Why driverside headlight is brighter than passangerside headlight

xlight

Recently just after the car health check, I found the driverside headlight is brighter than the passengerside one. (the report saying it is normal, and the check including the headlamp alignment, maybe that why it looks differently now after correct adjusting by them?)

I did a quick check online and found people saying this is normal since the driverside headlamp is adjusted to a different level/angle compare to passengerside and that why it looks different brightness between the twos. But some claims that the passengerside should be brighter than driverside since you don't want to blind the opposite driver. Others say they should be same brightness.

So I am wondering why there is difference between the lights, is that a trick played by free car check and 'asking' you come back for a paid check and even a new pair of bulb...:(

Atlantic Dawn

Most likely bulb was replaced on driver side and so it appears brighter. They recommend replacing headlight bulbs in pairs to avoid this.

Normally the drivers side light is alligned slightly leftward to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.

What kind of health check did you go to? I would avoid these type of free checks in general, the NCT should find faults like this.

xlight

Thanks for your reply Atlantic.

I think it is normal as both bulb looks new and fine, and also have the warranty on the car.

I think they align that way, the driverside headlight is aiming more centre from looking at it. Just found a thread showed how to DIY the light alignment. It's just a bit annoying for me that the lights looks different in brightness.

I will ask them to check the alignment and bulb next time when next service due in few months from now.

Also you mentioned the NCT will also check those. So I should get a fault if the headlight alignment is incorrect?

Atlantic Dawn

xlight wrote: »

Also you mentioned the NCT will also check those. So I should get a fault if the headlight alignment is incorrect?

Yes they will test this and will fail if it's out too much.