So, your car experienced flood damage but wasn’t considered a total loss. You might be wondering how to clean out your vehicle to help get it back on the road as quickly as possible. Here are 10 steps to clean a flood-damaged car.

Can Flood-Damaged Cars be Repaired?

Before you grab your cleaning supplies, you might be wondering: can flood-damaged cars be repaired? This is an excellent question! It depends entirely on the extent of the flood damage that has occurred to your car, as well as how much money you are willing to invest in repairs.

Whether or not a flood-damaged car can be repaired depends on a few factors, including:

• Whether the vehicle was considered a total loss
• Type of water which affected the vehicle
• The extent of damage and corrosion to the vehicle
• The components that will require replacement
• Whether or not the engine is hydrolocked

In theory, you can restore any car that has been flood-damaged if you’re willing to replace every component that was affected. The number of components that need replacement will vary depending on whether the water only rose to the floorboards, all the way to the dashboard, or if the entire car was submerged.

The relative worth and value of repairing a flood-damaged car will be different for everyone. For most people, a replacement vehicle is the most cost-effective option. However, some people may have vehicles that have nostalgia or other significance – vintage or classic cars, for example – so restoration regardless of cost may be the preferred option.

10 Tips to Clean a Flood-Damaged Car

These 10 tips to clean a flood-damaged car will help you dry your car as quickly as possible following water incursion.

1. Remove everything from the vehicle.

The first step to clean the interior of your car is to remove everything from the vehicle – and we do mean everything from the glove compartment to the trunk.

Pull out the removable carpets as well as the carpets which usually remain fixed to the bottom of the vehicle and let these dry in a sunny area. Ideally, you can use a shop vac to help speed the process. If you have a car with removable seats, take them out and let the seats dry out in the garage or in the sun.

2. Disconnect all electrical connections

Unplug and remove the battery from the car, and remove fuses and other electrical connections if these components were affected by water damage.

3. Air out the vehicle.

Roll down every window and open the doors. It’s best if you can leave your car in an open space such as a garage overnight to help speed along the process. If you don’t have a garage, then consider putting up a tarp overnight to keep out the rain.

4. Keep air circulating.

Set up a box fan, standing fan, floor fan, or all three to keep air moving through your vehicle. Ideally, you’ll want to keep the air flowing in one direction – in one door and out the other – to remove humidity from the cabin as quickly as possible.

5. Get silica gel – and lots of it.

Silica gel is great for absorbing excess moisture from the air. Grab some from your local hardware shop and let this handy substance do some moisture removal for you.

6. Flush the fluids inside the vehicle.

If you’re able to do so, and if the components were affected by water damage, then consider removing and replacing the fluids inside your vehicle. These might include the coolant, oil, windshield washer fluid reservoir, and transmission fluids.

7. Clean your flood-damaged car carpets separately.

Flood-damaged car carpets can be tricky to clean because not only do mold and mildew start growing within hours of water exposure, they hold onto odors. By removing the carpets from the vehicle, you’ll be better equipped to get them dry and aired out as quickly as possible.

8. Deodorize your vehicle using charcoal briquettes and baking soda, and let it air out as much as possible.

A bowl of charcoal briquettes and a box of baking soda will go a long way towards not only removing excess moisture from your vehicle, but also deodorizing the space. Replace these items once a day – or more as needed – until the moisture is gone and the car smells normal again.

9. Use heavy-duty cleaning agents.

Professional grade heavy-duty cleaning agents will save you time and hassle because they are designed with difficult jobs in mind. They may cost a little more in the moment, but they’ll save you a headache later!

10. Start cleaning and drying your car as soon as possible.

Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with water damage in cars. By following the 10 steps to clean a flood-damaged car listed above, you’ll be in a good place to prevent your car from developing strange odors or long-term damage.

Is a flooded car totaled? This question is one that most car owners will hopefully never have to ask. Whether or not a car is flooded is not as easy as a simple yes or no. Every case will be different depending on several factors.

Is a Flooded Car Totaled?

Whether a flooded car is totaled or not ultimately depends on how much damage has occurred to the car as compared to its overall value. If the cost of repairs outweighs the value of a car, then your insurance company may consider the vehicle a total loss. If the cost of repairs doesn’t exceed the car’s value, then your vehicle may be repairable.

The type of water that the car has been submerged in will also influence the amount of damage that occurs to a vehicle. Water that contains chemicals or oil can complicate repairs and increase the costs needed to restore the vehicle to working condition.

Seawater is corrosive and extremely difficult to thoroughly remove from a vehicle. Damage from saltwater occurs over time and is not always immediately apparent. Even if a vehicle appears to be fine, the damage to the infrastructure of the vehicle can lead to mechanical, structural, and electrical issues down the line.

Freshwater flooding can reach as high as the dashboard before a vehicle becomes a total loss. As little as 12 – 16 inches of saltwater, on the other hand, can render a car a total loss.

The reason for this is that repairing a water-damaged vehicle requires more than simply drying it out. Electronics and water don’t mix, which means that essential components such as the onboard computer will require replacement. Repairs are further complicated when dirt, sediment, and corrosive salts are present in the water.

What to do if Your Car Becomes Flooded

If your car becomes flooded, practicing a ‘safety first’ approach will help you and your family avoid getting hurt. Here are our top tips on what to do if your car becomes flooded.

If you are in your car…

• 

  Leave your vehicle and move to higher ground. More than half of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, according to the National Weather Service.

• Don’t try to rescue your car. 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. It only takes one foot of water to float and carry away a small vehicle.
• If your car becomes completely submerged and you are still inside, don’t panic. The doors will open once the cabin is completely full.
• If you see a flooded road or underpass, don’t drive into the water even if you think your car may clear it. Turn around and try a different route.

After the flood…

• Do not attempt to start your car before it has been inspected by a certified technician or mechanic.
• Identify how much water the car was submerged in, if possible. Most flood water will contain dirt and sediment that will leave a flood line on the inside of your car.
• Dry the interior of your car. Leave the doors and windows open and run a fan to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
• Check the oil reservoir. Remove the oil dipstick and see if there are any droplets of water on it. If you see water, then do not start the engine until repairs have been made.
• Check the air filter. If the filter is damp to the touch or water is visible, do not start the engine until repairs have been made.

Buying a Flood-Damaged Car

Sometimes, you can find great deals on flood-damaged cars from auto auctions or the classifieds. While you may save a lot of money at the time of purchase, hidden long-term damage can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Buying a flood-damaged car is a personal decision. We recommend that you have a certified mechanic like T3 Atlanta inspect any flood-damaged Toyota, Infiniti, Nissan, or Lexus vehicle you are considering before you buy. We’ll be able to identify any potential problems and help prevent costly headaches down the line.

Fall is here, and that means that winter is just around the corner. The Atlanta area usually doesn’t see the accumulation of snow like northern regions do, but we do get our fair share of ice storms. By preparing your car for winter now, you can help avoid the headache of being stranded without essential cold-weather supplies.

Preparing Your Car for Winter

Preparing your car for winter is a snap with these 8 easy steps.

1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

Emergency kits contain all the essential items that you could need in case your car breaks down unexpectedly. These kits are useful at any time of year but can be especially valuable during the winter.

You can buy pre-assembled emergency kits at your local auto shop, or you can create one of your own.

Pack your winter weather emergency kit with:

• Gloves
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Cat litter or sand
• Road salt (if your area allows it)
• High-energy snacks like granola bars or trail mix
• Coolant
• Blanket
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Radio
• Extra phone charger (battery pack)

Although this list covers the needs of most individuals, families or people traveling with pets may find it useful to include extra items like diapers, baby formula, or pet food as needed. Customize your emergency kit to best fit your needs.

2. Have an Oil Change

Cold temperatures thicken oil, which makes it more difficult to properly lubricate the engine. The end result is potential damage to your engine which could lead to costly repairs.

3. Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades

In general, changing your windshield wiper blades twice a year is the best way to keep your windscreen squeaky clean.

Depending on where you live, road salt and pollutants can lead to a film on your windows that decreases visibility. Older or worn out windshield wiper blades may cause smudging. Replacing the blades on a regular basis will ensure that you’re always able to see clearly.

4. Check Your Tires

The change in temperature naturally affects the pressure in your tires. Your local tire shop can easily check the PSI (pounds per square inch) in your tires and adjust the amount of air within a few minutes.

Another important consideration for winter driving is the amount of tread that is on your tires. Tires with adequate tread will give you maximum traction on hazardous conditions, while tires that have low tread or are ‘balding’ can lead to slippage and potential accidents.

5. Keep Your Gas Tank Full

During the winter, keeping your gas tank at least ½ full can prevent corrosion within the gas tank. Condensation can build up inside the tank, leading to damage and potentially requiring a replacement. Condensation is absorbed by gasoline in tanks that are at least half full.

6. Have Your Battery Tested

Do you know how long your battery has been in your car? If you’re like most people, this may be a mystery, especially if your car was purchased used.

Cold weather decreases the lifespan of your battery and could potentially leave you stranded. You can get the charge tested by your local mechanic and have a replacement battery installed or on hand as needed.

7. Add Antifreeze to Your Coolant and Windshield Wiper Reservoirs

Adding antifreeze to your coolant and windshield wiper reservoirs is a quick and easy step that will prevent cracks or breaks in the tanks or pipes resulting from frozen liquids.

You can purchase antifreeze at your gas station or local auto shop. Many grocery stores carry antifreeze as well.

8. Visit T3 Atlanta

Last but not least, by bringing your car into T3 Atlanta for an inspection, you can ensure that your car is in top shape for the winter months. We’ll inspect your belts and hoses, perform tune-ups, top off fluids, and much more.

There’s nothing like getting stuck on the side of the road when the thermometer is below 30 degrees! By preparing your car for winter, you’ll be ready for whatever weather strikes the Metro area this year.

For many people, cars are an essential part of daily life. It can be hard to imagine life without the vehicle you’ve owned for years. Unfortunately, there may come a day that you need to consider buying a new vehicle. If you’re wondering how to know when to sell your car, then you’ve come to the right place.

How to Know When to Sell Your Car

With advances and improvements in technology, cars are lasting owners for longer amounts of time. More and more cars can be driven over 100,000 miles without significant mechanical troubles. But, even the best kept car will eventually wear down due to use and age. Keeping an eye out for the following signs will help you determine if you need to invest in a new vehicle.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

There is a finite amount of time any vehicle has before the costs of replacing essential components outweighs the cost of purchasing a new car. This amount of time will vary from vehicle to vehicle based on how a car is driven over its serviceable life.

You can easily compare the cost of buying a new car versus repairing your current vehicle with these three steps.

1. Find out how much your car is worth by visiting a vehicle appraisal site such as Kelley Blue Book and entering in your vehicle’s information.
2. Talk to your mechanic at T3 Atlanta to see how much maintenance is required, particularly larger service schedule items. The repairs to keep an eye on are big repairs, especially those involving the transmission, and not routine fluid changes or oil changes.
3. Compare the value of your car to how much maintenance is needed to keep your car on the road.

Once you have these numbers in hand, you’ll have a better idea of whether buying a new car is right for you.

Safety Considerations

Advances in technology have made newer cars safer than ever. Rear cameras, improved crash ratings, and automatic braking are just a few of the newest safety features. Consider factoring in safety when making a decision about your old vehicle.

Gas Mileage

Fuel efficiency and gas mileage naturally decrease over time, leading to more trips to the gas pump. These increasingly frequent trips add up over time.

However, electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. If gas efficiency is important to you, then a new vehicle could save you time and fuel by reducing your trips to the gas pump.

Reliability

A reliable car is a car that always starts and doesn’t break down except in very rare circumstances. In other words, a reliable car doesn’t give you headaches!

Well-maintained cars generally stay reliable over their entire service life. But, it’s still possible that they can become less reliable as they age.

If you have noticed that your car is becoming less reliable, it may be time to visit your mechanic to find out if the problem is minor, or if it might become a larger issue.

Warranty

Now that we’ve discussed repairs, that brings us to the warranty. Many cars have long warranties, with some lasting as long as 10 years. So, do you sell a car before the warranty has expired? Or do you sell it immediately after the expiration date?

This particular question is very personal, and the answer will vary from person to person. Another factor to consider is whether you are selling it to a dealer or an individual. In some cases, selling a car with little or no warranty to a dealer may be easier than selling a car as-is to an individual.

At the end of the day, deciding to sell a car before or after a warranty expires depends on how you feel about the car, and how ready you are to get into your new ride.

 

Lifestyle Changes

That convertible you’ve had since college might have been perfect back then, but the demands of life have a way of influencing your choice of vehicle.

Have you become a long-distance commuter? Do you have a growing family? Does your job require you to haul construction materials? Are you at a point in life where you’re ready to get the sports car of your dreams? These are just a few of the lifestyle changes that play into how to know when to sell your car.

 

Rust

Although rust isn’t as big of a problem in the Atlanta area, cars that have spent time in areas where salt is used to de-ice roads may have rusty spots.

You may be thinking that some spots of rust here or there shouldn’t be a problem. However, this is not the case at all. Rust spreads over time, and grows more quickly with exposure to rain.

Given time, rust can corrode the structure and integrity of a vehicle’s frame, leading to costly repairs and potentially safety concerns. You may want to strongly factor rust damage when deciding whether you should sell your car.

Buying or Selling Your Car? Get an Inspection at T3 Atlanta!

Knowing when to buy a new car is an intensely personal decision that isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, it’s just time to make a change! In the end, we recommend that you weigh all your potential costs against your baseline requirements of a vehicle when making your choice.

If you’re in the process of trying to decide whether to sell your car, schedule an appointment with T3 Atlanta. We can appraise how many repairs you need, which can help you determine maintenance costs versus buying a new car.

T3 Atlanta also offers free inspections of Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, or Infiniti vehicles before you buy. We recommend a 3^rd party inspection of any vehicle you are considering in order to help you make the best choice possible when buying a new car.

It’s happened to the best of us: you leave your car’s windows open on a nice day to air out, then forget to close the windows. The next morning, you get to your car to find that it’s rained overnight. Water damage can cause lasting problems and lingering odors, so it’s important to know how to clean wet carpet in a car.

How to Clean Wet Carpet in a Car

In reality, there are many reasons carpet in a car can become wet. Storm damage, flood damage, and even DIY carpet cleaning can lead to wet carpet.

Water damage is a problem anywhere, but can be especially bad in cars. After all, cars are designed to keep water out. They’re enclosed spaces without much ventilation when the engine isn’t running. As if that’s not difficult enough, the carpet lining in a car isn’t removable; only the floor mats can be taken out to dry.

In an ideal world, you could wait to deal with the wet carpet for a nice stretch of days. The reality is that you need to clean the water damage as quickly as possible. It only takes a few hours for mold, mildew, and strange odors to take hold.

What you’ll need:

• Covered area for your car to dry
• Shop vac
• Towels, washcloths, or shop towels
• Fan (or fans)
• Baking soda (optional but recommended)

How to Clean Wet Car Carpet in a Car:

1. Move the car somewhere that is covered, such as a garage, carport, or under a tarp, to avoid more water getting in.
2. Open the doors, windows, and, if the trunk is affected, the trunk as well. You may want to consider disconnecting your battery to avoid battery drain.
3. Remove the floor mats and trunk mat, if you have one. If water is in your trunk, you may want to consider removing the spare tire cover, jack, and spare tire while the area is drying out. Set these aside to dry.
4. Use a shop vac to remove as much of the excess water as you can from the cabin of your car. Repeat on the floor mats and in the trunk, if needed.
5. Soak up any additional liquid using towels.
6. You’ll next want to get the airflow moving. The last thing you want is for excess humidity to build up in your car. Set up a large fan – or fans, if you have them – facing into the vehicle to keep the air circulating. Ideally, leave the fan running overnight. You may need to let the car dry out for a full day depending on how wet the area is.
7. Leave a box of fridge-friendly baking soda in the car. This will help absorb any remaining humidity and deodorize the car as well.

How to Deodorize a Car After Water Damage

Deodorizing a car after water damage takes time, but is doable. These three tips can help get your car back to normal.

Option 1: Baking Soda and a Vacuum

Once your car carpets are dry, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. Let sit for at least half an hour, then vacuum. Repeated as needed.

Option 2: Charcoal Briquettes

Place a generous handful of natural charcoal briquettes in a bowl or berry basket, if you have one. Do not use briquettes that have been pretreated. Set this near the affected area. Leave the charcoal in the car for 2 – 3 days. Replace the charcoal and repeat as needed.

Option 3: Professional Cleaning

In some cases, you may need to take the car to be professionally shampooed and cleaned. These services range in price, but can usually remove those unpleasant ‘wet car’ odors.

T3 Atlanta

Water damage in a car can cause a lot of problems in the long run. If your car has experienced water damage, call T3 Atlanta for an inspection. We can identify any potential issues following water damage, which can help save you expensive repair costs in the long run.

All-wheel drive (AWD) cars are great for unexpected driving conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or ice. High-profile AWD cars also make the ideal off-roading vehicle. However, AWD cars have some special considerations when it comes to tire replacements. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do you really need to replace all 4 tires on an AWD car at the same time?”, we’ve got your answer!

Do You Really Need to Replace All 4 Tires on an AWD Car at the Same Time?

Getting a flat tire is frustrating for any driver. It’s an inconvenience that also comes with an unexpected cost: replacing a tire. For drivers of AWD cars, this cost is quadrupled because all four tires need to be replaced.

If you’re wondering, ‘Can’t I just replace one tire?’, the answer is unfortunately no.

An AWD car’s differential and computer work in tandem to send precise amounts of torque to each wheel. The computer adjusts constantly when the car is in motion to accommodate changes in the road. In essence, power is sent to the wheel or wheels that need it the most. The end result is that AWD cars have better traction and control in poor driving conditions.

This same system relies on the tires being the same size to take accurate readings. Even when purchasing a new tire of the same brand and measurements as the tires on the car, the tires already on the car will have worn down to a different size than the new tire.

Though small, any difference in tire size can be significant:

2. The vehicle’s computer can’t accommodate variance of the new tire size, and will think instead that the axle is slipping. This puts additional stress on the differential and could burn out the drivetrain prematurely.
3. The new tire will undergo fewer revolutions while the old tires spin at a faster rate. This adds a lot of stress and builds up excess heat on the vehicle’s axles as well as the transmission. This could lead to expensive repairs in the long run.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer with any questions you may have.

Why Don’t Tires Wear Evenly on AWD Cars?

You may have heard that tires do not wear evenly on AWD cars. In many cases, front tires do wear more quickly than rear tires.

In normal driving conditions, the front wheels are doing the most work and require the most power. The car’s computer will direct most of the power to these two tires. As a result, they have a tendency to wear down more quickly than the rear tires.

You can minimize the variance of tire size by getting your tires rotated regularly.

AWD Maintenance and Repair at T3 Atlanta

Although T3 Atlanta does not perform tire work, we can diagnose and repair issues with the powertrain, axles, transmission, and more. We are experts at Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti repair. Visit us at one of our two convenient Atlanta locations!

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars

Hybrids were once limited to small sedans and coupes. However, they come in all shapes and sizes now. Improvements in hybrid technology means that there are more hybrid cars on the roads than ever. You may have found yourself wondering about the pros and cons of hybrid cars. We’re here to help answer your questions.

What is a Hybrid Car?

A hybrid car is one that is powered by both electricity and gasoline. In essence, hybrids have two engines. One is fuel powered; the other is electric. Unlike a purely electric car, you do not need to plug most hybrids into a wall outlet to recharge. Hybrids have a built-in system to recharge while in use.

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars

As with any vehicle purchase, there are pros and cons to weight before making your final decision. Unlike standard vehicles, there are few extra considerations to take into account with hybrid cars. With the added technologies and costs, it’s worth giving extra thought to whether a hybrid vehicle is right for your situation.

The Pros of Hybrid Cars

First, let’s look at the pros of hybrid cars.

• Environmentally friendly: Depending on the hybrid model and your driving habits, you could use 30 – 60% less gas than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
• Higher gas mileage: Hybrids are usually very fuel efficient, with some getting as many as 50 MPG. Higher gas mileage also means fewer trips to the gas pump, which is great for your wallet.
• Higher resale value: Hybrids hold onto their value, which means you’ll get more towards a new car when it’s time to move on to a new car.
• Hybrids are great cars for city driving: Hybrid cars are designed to thrive on city streets. In fact, most get better gas mileage in the city than on the freeway!
• Emissions tests may not be required: Depending on your region, you may not be required to have an emission test when it’s time to renew your vehicle registration.
• Tax incentives may be available: Depending on your region, your vehicle may be eligible for tax breaks or credits.

The Cons of Hybrid Cars

As with anything, no matter how great it sounds, hybrid cars do have their cons.

• Higher upfront cost: As a direct result of the additional technology beneath the hood, hybrids can see buyers spending considerably more upfront, even used.
• Increased maintenance costs: The same technology which helps hybrids get great gas mileage and produce low emissions is more expensive to maintain than gas-powered vehicles.
• Less power than a standard fuel equivalent: Hybrid cars draw their power from a combination of gasoline and electricity. At this time, the limits of electricity directly correlates to less power. For casual drivers, this may not be a big deal. For those who want performance out of their vehicle, on the other hand, it may be a deal breaker.
• Less responsive handling: Currently, hybrids are designed for efficiency more than performance. Most hybrids aren’t designed to handle as crisply as a sports car.
• Some hybrids actually have lower mileage on the freeway than in the city: Because hybrids are designed to perform at their best in cities, you’ll notice lower gas mileage on road trips or other long-distance drives.

Hybrid Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

Just like electric and gasoline-burning cars, hybrids need regular maintenance to ensure that they stay in top condition. If you need hybrid car maintenance for a Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, or Infiniti vehicle, call T3 Atlanta. We have two locations in the Metro Atlanta area; find us in Decatur and Smyrna for your convenience. Our certified, experienced technicians will keep your hybrid vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

Headlights are one of those features that are easy to notice on passing cars, but don’t get any attention in the home garage. The lights are turned on before leaving one parking lot and turned off after arriving at the next. In fact, many people don’t look at their car headlight bulbs at all until they’ve burned out. If you’re in the market to replace or upgrade your lights, you may be wondering about the types of car headlight bulbs.

Types of Car Headlight Bulbs

Car headlight bulbs come in a variety of colors and brightness levels. Before you start shopping, familiarize yourself with the three main types of car headlight bulbs.

Halogen

Most standard vehicles come equipped with a set of halogen lights.

Pros:

• Bulbs tend to be white to off-white in color
• Inexpensive and readily available at most auto parts stores
• They have a long lifespan

Cons:

• Halogen bulbs generate excessive amounts of heat and are less efficient than other types of bulbs
• They are delicate and can easily break during removal and replacement
• Reactive surface makes installation tricky

LED

LED headlights are the newest arrival to the scene, and generally require a conversion kit if you are installing them yourself.

Pros:

• Bright, white to white-blue light
• Requires very low power to function
• Have an extremely long lifespan

Cons:

• Expensive to install
• Produces more heat than halogen lights, which means that they need a cooling source; otherwise they could cause issues for the surrounding engine temperatures

Xenon, also known as High-Intensity Discharge (HID)

Xenon bulbs appeared on the market in the early 90’s. They are sealed systems that produce extremely bright light and have a considerable range.

Pros:

• Long lifespan – longer than halogen bulbs
• Uses minimal amount of energy
• Produces less heat than LED or halogen bulbs
• Great visibility

Cons

• Expensive to replace
• If installed improperly, can cause glare for oncoming traffic
• Takes time to warm up to full brightness

Reasons to Upgrade Car Headlight Bulbs

Many people are happy with the headlight bulbs that their vehicle came with at the time of purchase. They’ll buy direct replacements and not worry about upgrading to a different type of car headlight bulb. This is completely OK – you’re never under obligation to upgrade your headlight bulbs!

However, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to make a shift, here are 3 reasons to consider upgrading.

1. Increased visibility and safety: Xenon and LED bulbs are much brighter and usually have a longer range than halogen bulbs. This means that you’re more likely to see road hazards and still have enough time to avoid them.
2. Improved lifespan: Xenon and LED lights have a longer lifespan than halogen bulbs. This means that although the upfront cost is greater, you may actually wind up spending less over the life of the vehicle.
3. Appearance: While appearances aren’t everything, they do count for something! Xenon and LED lights tend to be blue-white in color, which looks sleek and eye catching.

In the end, it’s a personal decision as to whether or not you decide to upgrade your lightbulb to a different type or simply purchase brighter bulbs. In either case, it’s generally recommended that if one headlight burns out, replacing both as a set can help prevent you from getting caught out with a second burned out light a few days or weeks later.

Cleaning Car Headlights

Aging bulbs aren’t the only reason to pay some special attention to your headlights. Over time, you may notice that your headlight housings aren’t as clear as they used to be. They may look off-colored or yellow in some cases. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to clean your headlights!

Restoring your car headlights is an easy afternoon project, and you’ll see instant results. Check out our guide on How to Clean Headlights here»

DIY Headlight Cleaning