DEFENSIVE > CONTROLS > LIGHTS

Lights (Controls)

This section looks at useful tips on the use of the vehicle lights to stay safe on the road.

• ⮟ Headlights

• ⮟ Daytime Running Lights

• ⮟ Fog Lights

• ⮟ Parking Lights

• ⮟ Tail Lights

• ⮟ Brake Lights

• ⮟ Hazard Lights

• ⮟ Cabin Light

• ➤ Indicators

• ➤ Maintenance

? Questions:

• ⮟ When should you have car lights on?

• ⮟ Do car lights drain battery?

🛈 Information:

• ⮟ Dashboard Warning Lights

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Headlights:

• Low beam:

•       This is the standard setting to be used under most                      conditions.

•       If your car is not fitted with Daytime Running Lights, then        it is good to use during the daytime to make you more              visible to other road users.

• High Beam:

•       Night driving is dangerous because of both lack of                      visibility as well as limited viewing range, therefore use at          night along roads that are not well lit.

•       Change to low beam whenever there are any vehicles in            front of you, whether oncoming or traveling in the same          direction, even if the vehicle is a long distance away.

•       See the section on nocturnal animals and the use of                    headlights.      

•       Do not use during the daytime.

•       Do not use in fog, use the Fog Lights instead.

•       To ensure that the high beam is not on, unless intended,          check periodically for the high beam light on the                          dashboard, as indicated in the accompanying picture.

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Daytime Running Lights (DRL):

• Designed to make you more visible during the day.

• If your car is not fitted with DLR, use the low beam headlights during the day.

• Do not use for night driving.

• Do not use for fog, use fog lights instead.

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Fog Lights:

• Designed and positioned low down to reduce reflective glare from the fog.

• Can also be used for heavy rain and dust storms.

• Do not use as a replacement for other lights under non-foggy conditions.

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Parking Lights:

• As the name indicates, parking lights are to be used when the car is parked, not while driving. They are not a substitute for headlights.

• Designed to make the car more visible when parked in an area that makes it vulnerable to passing traffic.

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Tail Lights:

• Using your headlights during the day will also activate your tail lights to make you more visible to other road users behind you.

• Replace any dead bulb immediately, because at night a fast-approaching vehicle from behind may think it is a motorcycle ahead due to seeing only one tail light and collide into the side with no tail light working.

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Brake Lights:

• Due to the important role they serve, make sure that all your brake lights are working and replace immediately any that are not.

• When needing to slow down in higher speed traffic and a fast approaching vehicle from the rear, you may want to lightly press and release the brakes a number of times so that the brake lights flash on and off as a warning signal.

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Hazard Lights:

• When to use:

•       Wherever your vehicle is positioned that would pose a                hazard.

•       Being pulled over by law enforcement.

•       Involved in an accident.

•       Car breaks down.

•       Changing a tire on the side of the road.

•       Driving in a funeral procession.

•       If you are slowing down or stopped and there is a fast-                approaching vehicle from the rear.

•       Either towing another vehicle or the vehicle being towed.

• When not to use:

•       If there is no hazard and could be confusing to other road        users.

•       Driving in bad weather.

•       Illegal parking.

•       Slowing down to exit highway.

•       Driving in heavy traffic.

•       A turn signal will suffice.

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Cabin Light:

• Used to light the inside of the cabin.

• Do not drive with the cabin light on, especially at night which can reduce your outside vision.

💡 Periodically check to make sure all your lights are working and are clear of dirt which can block their illumination.

💡 Before fitting any non-standard lights, do research to make sure it is legal in your country as well as whether it is effective or a mere gimmick.

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? When should you have car lights on?

You should have your car light controls on in the following situations:

• During Low Light Conditions: When visibility is reduced due to low light conditions, such as at dusk, dawn, or during nighttime, you should turn on your car's headlights. This helps you see the road ahead more clearly and makes your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

• In Inclement Weather: Whenever you encounter adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or heavy cloud cover, it is important to have your headlights on. This improves your own visibility and makes it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle.

• When Visibility is Reduced: If you find yourself in situations where visibility is significantly reduced, such as in heavy rain, dense fog, or dust storms, it is crucial to use your headlights. This helps other drivers to spot your vehicle and helps you see potential hazards on the road.

• During Twilight or Dawn: When driving during twilight or dawn, when the sun is low on the horizon, visibility can be challenging. It is advisable to have your headlights on to increase your visibility and enhance your vehicle's visibility to others.

• In Tunnel or Underground Parking: When driving through tunnels or in underground parking areas, where lighting conditions are significantly darker, it is necessary to turn on your headlights for better visibility.

• When Required by Law: Different countries and regions have specific laws regarding when car lights should be used. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and ensure you comply with them at all times.

Remember to use your headlights appropriately and adjust them according to the conditions. Additionally, always use your low beam headlights when driving in urban areas, unless it is necessary to use high beams on unlit roads with no oncoming traffic. High beams should be used responsibly and switched to low beams when approaching or following other vehicles to prevent blinding other drivers.

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? Do car lights drain battery?

Yes, car lights do consume electrical power from the vehicle's battery. When the lights are turned on, they draw electricity from the battery to produce light. However, the impact on the battery's charge depends on various factors:

• Duration: The longer you keep the lights on, the more power they will consume from the battery, which can eventually drain the battery if the engine is not running.

• Type of Lights: Different lights have varying power consumption. For example, headlights typically require more power than parking lights or interior lights. High-intensity lights, such as xenon or LED headlights, may consume more power than traditional halogen headlights.

• Battery Condition: The condition and capacity of your vehicle's battery also play a role. A healthy and fully charged battery can handle the power demands of the lights better than a weak or old battery.

• Engine Running: When the engine is running, the alternator generates electricity to power the car's electrical systems, including the lights. In this case, the alternator replenishes the battery's charge, reducing the impact on the battery.

It's important to note that leaving the car lights on for an extended period without the engine running can drain the battery to the point where the vehicle may not start. To prevent battery drainage:

• Turn off all unnecessary lights when parked.

• Avoid leaving lights on for extended periods without the engine running.

• Regularly check the condition and charge of your vehicle's battery.

• If you notice any signs of a weak battery, such as slow cranking or dim lights, have it tested and replaced if necessary.

In case of a dead battery due to lights being left on, you may need to jump-start the vehicle or use a battery charger to recharge the battery.

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🛈 Dashboard Warning Lights

To the right is a list of the most common dashboard warning lights.

Below are a list of numbers corresponding to each light. I have decided to do this section a bit differently and invite visitors to this page to contact me let me know what each symbol means.

In turn I will fill out the meaning of the symbol along with the name and location of the person making the contribution. Looking forward to hearing from you. Contact.

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