It's a good idea to check your headlights at least once a year.
The idea is that your lamps never dim to the point that they become a safety issue. Obviously, a clean windshield is important – so are good wiper blades. Your headlights play a big role as well. There are two main concerns. One is with the headlamp, or bulb. The other is with the lens.
The fact of the matter is that headlamps go dim over time on your vehicle or other auto. You just need to replace them. Some vehicles come with a standard bulb which you can replace or you can upgrade to a halogen bulb that's much brighter. Halogen costs a little more but you'd be amazed at the difference.
The other big issue is the headlamp lens. For the last couple of decades, most lenses are made of plastic which can get cloudy or yellow. That blocks a lot of light. You can replace the lens, but each lens assembly can cost as much as $400. It's much less expensive to restore the lens if it isn't broken. To restore a lens a process of special cleaners and polishes remove the yellowed and hazy layer of the lens. When the hard protective finish is applied the lenses really are as good as new.
You may be surprised to learn that 40 percent of traffic fatalities in CA take place at night even though there's 60 percent less traffic. It goes to show how important proper visibility is to nighttime driving.
So combining a headlamp restoration with new bulbs will light up the road like a new car. Can you clearly see the advantage?