Headlamp glare has become a concern to motorists and has received attention from the media. There are some falsehoods and rumors that I hope to point out and give some information on how you can reduce glare to yourself and others.
Headlamp glare is distracting light during the day or night created by other motorists. Glare can cause discomfort, distraction, and even temporary blindness.
Correctly using headlamps is the simplest way to reduce glare. Using high beams at any time besides clear nights when other motorists are not present is wrong. I have already covered this under Forward lighting, but I will reiterate as I feel it is such a problem. If the weather is poor-use your low beams, if other cars are infront of you or coming at you-use your low beams, if you have a low beam headlamp out-use your low beams. When you use your high beams and you stop your vehicle, turn off the high beams before turning off your headlamps. This way, if you car sits overnight and you turn on your headlamps the next day, you will not be using your high beams by accident. High beams during the day are blinding too.
Headlamps that are misaimed are another problem. Before your car leaves the factory, the headlamps are aimed buy using adjustment screws. Over time, the headlamps loose their aim, and this causes glare as the headlamps are now pointed too high or too left. Have your headlamps professionally aimed if your have the 3 protrusions on the front of your lamps, if not you can do it yourself with the proper tools and space. If you are towing or carrying a heavy load, reaim your headlamps. When the back of your car squats, the headlamps point upward, causing glare. When you have your suspension changed or upgraded, reaim your headlamps. If you off road a lot and change your air pressure in your tires, aim the headlamps at the air pressure you usually drive on public roads.
Headlamp flutter. This happens when a pivot point or screw breaks causing the headlamp to move when the car hits bumps in the road. This gives a flashing effect to oncoming drivers. Replace the headlamp or snap the ball and socket joint back together if possible.
Keep your headlamps clean. Dirt reflects light in many directions, so clean them often with water and a clean, soft towel to prevent scratches. Replace cracked lens as water will develop causing the headlamp to fail or glare to others. Replace headlamps thats are heavily pitted or yellow to gain more light and less glare.
Clean your vehicle's glass, your glasses, and contacts. Do not forget all of your mirrors, inside and out. The side and rear windows are just as important as the windshield. These also reflect light, and if someone's headlamps are facing you, they will scatter the light making it more bothersome. Avoid using extra light sources in the car, such as reading lamps and interior lights, dim your gauge lights so you can better see outside of the car. Quality wiper blades are another key component to good visibility. Most manufactors suggest replacement every 3 to 4 months. If you have an older car, replacing the wiper arm and spring assembly will help press the wiper more firmly against the glass. Double or even triple wiper blades are to be avoided, they place the same amount of force on the windshield as a normal single blade wiper, but over a larger area, giving you less pressure against the glass. A quality non-freezing windshield washer fluid will also help you remove bugs, road debris, and frozen precipitation from your glass.
Use the Air Conditioning in rain and heavy moisture to prevent window fogging. Window fogging also causes glare. Knowing the heating and ventilation controls on your car will greatly improve your visiblity and comfort.