A Guide to Installing Automatic Headlights Did you know that most new cars come equipped with automatic headlights? If your car doesn’t have this feature, it can be difficult to drive at night. Automatic headlights are designed to turn on when it’s dark outside and automatically switch off when the sun rises. Let’s see how to add these lights to an older vehicle, so you can finally get some relief when driving in the dark!
Installing Automatic Headlights in an Old Car
Older cars may not come with automatic headlights, but that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade them. Installing automatic headlight bulbs in an older car is quick and easy with the right tools. These lights work when a photoelectric sensor is placed around the windshield area. The sensor alerts a control unit about the outside lighting conditions. Based on this signal, the control unit turns the headlights on and off.
There are many aftermarket automatic headlight kits that make it easy to install this setup in an old car. A good kit will cost around $50, and you can install it at home to save on costs. Let’s see how to do it in just a few steps!
Setting Up the Photoelectric Sensor
You need to find a suitable location that receives the most sunlight. This could be at the base of the windshield or near the rearview mirror. The sensor works when exposed to sunlight. Once you’ve found the right spot, secure the sensor using double-sided tape or even a bit of adhesive glue if needed. If it comes with a mounting bracket, you can simply use that.
Mounting the Control Unit
You need to find a suitable location, which could be the center console or under the dashboard. The back of the glove compartment is also a good spot to mount this control unit.
For installation, use the mounting hardware provided with the kit. You can also use adhesive or double-sided tape.
Wiring
You’ll need to wire both the sensor and the control unit. Connect them with the power and ground wires and tighten them securely. The connections should be as neat and secure as possible. Then, wire the connection between the control unit and the factory light switch.
If you’re doing this without expert help, remember to refer to the car’s wiring diagram. Otherwise, there could be a mistake when joining the wires.
Test the Lights
The final step is to test the automatic headlights. When the lights are on, place your hand over the photoelectric sensor and make sure it turns off when you block the sunlight. If everything works as it should, then congratulations!
Conclusion
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to add automatic headlights to your old car, don’t worry. It’s a quick process that can be done in less than an hour if you have all the proper equipment and tools on hand. Enjoy your new lighting system!