Car Headlights : A Complete Guide

Car Headlights are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, because they allow you to be seen, they allow you to see and they let you tell other road users what you intend to do next. In this article, we will explain the different types of lights on your car, how they work, how to check and replace them, and what types of bulbs and fuses are available.

Types of Car Lights

There are various types of lights on your car, each with a specific function and purpose. Here are some of the common ones:

• Side lights: These are also known as sidelights or parking lights. They can be used when visibility is slightly reduced, but not to the point when dipped headlights are necessary. They are usually located at the front corners of the car, and sometimes at the rear as well.
• Daytime running lights: These are also known as DRLs. They are illuminated as soon as the vehicle’s ignition is switched on, and are only extinguished when the dipped headlights are activated and, sometimes, when you turn on an indicator. They are designed to make your car more visible to other road users during daylight hours.
• Dipped headlights: These are also known as low-beam headlights. They should be used when visibility is compromised by increasing darkness, or by adverse weather such as rain, fog or snow. They are usually located in the main headlight units at the front of the car.
• Full-beam headlights: These are also known as high-beam headlights. They are the brightest lights at the front of the car, and should be used when your visibility is affected and when there is no other road user ahead of you or approaching. However, full beam should not be used in thick fog or heavy snow, because the light is merely reflected back at the driver, lessening your ability to see ahead instead of increasing it.
• Fog lights: Some cars have two front fog lights, which are designed to emit a wide light beam that illuminates the edges of the road closer to the front of the car. This makes it easier to see the kerb in thick fog. Some cars also have rear fog lights, which are very bright red lights that warn other drivers behind you of your presence in poor visibility conditions.
• Turn signals: These are also known as indicators or blinkers. They are orange lights that flash to let other road users know that you intend to make a turn. You will often find secondary indicators on the front wings or in the door mirrors.
• Taillights: These are also known as rear lights or tail lamps. They are red lights that indicate the presence and position of your car from behind. They are usually located in the rear light units at the back of the car.
• Brake lights: These are also red lights that indicate when you are braking. They are usually located in the same rear light units as the taillights, but they are brighter and only come on when you press the brake pedal.
• Reverse lights: These are white lights that indicate when you are reversing. They are usually located in the same rear light units as the taillights, but they only come on when you select reverse gear.
• Licence plate lights: These are white lights that illuminate your licence plate at night. They are usually located above or below your licence plate at the back of the car.

How Car Lights Work

Most car lights work by using electricity from the battery to power a bulb that emits light. The bulb can be either a traditional halogen bulb, which has a filament that heats up and glows, or a more modern HID (High-Intensity Discharge) or xenon bulb, which has a gas that is ignited by an electric arc and produces a brighter and whiter light.

The car lights are controlled by a switch, usually located on the dashboard or on the steering column. The switch allows you to select which lights you want to use, such as side lights, dipped headlights, full-beam headlights, fog lights, etc. The switch also activates a relay, which is a device that uses a small electric current to switch on or off a larger electric current. The relay allows the switch to control the high-power lights without overheating or damaging the switch.

The car lights are also protected by fuses, which are devices that break the electric circuit when there is too much current flowing through it. This prevents the wires from overheating and causing a fire. The fuses are usually located in a fuse box under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Each fuse has a specific rating, which indicates how much current it can handle before it blows. If a fuse blows, you will need to replace it with a new one of the same rating.

How to Check and Replace Car Lights

It is important to check your car lights regularly and replace them when they are faulty or damaged. This will ensure your safety and avoid getting fined for having defective lights. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Check your car lights: You can do this by turning on your ignition and switching on each light one by one. You can ask someone to help you by standing outside the car and telling you if the lights are working or not. Alternatively, you can park your car in front of a wall or a window and see the reflection of your lights. You should check all your lights, including side lights, daytime running lights, dipped headlights, full-beam headlights, fog lights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights, reverse lights and licence plate lights.
2. Identify the faulty or damaged light: If you find that one or more of your lights are not working or are dimmer than usual, you will need to identify which bulb or fuse is causing the problem. You can do this by consulting your owner’s manual or by looking online for information about your car model. You will need to know the type and size of the bulb or fuse that you need to replace.
3. Buy a new bulb or fuse: You can buy a new bulb or fuse from an auto parts store or online. Make sure you buy the correct type and size for your car. You may also need some tools, such as a screwdriver, pliers or wrenches, depending on how your light unit is attached to your car.
4. Replace the bulb or fuse: You will need to access the light unit where the bulb or fuse is located. This may involve opening the hood or trunk of your car, removing some screws or clips, or pulling out some wires. Be careful not to touch any hot or live parts of your car. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual or online for how to remove and replace the bulb or fuse. Make sure you insert the new bulb or fuse correctly and securely.
5. Test your car lights: After replacing the bulb or fuse, you should test your car lights again to make sure they are working properly. If they are still not working, you may have another problem with your wiring or relay. In that case, you may need to consult a professional mechanic for help.

Conclusion

Car headlights and taillights are essential for your safety and visibility on the road. They also help you communicate with other road users and comply with the law. By understanding how they work, how to check and replace them, and what types of bulbs and fuses are available, you can keep your car lights in good condition and enjoy a safer driving experience.