Tail Lamp & Brake Light Bulb Replacement
We quickly replace burnt-out bulbs on all rear lighting, including brake lights, tail lamps, and turn signals.
Ford Headlight Service & Replacement
Your Ford's headlights are its most critical safety feature for night driving, but they're not just about helping you see, they're about helping others see you. From dark rural roads to navigating a surprise Michigan snowstorm, clear and bright illumination is non-negotiable. Over time, however, headlight bulbs dim and plastic lenses become hazy and yellowed. This dangerously reduces your visibility and reaction time, cutting the effective distance of your beams by half or more.
At Dorian Ford, we ensure your path is always brightly and safely lit. Our certified technicians handle everything from a simple bulb replacement to a full headlight restoration, using genuine Ford parts to restore your vehicle's lighting system to factory standards of performance and clarity.
Schedule Your Headlight Service & ReplacementIs It Time for Headlight Service?
Don't wait for a complete failure to address a lighting issue. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to have your headlights professionally inspected.
- Dimming or Weak-Looking Beams:
The road ahead just doesn't seem as bright as it used to. Your lights appear yellow, scattered, or weak, forcing you to strain to see at night. - One Headlight is Burnt Out:
A single non-functioning headlight significantly reduces your visibility and makes you less visible to other drivers. - Flickering or Intermittent Light:
A headlight that cuts in and out often points to a loose connection, a wiring issue, or a failing bulb. - Improper Aim:
Your headlights seem to point too low, limiting your view of the road ahead, or they are aimed too high, blinding oncoming traffic. - Moisture or Condensation Inside:
Water droplets or fog inside the headlight assembly indicate a broken seal, which can lead to premature bulb failure and electrical problems. - Cracked or Damaged Housing:
Physical damage from road debris or a minor impact can compromise the headlight's function and safety.
The Glaring Safety Gap: A "New vs. Old" Comparison
This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about simple math and reaction time. The difference between a new headlight and a worn, hazy one is measured in feet, which translates directly to seconds—and seconds are all that matter in an emergency.
[Image of vehicle headlight stopping distance comparison diagram]
- A NEW, CLEAR HEADLIGHT: On a typical vehicle, new headlights are designed to illuminate the road for 300 to 400 feet on low beam. At 60 mph, this gives you approximately 4 to 5 seconds to see, process, and react to a hazard on the road.
- AN OLD, HAZY HEADLIGHT: A heavily oxidized lens can cut that effective beam distance by over 50%, reducing your visibility to 150 feet or less. At that same 60 mph, your reaction time is slashed to under 2 seconds.
That's the difference between a controlled, safe stop and a last-second, dangerous swerve. When we restore or replace your headlights, we're not just polishing plastic; we are literally giving you back the time you need to stay safe.
Our Comprehensive Headlight & Lighting Services
We offer a complete range of services to address any issue with your vehicle's forward lighting system.
- Complimentary Lighting Inspection: During your regular service visits, our technicians will perform a visual inspection of your vehicle's headlights, tail lamps, and turn signals to check for burnout, dimness, or damage.
- Headlight Bulb Replacement: We stock and install the correct genuine Motorcraft® bulbs for your specific model, whether it uses standard halogen, high-intensity discharge (HID), or modern LED lights.
- Headlight Restoration Service: Our professional multi-step polishing process removes years of oxidation and haze from plastic lenses, dramatically improving brightness and clarity for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
- Professional Headlight Aiming: Using specialized tools, we ensure your headlights are precisely aimed. This is a critical safety step: properly aimed lights maximize your visibility while preventing you from dangerously blinding oncoming drivers.
- Full Assembly Replacement: For headlights with cracked lenses, broken seals, or internal damage, we can replace the entire housing with a genuine Ford part.
- Electrical Diagnostics: We can trace and repair any underlying electrical faults that cause flickering or intermittent operation.
Don't Forget Your Tail Lamps
Your headlights are for seeing, but your tail lamps are for being seen. They are just as crucial for your safety, signaling your presence, your braking, and your intentions (with turn signals) to the drivers behind you. A single burnt-out tail lamp or brake light makes your vehicle harder to judge at night and significantly increases your risk of a rear-end collision.
LED Tail Lamp Assembly Service
Modern Fords often use sealed LED tail lamp units. If LEDs are failing, our technicians can diagnose the electrical issue or replace the entire assembly with a genuine Ford part.
Tail Lamp Assembly Replacement
Just like headlights, tail lamp housings can crack, leak moisture, or suffer impact damage. We can replace the full assembly to restore proper function and a clean look.
The Motorcraft® Advantage: See the Difference
Using genuine Ford and Motorcraft® lighting components is crucial for both performance and safety.
- Correct Brightness and Beam Pattern: OEM bulbs are designed to work with your Ford's specific reflector housing to create a precise beam pattern that illuminates the road effectively without creating dangerous glare.
- Durability and Longevity: Built to Ford's high-quality standards, they resist vibration and last longer than many aftermarket alternatives.
- Perfect Fit: Genuine assemblies are guaranteed to fit perfectly, preventing moisture intrusion and ensuring a clean, factory appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my plastic headlights hazy?
The clear coat that protects the polycarbonate plastic from UV rays breaks down over time. This causes the plastic to oxidize, creating the yellow, foggy appearance. Our restoration service can remove this damaged layer and restore clarity.
One of my headlight bulbs burned out. Should I replace both?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Headlight bulbs have a similar lifespan, so if one has failed, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs ensures you have even brightness and color from both sides, which is safer for night driving.
How often should I replace my headlight bulbs?
While bulb life is technically based on hours of use (not miles), a smart guideline for most halogen bulbs is to replace them every 5-6 years, or roughly every 70,000 to 80,000 miles. (LEDs and HIDs last much longer). Like the old-school bulbs in your house, they dim considerably before they burn out, so you're often losing visibility long before they fail. Replacing them on a schedule—and always in pairs for even light—is a critical safety move.
My brake tail light is out. Is that a big deal?
Yes, it's a significant safety issue and a reason to get pulled over. Your brake lights are the only way to signal to the driver behind you that you are slowing down. A non-functioning brake tail light dramatically shortens their reaction time. We can typically replace these bulbs in just a few minutes during your visit.
Can you fix the condensation inside my headlight?
In most cases, condensation indicates the housing's seal has failed. While it may dry out temporarily, the problem will likely return. The most reliable and long-lasting solution is to replace the headlight assembly to ensure a perfect, watertight seal.
See Clearly, Drive Safely
Don't compromise on your safety. Poor visibility is a leading factor in nighttime accidents. Whether you need brighter bulbs, clearer lenses, or a simple aim adjustment, the experts at Dorian Ford are here to help you see clearly, react faster, and drive safely.
Call (586) 840-1085 or click below to schedule your headlight inspection or service today!
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