The roadworthiness of a car is an important concern for the UK government. This is why through the Ministry of Transport or MOT test, vehicles that are at least three years old are required to get their various safety aspects assessed. If you’re taking your car to an accredited MOT Welling test centre, one of the things that you should do is to check (and fix) your broken headlight.

Failing the MOT with a Broken Headlight

Around four in 10 vehicles in the UK get an MOT test failure every year. One of the most common reasons behind it is a broken headlight.

When drivers take their vehicles to garages in Welling for an MOT test, their automobiles’ headlights are one of the things that inspectors check. If your headlights (or any other lights) are not aimed properly (they don’t have the right height, angle, and direction) or have their lenses cracked or dented, you won’t pass the test. Even if they’re working properly but they show the wrong colour of light expected from your vehicle’s make and model, it will also cause to fail the test.

After the garage has found that your headlight is damaged, they will inspect the cause behind it and fix it accordingly. If it’s the bulb that is not working, you only have to undergo a simple bulb replacement. If it’s due to an electrical issue or because your headlight is cracked, then you’d have to wait for days before the problem can be addressed.

The Dangers of a Damaged Headlight

Every car is equipped with different lights placed in various positions. Your vehicle’s headlights — like how mechanics in garages in Welling can attest — are the most important among them. Why? Because it significantly affects your visibility in the road.

Suppose your headlights are not functioning well (or aren’t functioning at all). In that case, it will be hard for you to notify other drivers about your presence and movement on the road once the sun goes down or when there’s interference on your visibility (e.g. Snow, rain, fog). This can result in road accidents that can harm you, other road users, and even passers-by.

When you drive with a cracked headlight lens, you will also be pulled over by traffic law enforcers and get fined. If you’re proven to have been negligible of your headlight issue for a long period of time, you can even get called to appear in court. Apart from paying a heavier fine, this will also be reflected on your record.

How to Keep Your Headlight Well-Functioning

Inspections like an MOT Welling test prompt drivers to be more meticulous about keeping the roadworthiness of their vehicles. As one of the important elements of your automobile, you have to pay special attention to your headlights.

If they’re already outdated, flickering, giving off dim lights, or won’t light up at all, it’s time to have them replaced with top-quality bulbs. Usually, headlight bulbs need to be replaced after about 1,000 hours of use.

Also, make sure that your headlight lenses are clear, unmarked, and free of dents or cracks. If it’s only a simple removal of dirt, you can do it on your own using a manufacturer-recommended car washing kit. If the damage is too serious, you have to immediately take your car to a reputable garage in your area.