The Different Types of Car Lights & When to Use Them

Modern cars are fitted with a range of lights to help drivers on the road. However, you’re likely to find – much to your dismay – that not everyone knows how to use them (ahem, indicators please). Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of car lights and when it’s appropriate to use them. Using lights correctly should help to keep you, other road users, and pedestrians safe on the road.

Headlights

Headlights are the most important light on a car and they come in three variations: sidelights, dipped headlights, and full beams.

Sidelights

Sidelights are also sometimes known as “parking lights”. They are situated at the front of the car and should be switched on when natural light is low, such as in dark or cloudy weather. Sidelights should also be used when parked on a road that has a speed limit of over 30 mph (hence the alternative name).

Dipped headlights

Dipped headlights are angled down towards the road. According to the highway code, dipped headlights should be used when vision is “seriously reduced”. In general, you should switch them on at night (thirty minutes before sunrise and thirty minutes before sunset).

Full beams

Full beams are the brightest type of headlight and, unlike dipped headlights, they are aimed upwards. Full beams should be used on unlit stretches of road – just make sure that there’s nobody in front of you and absolutely make sure to turn them off when there’s oncoming traffic.

Depending on your specific car, you can turn both dipped and full beam headlights on either via a dial on the dashboard or the indicator stalk. However, most modern cars now turn on their dipped headlights automatically when light drops below a certain point – it’s why you’ll often see cars automatically turn headlights on when going through shaded sections of road.

Fog lights

Indicators are located on the front, rear, and sometimes the side of a car. They help you indicate the direction you are going to other road users, even if your direction involves stopping or moving off. It’s important that you give clear signals with plenty of time so that other road users have time to notice and react to your signals. It’s also important to turn them off after use in order to avoid confusion.

Brake lights

Brake lights are situated at the back of the car. They are engaged automatically whenever you use the brake pedal. They help indicate to other road users that you are braking and therefore can prevent collisions. Note that engine braking doesn’t engage the brake light so, if you’re relying heavily on engine braking, be sure to keep an eye on drivers behind you.

Hazard lights

Hazard lights use the same bulbs as the indicator lights. They should only be used when the car is stationary and a hazard to other road users. They are usually operated by a large triangle button on the dashboard.

Interior lights

Interior lights differ from car to car. However, they are normally located on the centre of the car’s ceiling. They will most likely turn on when the car door is opened and are usually set to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. It’s wise to keep interior lights off while driving at night, however, because the light spill can make it difficult for other drivers to clearly see your indicators.

Keep your lights in good condition

It’s essential that drivers, novices, and pros alike brush up on their knowledge on when to use the different lights on their car. It is equally important to make sure they are all working correctly – if your indicator bulb doesn’t work, for example, there’s nothing that tells you so (except, possibly, other drivers beeping).

If you need to check whether your lights need replacing or need any other help with your car, book an inspection at your local Tyre Pros centre.