How To Adjust Headlights On A 1998 Chevy Silverado

Okay, let's talk about your 1998 Chevy Silverado's headlights. You know, those things that are supposed to help you see at night?

And, let's be honest, probably haven't been adjusted since Y2K was a threat. Maybe even never.

The Tools (and Maybe a Beer) You'll Need

First, grab a Phillips head screwdriver. Seriously, that's usually it. Although, maybe keep a can of your favorite beverage handy. Just in case things get... interesting.

You might also need a level surface. Your driveway is probably fine. As long as it's not, you know, actively sloped.

And if you're feeling *really* fancy, a tape measure.

Finding the Adjustment Screws

Pop the hood. Take a moment to admire the engine. Or at least pretend to.

Now, look behind the headlight housings. You're searching for those little adjustment screws. They're usually labeled "Up/Down" and "Left/Right."

Sometimes, they're shockingly easy to find. Other times, it's like playing hide-and-seek with automotive engineers.

The "Eyeball It" Method (My Unpopular Opinion)

Here's where I might lose some of you. I'm a fan of the "eyeball it" method. Yes, I said it!

Park your Silverado about 25 feet away from a wall. Turn on your headlights.

See where the beams are hitting? Too high? Too low? Aiming at the neighbor's cat?

Up and Down

Turn the "Up/Down" screw. A little at a time. Clockwise usually brings the beam down.

Counter-clockwise usually brings it up. But hey, who knows? It's a Chevy from '98. Anything is possible.

Adjust until the brightest part of the beam is about 2-3 feet off the ground.

Left and Right

Now for the "Left/Right" screw. This one's a bit more subjective. Do you want to blind oncoming drivers or illuminate the ditch on the side of the road?

A slight inward angle is generally a good idea. This helps you see the road better.

Again, small adjustments are key. Don't go full NASCAR pit crew on those screws.

The "Fancy" Method (If You Must)

Okay, okay, some of you want precision. I get it. (Sort of.)

Use that tape measure. Mark a spot on the wall that's the same height as your headlights.

The top of the brightest part of the beam should be slightly below that mark. The side beams should be slightly inward.

The Most Important Step

Go for a drive! At night. On a dark road. See if your adjustments worked.

Did you make things better? Worse? Did you accidentally summon a gremlin from under the hood?

Don't worry! Just repeat the process. Maybe with that beverage I mentioned earlier.

A Word of Caution

Don't be *that* guy. The one with the headlights aimed directly into the eyes of oncoming traffic. Seriously, nobody likes that guy.

Also, if your headlights are severely damaged or burnt out, adjusting them won't magically fix the problem. New headlights might be in order.

And finally, if you're really, *really* uncomfortable doing this yourself, take your Silverado to a mechanic.

My Final (Possibly Controversial) Thought

Honestly, getting them "perfect" is overrated. Just get them close. As long as you can see and you're not blinding everyone else, you're good.

It's a 1998 Chevy truck! It's probably got more important things to worry about, like rust and questionable gas mileage.

Now go forth and illuminate the night! Just try not to hit any deer.