Headlight Alignment | Car light test

During a headlight alignment, the workshop checks whether your car headlights are positioned correctly so they light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers. In the UK, this is especially important because the beam pattern must comply with MOT headlight alignment rules.

A typical light test includes:

• Checking all front and rear lights (dipped beam, high beam, fog lights, indicators & tail lights)
• Measuring and correcting the headlamp aim
• Adjusting beam height and direction using specialist equipment
• Verifying the beam pattern meets UK MOT standards
• Checking the headlamp washer / cleaning system (where fitted, especially on LED & Xenon)

If needed, the technician will adjust headlights so they are safely aligned and legal for MOT – ensuring you get the best road visibility without dazzling oncoming traffic.

You can often notice incorrect headlight alignment while driving. Typical signs include:

• The road ahead is poorly lit, even with dipped beam
• Oncoming traffic keeps flashing you because they are being dazzled
• One side of the road is much brighter than the other
• The light cuts off too early, making it hard to see road markings
• Road signs are either not illuminated at all – or far too brightly
• The beam “shakes” or points upward when going over bumps

If you notice any of these symptoms, your car headlights are likely not aimed correctly.

Book a quick headlight alignment or car light test at Bosch Car Service. Our technicians use calibrated equipment to set the correct MOT-compliant beam pattern for safe night driving and to avoid dazzling others.

Incorrect headlight alignment can cause several safety and legal issues in the UK:

• Dazzling other drivers: If the beam is too high, oncoming traffic can be blinded, which increases the risk of accidents.
• Poor visibility for you: If the beam is too low or uneven, the road ahead is not properly lit, especially in rain, fog or at night.
• MOT failure: Misaligned car headlights are a common reason for MOT headlight alignment fails in the UK.
• Police stop / defect notice: If your lights pose a safety risk, the police can issue a vehicle defect notice requiring you to have them adjusted professionally.

To stay safe and compliant with road regulations, you should have your lights checked and adjusted at a Bosch Car Service workshop using certified alignment equipment.

Your headlight alignment should be checked at least once a year, or sooner if you notice reduced visibility, other drivers flashing at you, or after work on suspension, tyres, or the front of the vehicle. In the UK, it’s also recommended to check alignment before the MOT, as misaligned car headlights are a frequent reason for MOT failure.´

A quick car light test at Bosch Car Service ensures the beam pattern is correctly set and compliant with UK road safety standards.

Headlights can shift gradually through normal use. Common causes include:

• Driving over potholes or speed bumps
• Minor bumps to the front bumper or grille
• Suspension wear or replacement
• Ageing of headlight brackets or mountings
• Replacing bulbs or headlamp units without recalibration
• Heavy load in the boot changing the vehicle angle

Even without visible damage, vibration and road conditions can slowly affect the headlamp aim, which is why periodic headlight alignment is recommended to keep you safe and MOT-compliant.

A simple light test usually takes aless than an hour, as the technician only checks whether the beam pattern is correct. If an adjustment is necessary, a full headlight alignment normally also takes less than an hour.

What can influence the duration?

• Type of headlamp (halogen vs LED or Xenon)
• How easily the adjustment points can be accessed
• Suspension or load level of the vehicle
• How far the beam is out of alignment
• Whether a recheck is needed after adjustment

In most cases, the service is completed while you wait, making headlight alignment a quick and convenient appointment at Bosch Car Service.