Tips on using car headlights correctly

Car headlights always have two basic modes that are frequently used: high beam and low beam. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, complementing each other. Using them correctly while driving will help you have better visibility and handle situations safely.

High beam headlights

These lights are advantageous when driving on highways or expressways because they provide excellent long-distance illumination, allowing drivers to see traffic signs and understand speed limits and other necessary directions. However, this advantage is inadvertently a drawback when shining on drivers in oncoming traffic, severely restricting their visibility and posing a significant safety hazard.

Low beam headlights

These lights only illuminate a distance of about 3-5 meters from the front of your car, allowing you to see and easily avoid obstacles directly in front of you. However, these lights are extremely limited at high speeds due to their low beam range, making it difficult for drivers to have optimal visibility.

The appropriate time to use the lights.

On highways with high median barriers, you should use high beams for optimal visibility. On national highways without median barriers, you should use high beams and switch to low beams when encountering oncoming vehicles. When driving long distances, occasionally switching to low beams for near-field visibility will also help reduce eye strain.

In cities and densely populated areas, you are required to use low beam headlights to ensure that surrounding vehicles are not blinded. Furthermore, traffic laws prohibit the use of high beam headlights in cities and densely populated areas.

Decree 171/2013/ND-CP stipulates administrative penalties for violations related to the use of high-beam headlights as follows:

- For drivers of automobiles and similar vehicles:

+ A fine of VND 600,000 to VND 800,000 will be imposed for the violation of using high-beam headlights when avoiding oncoming vehicles. (Point g, Clause 3, Article 5).

+ A fine of VND 600,000 to VND 800,000 will be imposed for the violation of using high-beam headlights in urban areas and densely populated areas. (Point b, Clause 3, Article 5).

Fog lights

These lights are designed to illuminate in foggy weather to improve driver visibility. However, some types of these lights have the limitation of deflecting light in normal weather conditions, so they should only be used in foggy conditions and not simultaneously with car headlights.

Car lighting culture

Currently, noise pollution is an alarming problem in our country, so drivers should gradually get used to using turn signals instead of honking loudly. When wanting to overtake or change lanes, flash your lights; the light will shine into your rearview mirror so the vehicle in front knows, and when you signal with your right turn, they will yield to you.

Always use your car lights correctly and maintain them regularly so you no longer have to worry when driving long distances at night.

Methods to make the lights brighter

When driving long distances, the windshield will accumulate dust and become foggy, so you need to regularly clean the windshield with the wipers to prevent the headlights from becoming dim. Additionally, if your car doesn't have a headlight washer function, you should also use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the headlights.