Why Your New Headlights Might Not Work If You Touch Them

Did you install a new HID or Halogen headlight with your hands and it doesn’t work? Learn why touching bulbs will prevent them from working.

Transcript

Have you put a new bulb, such as in your headlight, in your vehicle, only to find out it doesn’t work?

I think you may say, “I was sold a defective part,” but that may not be the truth.

Hi, I’m Nancy at Kneble’s Auto Service Center.

Before I tell you why your new bulb isn’t working, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and of course, subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can get this tip and many more on automotive.

Halogen and HID bulbs operate by heat. When turned on, the heat from the bulb transferred through the glass into the atmosphere. Especially HID bulbs, they get hotter than halogen bulbs do.

Halogen and HID bulbs, don’t like the human touch. The natural oils on our hands, can transfer to the bulb and damage it. Since these bulbs get it very hot, and heat transfers uniformly, the oils from your hand onto the bulb can prevent this. Even if you think you’re super clean and you wash your hands, there are still oils on your skin.

LED bulbs are safer to deal with because they don’t produce the heat that HID and halogen bulbs do.

If you choose to install the bulb or bulbs in your vehicle, it is recommended to use gloves when dealing with halogen and HID bulbs. If this isn’t an option, wipe the bulb off using alcohol on a clean cloth.

If your headlights still aren’t working, feel free to schedule an appointment online with us, or call us at (609) 625-3286. We are located here at 5473 Somers Point Road in Mays Landing, next to Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen.

Thank you for watching, and remember to watch a new video every Wednesday at 12:30. I’ll see you here.