How To Make Dashboard Lights Brighter? | Car Care Manual

Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Henry T. Hawkins

Dashboard lights are an important component of the driving experience, helping us to stay alert and aware of our vehicles’ performance.

Unfortunately, many drivers find their dashboard lights too dim to be easily read in low light conditions or when the sun is shining directly on their instrument panel.

Fortunately, you can use a few simple tricks to make your dashboard lights brighter and more visible.

With just a few minutes of effort, you can easily improve the visibility of your dashboard lights and help ensure that you never miss an important warning or alert.

Read on to learn how to make dashboard lights brighter quickly and easily. 

How to make dashboard lights brighter?

Here are some ways to make the dashboard lights brighter:

1. Make sure dashboard lights are working

The first step is to check and make sure the lightbulbs on your dashboard are still working. If they have burned out, replacing them with new bulbs that are brighter in intensity will be necessary.

2. Clean the lenses and reflectors

Cleaning the lenses of your dashboard lights can help improve their brightness as well. When dust and dirt accumulate on the lens, it reduces the light that passes through, making them appear dimmer than it should be. 

Make sure you use a soft cloth or cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean off any buildup without scratching or damaging the lenses.

3. Replace the bulbs with new LED bulbs

If you’re looking to get an even brighter light from your dashboard, replacing your existing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs is a great way to go. 

LED bulbs are brighter in intensity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer too!

4. Increase the voltage going to the dash lights

You can also increase the voltage going to the lights on your dashboard by either adjusting the voltage regulator or replacing it with a higher-voltage unit. 

Increasing the voltage to your dashboard lights will result in a much brighter light, but caution should be exercised since too high of a voltage could damage other components.

5. Adjust the angle of the dashboard lights

You can also adjust the angle of your dashboard lights by gently manipulating the fixture’s arm. Pointing them up slightly will reduce glare and increase visibility.

6. Install a dimmer switch

Installing a dimmer switch to your dash lighting circuit is another way to make your dashboard lights brighter. 

A dimmer switch allows you to manually adjust the brightness of your dash lights, which is especially useful if your dashboard lighting needs are different at night and during the day.

7. Use tinted glass

Look for ways to reduce dash reflections and glare by applying window tinting or placing matte covers over certain areas near the dashboard lights that could reflect light away from them instead of towards them, making them seem dimmer.

8. Make sure there are no loose connections

Check for any loose connections in the wiring harness and make sure it is securely connected, as this can affect the brightness of your dashboard lights.

Consider replacing older wires with newer, more efficient ones that can handle higher voltages and draw less power from your battery.

9. Check the fuse

Make sure all the fuses connected to your dashboard lights are working properly and not blown. 

If they are, replace them with new ones that have the same amperage rating as the old ones.

10. Upgrade to a brighter gauge cluster

If all else fails, consider upgrading to a brighter gauge cluster. A brighter gauge cluster will provide more visibility, allowing you to easily monitor the various indicators on your dashboard and keep an eye out for any potential warning signs.

11. Check the car battery

Also, make sure your car’s battery has enough power to provide the necessary current for the dashboard lights. if it is weak or drained, the dashboard lights will be dimmer than usual. 

Consider replacing it with a newer and more powerful one that can handle higher voltages and draw less power from you.

12. Consult a professional mechanic

If the above solutions don’t work, consult a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix any underlying issues that might be causing your dashboard lights to appear dimmer than usual. 

They will have access to specialized tools and equipment that can help pinpoint the exact problem and provide you with a lasting solution.

By following these simple steps, you can easily make your dashboard lights brighter and more visible in a variety of lighting conditions.

Also read: How to know if tensioner pulley is bad

Why do my car lights look dim: What are the causes?

The dashboard lights in a car are designed to provide important information about the vehicle’s performance, such as engine temperature, oil pressure, speed and fuel level. 

However, if these lights appear dim, it can indicate a problem or malfunction within the car’s electrical system.

The possible causes of your car dashboard lights looking dim are:

1. Faulty bulbs

One of the most common causes of dim dashboard lights is faulty bulbs. This can occur due to age, incorrect installation or wiring issues. 

To fix this issue, check all lightbulbs on the dashboard and replace any that have burnt out or become loose.

2. Poor electrical connections

Another potential cause is poor electrical connections between the fuse box and dashboard lights. When these connections become loose or corroded, they can cause the lights to appear dim. To fix this issue, clean the electrical connection and make sure it is securely connected.

3. Faulty alternator

A faulty alternator could also be causing the problem with your dashboard lights. The alternator is responsible for providing power to all of the car’s electrical components, including the dashboard lights. 

If it has gone bad, it will not be able to generate enough electricity to power these components, resulting in dim lighting properly. To resolve this issue, have a professional inspect your vehicle’s alternator and replace it if necessary.

4. Age

In some cases, dim dashboard lights can be caused by age. Over time, the wiring and connections in a car’s electrical system can become worn out or corroded, decreasing voltage output. 

To fix this issue, replace any old wires with newer, more efficient ones that can handle higher voltages and draw less power from your battery.

5. Blurry screen

The screen of the dashboard might also be blurry or unclear due to dirt and dust. This can make it difficult to read the various indicators, leading you to believe that the lights are dimmer than usual. 

To resolve this issue, clean your dashboard thoroughly with a cloth and window cleaner solution.

6. Low battery voltage: 

Low battery voltage can also cause the dashboard lights to appear dim. This is because the car needs more power to run all of its components, including the lights. To avoid this issue, make sure your battery is fully charged and replace it if necessary.

7. Poor lighting

Poor lighting conditions in the car can make the dashboard lights look dim. To fix this issue, ensure all of your car’s lights are functioning properly and adjust the interior lighting to brighten up the area.

8. Blown fuse

A blown fuse is another common cause of dim dashboard lights. This occurs when too much power is drawn from the electrical system, which can cause the fuse to short circuit. 

To fix this issue, locate the fuse box and check the fuses to ensure none have blown. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same rating.

No matter what the cause may be, if your car dashboard lights appear dim, it is important to get it checked out by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Doing so will help ensure that your car is safe and functioning properly.

Additionally, it is important to make sure all of the lights in your car are working properly and adjusted accordingly to provide optimal visibility.

Also read: How long does it take to change out a car battery

Tips to keep dashboard light brighter always

If you want to keep your dashboard lights brighter for a long period, then the following tips are what you exactly need:

1. Clean the dashboard on a regular basis

Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of your car’s dashboard over time, which can cause it to look duller than usual. To keep your dashboard looking nice and shiny, you should regularly clean it with a soft cloth or brush.

2. Invest in a dashboard cleaner

Dashboard cleaners are specially designed products that effectively remove dirt and dust from the car’s interior while leaving no residue or smudges. 

They are easy to use and provide an effective way to give your car’s interior a quick touch-up before you drive off.

3. Use a UV protector spray

This type of product will help protect the material of your car’s dash from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause discoloration and fading. 

It also helps create a barrier against dust and dirt, so your dashboard stays cleaner for longer.

4. Install a sunshade

A car’s interior is particularly prone to UV damage if left in direct sunlight for too long. Investing in a sunshade or windshield shade will help protect the dashboard from the sun’s harsh rays and keep it brighter and looking new for longer.

5. Avoid placing items on the dashboard

Placing objects such as keys, coins, food wrappers etc., may seem harmless, but they can cause scratches or discoloration to your car’s interior over time. 

So make sure to keep all these items away from your dashboard and store them in the glove compartment instead.

Following these tips will help you keep your car’s dashboard looking bright and shiny for a long time!

Wrapping Up

Thanks for taking the time to read through our guide on how to make your dashboard lights brighter. 

We hope this has provided you with some useful advice and tips that you can use to improve visibility and reduce glare in your vehicle.

Remember, if all else fails, consult an experienced professional mechanic for assistance. 

They have access to specialized tools and expertise that can help diagnose and fix any underlying issues causing dim dashboard lights.

Please share this article if you found it helpful. Good luck and safe driving!

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