Do new headlights come pre-aimed?

Sort of. New assemblies are set to a neutral position at the factory. But every car sits a little differently depending on suspension, tire size, and load. You should always check the aim after installing a new headlight.

Can I aim LED headlights the same way?

Yes. The wall test method works for LED, HID, and halogen headlights. The beam pattern might look different (LEDs tend to have a sharper cutoff line), but the aiming process is the same.

Should I aim on high beam or low beam?

Always aim using low beams. High beams are set relative to the low beam position, so getting your low beams right automatically puts your high beams in the right spot too.

What if I can't find the adjustment screws?

Check your owner's manual first. If that doesn't help, search for your specific year, make, and model on YouTube. Some vehicles hide the screws behind covers or require you to remove a small panel to access them.

How to Aim Your Headlights

Just replaced a headlight? Hit a nasty pothole? Your headlights might be aimed wrong. Here's how to check and fix it in about 20 minutes.

Why Aim Matters

Misaimed headlights are more than annoying. If they're pointed too high, you're blinding every driver coming toward you. Too low, and you can't see far enough ahead to react in time.

After any headlight replacement, the aim should be checked. It only takes a few minutes and makes a real difference in how well you can see at night.

When to Re-Aim

After replacing a headlight assembly
After a front-end collision (even a minor one)
If oncoming drivers keep flashing their high beams at you
If the road ahead seems poorly lit even though your headlights are on
After suspension work or installing a lift kit

The Wall Test Method

Find a Flat Surface and a Wall

A garage door works great. Park on level ground, facing the wall, exactly 25 feet away. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and you don't have a bunch of heavy stuff in the trunk throwing off the ride height.

Mark the Center Points

Turn on your low beams. Use tape to mark the center of each beam on the wall. You'll see a bright hot spot in the middle of each beam pattern. Mark that spot on both sides.

Check the Beam Height

The top of the hot spot should be about 2 inches below the center height of your headlights. If the beams are hitting above your marks or way below them, you need to adjust.

Find the Adjustment Screws

Open the hood. Each headlight usually has two adjustment screws. One for vertical aim (up and down), one for horizontal (left and right). Check your owner's manual if you can't spot them right away.

Adjust Vertical Aim

Turn the vertical screw to raise or lower the beam. Small turns make a big difference, so go slowly. The top of the beam should end up at or just below the tape line on the wall.

Adjust Horizontal Aim

Turn the horizontal screw to center the beam. A slight right bias is normal and actually preferred. This helps illuminate the road edge and signs without blinding oncoming traffic.

Test Drive

Take a short drive on a dark road to verify. Your headlights should illuminate the road well without blinding oncoming drivers. If something still feels off, go back and make small adjustments.

Finding the Adjustment Screws

Most headlights have two screws. The one on top controls vertical aim (up and down). The one on the side controls horizontal aim (left and right). They're usually Phillips or Torx head.

Some vehicles hide them behind plastic covers or trim pieces. Your owner's manual will have a diagram showing exactly where they are. If you don't have the manual handy, a quick search for your year, make, and model plus "headlight adjustment screw location" will get you there.

Don't confuse the adjustment screws with the mounting bolts. The mounting bolts hold the headlight in place. The adjustment screws are smaller and turn freely without removing anything.

Need a new headlight assembly?

If your headlight is cracked, cloudy, or just not performing like it should, it might be time for a replacement. Enter your vehicle info and we'll show you exact-fit options from multiple retailers.

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