Your vehicle's low beams should shine downward on the road at an angle that not only does not affect the oncoming drivers, but also allows you to see sufficient road at highway speeds. Generally, at ten to 15 feet of distance, the beam's center location should be two to four inches lower than the actual height of the headlight from the ground. The right, or driver's side, headlight should shine inward slightly to assist in lighting the road in front of the driver, rather than shining into oncoming traffic.
Drive your vehicle on a level surface within two feet of a wall or garage door. Turn on the headlights.
Attach a square of masking tape to the wall where each beam's center appears. Extend a strip of masking tap between the two points. Attach the extended masking tape to the wall.
Measure the extended tape to determine if the vertical alignment of one of the lights is incorrect. The extended tape should be level between the two points. Note which light (if either) needs vertical adjustment.
Move the vehicle back ten to 15 feet. Turn on the headlights and mark the center point of the headlight beam on the wall with masking tape. Measure the distance from the center point to the original line. The new points should be two to four inches lower than the original location.
Turn off the headlights to avoid heating the headlight screws to an uncomfortable temperature.
Locate the two adjustment screws on each headlight. The adjustment screws do not hold the headlight in place, but rather are used to allow alignment of the headlight beam. The vertical screw is typically located on the top of the headlight. The horizontal screw is located on the side.
Raise or lower the headlight by turning the vertical adjustment screw. Turn the screw clockwise to raise the beam. Turn the screw counterclockwise to lower the beam.
Turn the horizontal adjustment screw clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the headlight beam right or left.
Turn on the headlights. Determine if the headlight beam adjustments are sufficient. Turn off the headlights. Make any corrective adjustments. Repeat the process, if necessary.
Replace any trim removed to access the headlights.
