WHEN HEADLIGHTS FAIL.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 May 1939, Page 3

WHEN HEADLIGHTS FAIL.

Motorists should remember that the traffic regulations require two headlamps in working order when driving at, night, yet often cars are seen on tiie roads with only one headlamp working. When the good lamp is on the neai side, progress can be dangerous because approaching motorists can easily mistake the vehicle for a motor-cycle from its one lamp, and hit the imiliuminated side of the "one-eyed car."

For this reason, spare headlamp bulbs should be a permanent part of the tool kit, but when an owner is caught v.'iih one burned out bulb and no spares, there is a simple tin that is worth remembering. Practically all cars of to-day are fitted with double filament-bulbs, one filament for the "high" beam and the other for the dipped beam. It is very rarely indeed that both filaments bum out, the fault generally being confined to the one most used—that of the "high" or driving beam. Therefore, to restore two headlights, it is only necessary to dip the lights when the other filament will come into action.

Naturally, the driving light will not be so good, but it will be quite good enough for travelling at a reduced speed, while the owner will be within the law until a new bulb can be obtained.

Unfortunately, of course, a burnt out lamp bulb is usually caused by some fault in the wiring. Before a new bulb is fitted, therefore, a carefu. examination of the wiring to that lamp must be made. However, it is possible for the fault to be caused by old age and fatigue of the lamp filament.