How do I adjust my headlights on my Chevy?

To adjust your Chevy headlights, locate the two adjustment screws on the headlight housing and turn them with the appropriate tool to raise/lower or shift the beam left and right. Do this on a level surface with the vehicle at its normal ride height, then check the aim against a wall or screen at a standard distance to confirm proper alignment.

Headlight aiming is a routine safety task that improves visibility for you and reduces glare for oncoming drivers. Chevy models vary in exact screw locations, so this guide covers general methods, common access points, and model-specific notes to help you aim correctly without removing the entire headlight assembly.

Tools and materials

The following items are commonly required to adjust headlights on most Chevy models.

• Masking tape or painter’s tape


• Measuring tape or ruler


• Screwdriver (flat-head or Phillips) or appropriate hex/torx key as required by your model


• Owner’s manual or service manual for your exact model


• A friend or helper to assist with alignment checks (optional but helpful)

Having these tools on hand helps you perform a precise, safe adjustment and verify the results after you’ve finished.

Locating the adjustment screws

Most Chevy headlight assemblies have two adjustment screws—one for vertical (up-down) and one for horizontal (left-right) alignment. The screws are usually accessed from the engine bay side of the headlight or behind a small rubber cap or dust cover. On some models you may need to remove a splash shield or wheel-well liner to reach them. If you can’t find the screws, consult the owner's or service manual for your exact year and model.

Common access points include the back of the headlight housing, the top edge near the grille, or behind the wheel well liner. The screws may require a screwdriver or a hex/torx key, and on some models you must remove a protective cap.

• Back of the headlight housing (often behind a rubber plug or cap)


• Top or side of the headlight housing accessible from the engine bay


• Behind the front bumper or within the wheel well liner on certain designs


• In some cases, access requires removing a splash shield or trimming a small covering

Access varies by model and trim, so if in doubt, refer to your manual or a dealership/servicenter for model-specific guidance.

Vertical aiming (up and down)

Vertical adjustment moves the beam up or down. Start with a careful, incremental approach and recheck after each adjustment to avoid overcorrecting.

1. Park on a level surface and position the vehicle about 25 feet (7.6 meters) from a plain wall or screen, with the front wheels straight ahead.


2. Turn on low-beam headlights and place masking tape on the wall to outline the centerline of the headlight and mark the height corresponding to the headlight’s center.


3. Locate the vertical adjustment screw on the headlight housing. It is typically on the top or near the inner edge of the unit and may require removing a cap.


4. Use the screwdriver or key to turn the vertical screw in small increments (about ¼ turn at a time). If the beam moves up, turn one direction; if it moves down, turn the opposite direction. Check the wall after each adjustment.


5. Continue adjusting until the top edge of the low-beam cutoff aligns with your wall marks or the recommended height specified in the manual.

After completing vertical adjustments, step back and visually confirm the beam’s height looks even across both headlights. If needed, you can proceed to horizontal adjustments with the vehicle still in place.

Horizontal aiming (left and right)

Horizontal adjustment moves the beam left or right. A measured, incremental approach helps ensure you don’t over-shift the beam or cause glare.

1. Using the same wall setup from the vertical step, maintain the same 25-foot distance and wall marks for the horizontal reference.


2. Locate the horizontal adjustment screw on the headlight housing, which is usually near the side edge of the unit and may require removing a cap or shield.


3. With a gentle turn of the screw (usually a ¼ turn at a time), observe the beam’s horizontal movement on the wall. Turn in the appropriate direction to move the beam toward the center or away from the center as needed.


4. Continue small adjustments and recheck until the beam’s cutoff line is centered on your wall marks and does not glare toward oncoming traffic.


5. Test the headlights in real-world conditions (e.g., a dark street) to confirm the beam covers the road adequately without blinding others.

Note that the exact directions for “clockwise” or “counterclockwise” to move left or right can vary by headlight design, so rely on small incremental changes and verification against the wall marks.

Common access notes for Chevy models

Access to the adjustment screws can differ by model and generation. If you encounter difficulty locating or turning the screws, consult your vehicle’s manual or a dealership for model-specific instructions. In some cases, you may need to remove a shield, cap, or even part of the bumper or wheel well liner to reach the adjusters safely.

Once you’ve completed both vertical and horizontal aiming, recheck the alignment one more time, remove any tape, and drive a short distance to confirm the beams illuminate the road as intended without producing excessive glare.

Safety and maintenance tips

Before you start, ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the headlights are cold. Handling headlight components with care helps prevent damage to the housing or lens. If you notice moisture inside the headlight or foggy lenses, address the seal or lens condition before driving, as compromised optics can affect beam performance.

• Avoid touching the lens with fingers, oils can degrade the lens coating.


• Check for bent or damaged headlight housings that could affect aim.


• If the adjustment screws are stiff or not moving, stop and consult a professional—forcing screws can strip threads.

Regularly inspecting and maintaining proper headlight aim helps keep your vehicle compliant with safety standards and improves night driving visibility for you and others on the road.

Summary

- Most Chevy headlights use two adjusters on the headlamp housing: one for vertical and one for horizontal aim. Locate them behind caps or shields, or in the engine bay, sometimes requiring mild disassembly.

- Prepare with the right tools, set up a wall-target at about 25 feet, and mark reference lines before making adjustments. Make small, incremental changes and verify after each adjustment.

- If you can’t locate the screws or the screws won’t budge, consult the owner’s manual or a certified technician. Model-specific guidance ensures you don’t misalign the headlights and cause glare or inadequate illumination.

Proper headlight alignment is a quick, DIY-friendly maintenance task that can significantly improve nighttime visibility and safety on the road.

How do I adjust the headlights on a Chevy Silverado?

To adjust a Silverado's headlights, park on a flat, dark surface 25 feet from a wall. With the headlights on, find the adjustment screw (usually a Phillips head or hex bolt) on the top of each headlight assembly and insert a screwdriver or wrench. Turn clockwise to lower the beam or counterclockwise to raise it.
 
Before you begin

• Park on a level surface, 25 feet away from a wall or garage door. 
• Turn your headlights on to see the light pattern. 
• Pop the hood and locate the adjustment screws on top of each headlight assembly. You may need a Phillips screwdriver or a 6mm hex bit/Allen wrench. 
• Some models have one screw for up/down and another for left/right, while others have only one adjustment screw for up/down. 
• Mark the center of the bright "cutoff" line of the low beam on the wall with tape, and measure the height of the light beam at the bumper on the vehicle. 

This video shows how to find the headlight adjustment screws and make initial adjustments: 1mlmfscrewYouTube · Apr 17, 2021
Adjusting the headlights

1. Adjust the vertical aim: Insert the appropriate tool into the adjustment screw for the vertical (up/down) aim. 
2. Lower the beam: To lower the headlight beam, turn the screw clockwise. 
3. Raise the beam: To raise the headlight beam, turn the screw counterclockwise. 
4. Confirm the height: Ensure the bright part of the beam on the wall is about 2 to 2.5 inches lower than the height of the beam at the bumper. This prevents blinding other drivers. 
5. Adjust the horizontal aim (if applicable): If your model has a left/right adjustment, use the other screw to align the beams as needed. 
6. Repeat for the other side: Make the same adjustments to the other headlight. 

You can watch this video for a step-by-step guide on adjusting the headlights: 1mMasterJacksYouTube · Sep 2, 2021
After you are finished

• Remove the tool and turn the headlights off and on again to ensure the adjustment is locked in place. 
• If your truck has a lot of weight in the back, consider a minor adjustment to compensate. 
• If you are still being flashed by other drivers, you may need to lower your headlights further. Simply turn the screws clockwise a little more to make the adjustment. 

Where are the headlight adjustment screws?

Headlight adjustment screws are typically found on the back of the headlight housing, accessible from under the hood. There is often one screw for vertical adjustment and sometimes another for horizontal adjustment, though some vehicles only have one screw for height. You may need a Phillips head screwdriver, a Torx bit, or a socket wrench to turn the screws, which are threaded studs that move the headlight assembly.
 
This video demonstrates how to locate and identify the headlight adjustment screws: 59sHeadlight RevolutionYouTube · Mar 21, 2020
How to find them

• Look under the hood: Open the hood and look behind the headlight assembly for a screw, bolt, or toothed wheel. 
• Check for a vertical adjuster: This is the most common type. It's often located in the center or towards the top or bottom of the back of the housing. 
• Check for a horizontal adjuster: If your car has one, it's usually on the side of the housing. 
• Consult your owner's manual: If you have trouble locating them, your vehicle's owner's manual will have specific instructions. 
• Use a screwdriver from above: Some headlights have adjusters that are difficult to access from the back and require you to insert a tool (like a Phillips head screwdriver) from the top, down into the engine bay to reach a slot in the housing. 

You can watch this video to see how to access the adjustment screws from the top of the engine bay: 53sTEQ CustomsYouTube · Dec 20, 2024
What you might need

• Phillips head screwdriver or socket wrench: The most common tools for turning the screws. 
• Torx bit or other specific tool: Some headlights require a specific size Torx bit or hex key. 
• Your owner's manual: To confirm the correct tool and find the exact location of the screws for your vehicle. 

How do I adjust my headlights up and down?

To adjust your headlights, first locate the vertical adjustment screws behind the headlight housing, usually requiring a Phillips screwdriver or socket wrench. Next, park your car 25 feet from a wall and mark the current beam pattern to use as a guide. Finally, turn the adjustment screw to move the light beam up or down, making small changes until the light is aimed correctly.
 
Step 1: Locate and prepare

• Open your car's hood and find the adjustment screws located at the back of each headlight assembly.
• Check your owner's manual if you have trouble locating them.
• You will need a Phillips screwdriver or socket wrench to turn the screws.
• It's helpful to block one headlight with a towel or cardboard to focus on adjusting the other. 

You can watch this video to learn how to locate and prepare for headlight adjustment: 33sCar Repairs Made SimpleYouTube · Oct 2, 2024
Step 2: Set up your workspace

• Park on a level surface 25 feet away from a flat, vertical wall. 
• Turn on your low-beam headlights. 
• Mark the center of the light beams on the wall with a horizontal tape line, as close to 2 inches below the highest point of the beam as possible, to create a target for the top of the beam to sit at. 

Step 3: Adjust the headlights 

• Turn the vertical adjustment screw on the back of the headlight. 
• To raise the beam, turn the screw in one direction (often counter-clockwise). 
• To lower the beam, turn the screw in the opposite direction (often clockwise). 
• Adjust the light so the most intense part of the beam is just below the tape line you made on the wall. 
• Make small adjustments and check your progress. 

This video demonstrates how to adjust the headlights to the correct height: 58sTEQ CustomsYouTube · Dec 20, 2024
Step 4: Test the adjustment

• Take the car for a test drive at night to check the results. The lights should provide good visibility without blinding oncoming drivers. 
• If the lights are still not right, repeat the process. For more precise alignment, it's best to take the vehicle to a professional. 

How high should your headlights be at 25 ft?

At 25 feet, the top of the low beam should be at or just below the center of the headlight lens, or approximately 2-4 inches below the horizontal centerline of the headlight beam on the wall. The driver's side beam should be slightly lower than the passenger side to prevent blinding oncoming traffic.
 
Step-by-step guide
This video demonstrates how to adjust your car's headlights: 1mHeadlight RevolutionYouTube · Mar 21, 2020

1. Prepare the vehicle. Park on a flat, level surface with the car's tires properly inflated and the vehicle carrying its typical load. 
2. Position the vehicle. Place the car about 25 feet away from a flat, dark wall or garage door. 
3. Mark the wall. Turn on the low beams. Use tape to mark the vertical and horizontal center of each headlight beam on the wall. 
4. Measure the target height. Measure the height from the ground to the center of the headlight lens and mark this horizontal line on the wall. 
5. Create the aiming point. Measure down 2 inches from the horizontal line you just marked and create another horizontal line. This is your new aiming point. 
6. Adjust the headlights. The top of the low beam pattern on the wall should now be at or just below this second horizontal line. 
   • Driver's side: The beam should be slightly lower than the passenger's side to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Some standards specify the driver's side beam should be 0.75 feet (9 inches) and the passenger's side 1.5 feet (18 inches) from the ground, but aiming it just below the headlight's center is a good general rule. 
   • Passenger's side: The beam can be a little higher to better illuminate signs and the road ahead. 
7. Verify the adjustment. Some headlights have a specific height-based adjustment rule, but the 2-inch drop is a common guideline for most cars.