Lights are crucial for drivers, especially when driving at night or in bad weather, such as torrential rains. Therefore, maintaining car lights is essential so you can use them anytime needed.
Generally, each car is equipped with several car lights with different functions.
In this article, Bjak will share the types and functions of car lights as a guide.
Headlights
Every car comes with two types of headlights: i) low beam headlight and ii) high beam headlight.
Both headlights allow you to see the road conditions clearly and enable other drivers to notice your vehicle.
You need to use the headlights accordingly based on your situation and place:
i) Low beam headlights are used during normal driving at night. The lights do not give glare to cars from the other side.
ii) High beam headlights should be used only when it is dark and no car is coming from the other side. Turning on the high beam headlights in other situations may cause glare and affect the vision of other drivers.
Taillights
Taillights – in red – light up when the headlights are switched on. Like the headlights, taillights help increase your car’s visibility to vehicles from the other side at night.
Additionally, taillights help you keep a safe distance between your car and the front vehicle, avoiding accidents.
Brake lights
Unlike taillights, brake lights only light up – usually in red – when you step on the brake pedal.
Ensure that the brake lights are in good condition as they are a crucial component to caution drivers behind you that you are slowing down or going to stop your car. The brake lights, therefore, help prevent any vehicle collision.
Daytime running lights
Daytime running lights are used during the day. They usually light up automatically as soon as you start your engine.
However, the daytime running lights do not replace the function of the headlights as they do not also light up the taillights.
The daytime running lights enable other drivers to notice your car when the headlights are not switched on.
Turn signal lights
Turn signal lights are vital for drivers to change directions or lanes. Failing to switch on the turn signal lights will cause problems to other drivers and may lead to accidents. Turn signal lights are usually located near the headlights and taillights.
Fog lights
Fog lights are mounted at a position lower than the headlights. The lights are designed to prevent light reflection and glare.
Usually, fog lights are lighted up during foggy weather, heavy rain, haze, or storms to improve your visibility.
Meanwhile, the rear fog lights help drivers behind you see your car during bad weather.
Please use fog lamps accordingly as the brightness is said to be 30 times brighter than regular lights.
Reverse lights
Reverse lights come on when reversing your car. The lights warn other drivers that your vehicle is reversing and signal them to keep a distance from your car.
Hazard lights
Hazard lights on the left and right of the car flash simultaneously. The lights caution other drivers that your vehicle has a problem or damage.
You can also switch on the hazard lights if you find something dangerous in front of you. The lights signal other drivers that you are slowing down.
Please remember to turn on the hazard lights accordingly.
Car’s interior lights
As the name suggests, the car’s interior lights are located inside the vehicle. Drivers or passengers usually switch on the interior lights when they need to do or find something in the car when it is already dark outside.
The lights are usually dim yellow, so the brightness does not interfere with the view of the rear car.
Remember to switch off the lights when not in use, as leaving them on will deplete your car battery.
Know the type and function of each car light
This may be easy, but some drivers are not aware of the types and functions of their car lights and, as such, use them recklessly.
As a car owner, we recommend that you get to know the types and functions of your car lights so you can use them accordingly and avoid causing difficulties to other road users.
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