SOUTHLAND – (INT) - New research from AAA reveals that clouded headlights generate only 20 percent of the amount of light that new headlights do, leading to dangerous nighttime driving conditions.

This decrease is caused by sunlight damage to protective plastic lens covers, resulting in discoloration that considerably diminishes light coverage on dark roadways.
Research revealed that deteriorated headlights, when used on low beam, provided just 22 percent of the amount of light a new headlight does when operating at full capacity.

AAA also examined the effects that replacing or restoring a headlight can have on improving the amount of light produced. Replacing headlights with original equipment manufacturer parts is the most effective method to restore light output back to 100 percent.

Aftermarket parts also performed well, restoring light output between 83 and 90 percent, however these did fail to meet certain requirements for light intensity and were found to be more likely to produce glare for oncoming traffic.

Restoring headlights, while the most cost-effective option, offered less of an improvement in light output than replacement. Professional and DIY restoration returned light output back to approximately 70 percent. Both restoration methods, however, produced more glare than is acceptable according DOT criteria.

Story Date: January 11, 2019