Do you think that your Maserati’s headlights are not pointing the right way? This issue has a safety implication when driving at night or in dark places, so you must make sure you deal with it as soon as you notice it. Let’s go over some reasons for headlight misalignment, how you can tell that the headlights are not straight, and some ways of addressing this issue.
Reasons For Headlight Misalignment
- Collision: One of the most common reasons for headlights being out of position in a Maserati is a collision. Even minor accidents or bumps can result in headlights being misaligned which leads to them pointing in the wrong direction. When the impact takes place, the force might be so strong that it can dislodge the mounting hardware or move the adjusters that hold the headlights in position. This is why it is a good idea to have your headlights checked immediately after a collision, even if it was a minor one.
- Loose Components: Another reason for misaligned headlights is the wear and tear of the mounting hardware and adjusters as time goes by. If your Maserati is used daily, all the road vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental elements can loosen up the components that are keeping the headlights in their original positions. When these parts deteriorate and lose their tightness or integrity, the headlights may not point straight ahead. Periodic inspections help find and fix issues with worn components or loose parts before they lead to big alignment problems.
- Improper Installation: In some cases, problems with misaligned headlights may be associated with improper installation of the lights during service and repairs. The vehicle should be aligned to the manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrect headlight installation such as being positioned at the wrong angle or secured improperly can cause the lights to not be aligned properly. These accidental damages can take place even on a simple task, like changing a bulb or replacing a headlight housing, if the technician does not follow the proper installation procedure. For this reason, you must leave the installation process in the hands of a certified crew that has the skills and experience to install the headlights correctly and align them properly for the best performance and safety.
Signs of Misaligned Headlights
- Uneven Beam Pattern: The first way to spot misalignment is through an irregular beam. If one headlight seems more bright or reaches higher than the other, that is an obvious situation of misalignment.
- Off-Center Beam: When you turn your headlights on, the beam should be at the center of the road ahead. Pointing too far to the left or right would be an indicator of misalignment.
- Difficulty Seeing at Night: Misaligned headlights have a negative impact and reduce visibility at night. This can make it difficult to see the road ahead clearly.
How To Fix The Issue
- Check and Adjust Alignment: First, make sure that your Maserati is parked on a level surface and facing a flat wall or garage door. Mark the height of each headlight from the ground and vertically measure it on the wall by using masking tape. Now, turn on your headlights and adjust the alignment screws located near the headlight housing until the beams are marked correctly at the right height.
- Tighten Mounting Hardware: Check the mounting bolts and the light adjusters that are supposed to hold the headlights in position. If anything is loose or worn, tighten or replace it appropriately to give you a steady seating position.
- Talk To A Professional: If you are not sure how to go about the repairs, you can call the attention of a trusted mechanic. They have all it takes to get the job done correctly.
Come To European Service Center For Your Maserati Maintenance Needs
European Service Center boasts highly skilled and certified technicians who are Maserati repair and maintenance specialists. Whether you are faced with a Maserati misaligned headlight problem or any other issue, our goal is to keep your car in top shape. Our clients are based in the states of Georgia and Texas, and we have our garage in four places in each state. If you are located in or around areas of Alpharetta, Norcross, Chamblee, Cumming, Duluth, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, or Atlanta, GA; or in the localities of Houston and Dallas, TX, you can always rely on us. Contact us today to book an appointment with our Maserati experts!
* Black Maserati Ghibli Car image credit goes to: Bobislav.
