Q: What can I do to fix unbalanced headlight projection?

By Kris Palmer, Minneapolis freelance writer

Last update: October 26, 2009 - 11:58 AM

Q: I have a 2001 Hyundai Elantra and recently replaced a headlight bulb. The installation of said bulb went fine, but the clips that hold the bulbs in place have long been missing. This results in an unbalanced headlight projection of the beams. What can I do to fix this? - Will M., Mpls.

A: It sounds like you're talking about the mounting tabs on the top of the housing. These can snap off. Your two options are to try to fashion some replacement tabs - if you had the originals, people sometimes try to epoxy these. Without the original pieces in the original size, trying to MacGyver a few from, say, thin angled metal pieces and some JB Weld from the hardware store, might be fun, but it could also take a couple hours and produce unsatisfactory results, e.g., it won't hold or not fit in right position.

Probably the easiest cost-effective fix would be to buy a good used light off eBay. In a sample search I found a couple in the $60-$85 range that would probably work fine. Check how many parts the seller has moved and his or her "rating." You could try searching local wrecking yards, too, through car-part.com, but my search didn't provide parts as cheap, or in as good condition, as those shown on eBay. With a complete housing in hand, you can see in your owner's manual where the adjustment screws are if you need to adjust them. The adjusters are a bit obscure on an '01 Elantra.

Fall Maintenance List

Winter will soon be upon us with snow, slosh and ice and everybody's favorite complimentary wheel buster, the pothole. To minimize the risk of car problems when waiting for help is least pleasant, here's a list of fall maintenance items.

Radiator. If you haven't done so in more than a year or more, flush your radiator and refill it with proper-concentration coolant/antifreeze (typically 50 percent coolant/ 50 percent distilled water if it isn't a "pre-mixed" package). Check your radiator hoses and clamps for damage and leaks and dispose of old coolant at a proper waste facility.

Belt(s). In newer vehicles this will probably be one serpentine belt. These will wear and crack with age. Replace if belt is questionable.

Tires. Winter potholes and hard-to-see curbs are hard on tires. Traction is also most challenging in winter. If tires are too worn, unevenly worn, or damaged, swap in some new rubber. Keep all tires properly inflated.

Oil & Filter. Change both according to manufacturer's recommendations. Ignoring this beyond the recommended change interval will accelerate engine wear and lead to oil burning and shorter engine life.

Timing belt. Check owner's manual maintenance. If your vehicle has a timing belt, and it's due to be replaced, don't ignore it. If it snaps, it always shuts you down and may cause more, expensive damage.

Wipers/washer. Top off system, replace blades if necessary and make sure washer works. Remember how hard it is to see when that road salt spray collects on the windshield?

Steering & suspension. Address any handling or bump absorbing issues now. Bad roads will magnify the problems and bring on any imminent failures, like tie-rod or ball joint, sooner.

Brakes. Burn through the pads and you increase your repair costs. Oh, and you can't stop.

Ignition/intake. Replace air filter and spark plugs as recommended. (On some transverse V-6s, a plug change can be costly.)

While you're at it, give the car a thorough wash and a good coat of wax. The paint and sheet metal will appreciate it.

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