull or yellowish, this is because of oxidation, exposure to UVs in the sunlight, or road wear. We have a process that significantly clears this dullness. Another simple thing we can do is make sure your lights are correctly aligned to the road. Are you getting oncoming traffic flashing high beams at you? That is a sign that we need to align them because they are not pointed to the correct level on the road. This can occur by merely hitting a pothole.
If your headlights are particularly bad such as in older cars, bulb replacement may be your best option. There are three types of light sources: halogen (which is a technology that has been around for decades), xenon (which uses newer technology to create longer-lasting, brighter light), and LED, which is the latest, most energy-efficient type of automotive light. We will look at your car and help determine the best option available to you.
As always, turn to Stanley’s Shop for the best prices and most personalized care. Call us at (804) 769-0000 or email us at service@stanleysshop.com.
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Stanley's Shop Auto Repair in King William County