Perfectly Aim Your Headlights | Step-by-Step Guide for Cars + 4x4's

Driving at night with dodgy headlights isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. If they’re pointing too high, you’ll dazzle oncoming drivers. Too low, and you won’t see far enough ahead.

Luckily, fixing it is easier than you think. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of getting your headlights bang on so you can drive safely and confidently.

Why Proper Headlight Alignment Matters

Did you know that if your headlights are even a few centimetres off, you could lose 25 metres of visibility? That’s the difference between spotting a kangaroo in time or slamming the brakes too late. Whether you drive a car, a ute, or have aftermarket LEDs, this guide will help you aim them correctly.

Image source: Auxito.com

Step 1: Get Set Up

Find a Level Surface
Park on a flat driveway or empty car park with a wall or garage door in front of you.

Measure the Distance
Reverse back 7.6 metres from the wall. No guessing, grab a tape measure.

Image source: Headlight Revolution on Youtube

Check Your Load
Tyres should be at normal pressure, and if you usually carry gear, keep it in. If you’re often driving solo, chuck someone in the driver’s seat to mimic normal weight.

Step 2: Mark Your Target

Find the Headlight Centre
Look for the small dimple in your headlight lens. It marks the centre of the light.

Image source: Headlight Revolution on Youtube

Measure from the Ground Up
Using a tape measure, find the height from the ground to the centre of your headlight. If it’s 1.1 metres, mark that height on the wall with painter’s tape.

Create a Guide Line
Run the tape horizontally across the wall. This will be your reference point for adjusting your beams.

Image source: Headlight Revolution on Youtube

Step 3: Fine-Tune Your Beams

Locate the Adjusters
Pop the bonnet and find the adjustment screws, usually at the top or back of the headlight housing.

Adjust the Vertical Aim

• Turn clockwise to raise the beam

• Turn it counterclockwise to lower it

• The top of the brightest part should sit just below the line on the wall

Image source: Headlight Revolution on Youtube

Check Left-to-Right Alignment
If your car allows for horizontal adjustments, make sure the beams aren’t skewing to the side. They should be pointing straight ahead.

Step 4: Extra Tips for 4x4s & Utes

If your headlights sit higher than 0.9 metres, mark another line 5 cm lower than your first mark. Align your beams with this lower line to avoid blinding other drivers.

Step 5: Test It Out

Take a Quick Drive
Head out at night and check how well you can see the road ahead.

Park and Double-Check
Make sure the road is evenly lit, and make any minor tweaks if needed.

Image source: Headlight Revolution on Youtube

Final Takeaway

A quick headlight adjustment makes a world of difference for safe night driving. If you’ve never done it before, no stress! It’s easier than it sounds. Get it sorted, and enjoy a safer, clearer drive.