Why Is My Vehicle Headlight Bulb Smoking?

Vehicle headlight bulbs usually can break down, smoke, get burnt or even get damaged and degraded. Headlight bulbs can be smoking if they have not been professionally installed, are made from low-quality materials, or if the heat sink is not large enough. This is a common problem of old model cars. However, recent cars are censored in such a way that they are made with indestructible plastic and alert the owners when a replacement is needed.

Kindly follow through this article to learn more about headlight bulb smoking, why this can happen, things to do to stop this and also answers to related questions you may have about the subject.

Is headlight bulb smoking dangerous? 

Headlight bulb smoking is indeed a call for concern. Since this is not indicated as a positive outcome in the user guide manual then it is unusual for it to occur.

Headlight bulbs should not smoke on a normal basis but due to some damage effects, professional malpractice and other factors this could happen and when it does, it becomes dangerous.

What can go wrong with a smoking headlight? 

A lot will be affected if a smoking headlight is left unreplaced and unnoticed. First and foremost, what goes wrong when a headlight smokes, is the bulb, the bulb of your headlight gets burnt. 

Reasons for headlight bulbs smoking

There are different reasons why your headlight bulb can smoke. The following are some reasons for your headlight bulb smoking:

1. Overheating: This is the most common cause of a smoking headlight bulb.
2. Excessive vibration: When there’s so much vibration or pressure on the bulbs as a result of rough driving or going into potholes/ditches very often, it can cause the bulb to shift from it is set location; and when it’s not properly touching where it should, smoking can occur.
3. Incompatible bulb type: The headlight bulb may be the wrong type for your vehicle.
4. Improper installation: The headlight bulb may not be installed properly from the beginning. 
5. Faulty bulb: The headlight bulb may be defective. 
6. Faulty wiring: Headlight wiring and connectors may have signs of damage. 

Types of headlight bulbs prone to smoking

All headlight bulbs are prone to smoking since the cause of smoking is not limited to the type of bulb installed. Cheap materials bulbs will smoke, and incorrect installation of bulbs could make them smoke.

Although, reviews have it that H7 bulbs, HID bulbs and led bulbs are more prone to smoking.

How to identify a smoking headlight bulb

Identifying a smoking headlight bulb may seem tricky as the case may be but then, you will probably notice that your headlight bulb is starting to reach the end of its life when it dims quite a bit. An unusual pop sound and a smell that is accompanied by smoke.

Furthermore, the saying ” when water overheats, it produces steam” applies to a bulb. You will notice a cloudy steam (condensation) on your headlight when that happens.

How smoking headlight bulbs affects your vehicle 

Smoking is dangerous as it poses a fire threat to the car,  owner and surrounding. It could also affect the normal function of other parts of your vehicle. Also, a smoking headlight bulb reduces the brightness of your view making you prone to accidents.’

Steps to take when headlight bulbs smoke 

There are urgent steps to take when you notice a faulty headlight bulb to prevent fire hazards. They are:

• Remove the bulb by first turning off the power to the fixture. The bulb could be hot, therefore allow it to cool before disposing of it.
• Replace the bulb with a new one after cleaning and confirming the fixture is intact.
• In most cases, you might need the services of a qualified electrician to ensure proper repair and replacement.

Tips for preventing headlight bulbs from smoking

First, you want to ensure the battery and vehicle alternators are in order since this could pose a threat to the bulb.

More also, allowing the bulb to cool off properly will help prevent smoking. Using the right bulb for your vehicle headlight will make air circulation easier and prevent smoking.

Lastly, avoid low-quality control bulbs, some manufacturers cut corners to make gains. 

Recommended solutions for smoking headlight bulb 

If you experience smoking headlights, here are some recommended solutions for your constant smoking headlight bulbs:

1. Voltage regulator:

Always be on the lookout for your voltage regulator. if it’s having problems intermittently, then there’s no doubt your headlight bulb smoking would be a continuous concern. This component is responsible for limiting the maximum amount of voltage that can pass through the electrical system.

2. Quality alternator belts:

There could be power surges as a result of poorly manufactured alternator belts. Ensure you go for the quality ones to avoid such.

3. Fix loose wire connections:

This can cause an increase in heat and higher temperatures can cause the filament inside the bulb to smoke and eventually blow.

Professional services available to address headlight bulb smoking

There are professionals whose mandate is to fix headlight bulb smoking and related issues. Feel free to contact an electrician or mechanic to relate your vehicle concerns and find out the best thing that can be done for your vehicle’s smoking bulb. 

Conclusion 

There are numerous reasons why your headlight bulb is smoking as mentioned in this article. Urgent fixing will save you much more stress and court cases, you don’t want to endanger your car and life over a minor fixture issue.