Types of car lights new drivers need to know
In fact, some drivers, especially new drivers, are still quite confused about turning on/off and adjusting different light modes on the car.
This has a certain impact on the safety of vehicles on the road. In many cases, traffic police have even fined people for using the wrong headlights.
Therefore, understanding the functions as well as how to turn on and off, adjust the headlights, low beams, turn signals or fog lights... on a car is considered an important first lesson for "new drivers".
Types of lights on cars
Headlights and low beams
Low beam lights are low beam lights with a low beam angle, helping the driver observe road conditions in close range, used when the vehicle is traveling at low speed, in urban and residential areas.
Rear lights
Tail lights are located on both sides of the rear of the car. They emit red light to signal the car behind about the presence of a moving car. Thanks to that, the car behind can actively maintain a suitable distance.
Fog lights
Fog lights are placed low, below the front bumper of the car or behind the car, with the function of lighting up in bad weather such as rain, fog...
The fog light system operates independently of the headlights and can be used when the headlights are not effective in bad weather.
Turn signal lights
Turn signals are located at the front and rear of the vehicle, next to the headlights and taillights. They serve to signal other vehicles that the vehicle is about to turn.
Brake lights
Brake lights are part of the overall rear light cluster, they will turn on or brighter than normal when you step on the brake pedal, signaling to drivers behind that you are slowing down or stopping.
Emergency lights
The emergency lights are displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle through the turn signals on both sides simultaneously. The emergency lights signal other drivers that the car is having a problem.
Cabin lighting system
The cabin lighting system includes: cabin roof lights, dashboard lights, ABS lights, oil pressure warning lights, engine fault warning lights... Each type has its own function.
How to adjust the lights on the car
Depending on the manufacturer's layout, there are two ways: using the control stick on the left side of the steering wheel or using the integrated knob on the dashboard near the driver's door sill.
To turn on the headlights, the driver simply turns the control switch to the headlight symbol (usually a symbol of three horizontal lines in the shape of a headlight). When turned on, the car's headlights will usually default to low beam (cos) mode. To switch to high beam (pha) mode, the driver simply pushes the integrated control lever on the left side of the steering column forward.
At this time, the clock face will display a green light icon (three horizontal lines in the shape of a headlight) to signal the driver that the headlights are on. Conversely, when the lever is pulled back (towards the driver), the lights will switch to low beam mode (cos).
In some cases, to send a warning signal to the vehicle in front, the driver can flash the headlights by pushing and returning the integrated control lever on the left side of the steering column at least 1 - 2 times in a row to the rear (driver's side).
When changing lanes or turning… the driver also uses the integrated control lever on the left side of the steering column to turn on the turn signal. Specifically, to turn on the right turn signal, the driver pushes this lever up. Conversely, when pushed down, the left turn signal will be turned on.
Similarly, to turn on the fog lights, DRL daytime running lights… the driver just needs to turn the control switch to the symbol indicating these two types of lights. Each car has a different way of designing the light adjustment switch, so to understand clearly, users should read the user manual that comes with the car.
With cars using knobs, the driver will have a more intuitive view and easier operation than the traditional lever. At this time, the traditional lever position on the left of the steering wheel is only used to switch the pha-cos and turn signal modes.
Notes for proper use of lights
When traveling at night on the highway, drivers can use normal headlights, but when encountering oncoming vehicles, you should reduce speed and switch your high beams to low beams until the oncoming vehicle has passed.
You should get into the habit of using high beams (flashing, continuously switching between low beam and high beam) when crossing the road or needing to pass another vehicle. For cars, headlights will be a better signaling tool than the car horn, because when moving, cars often close the car doors, making it difficult to hear the sound coming from the horn.
If you see a car coming from the opposite direction flashing its headlights, check to see if the headlights are on. This is something you need to remember because people going in the opposite direction can be blinded by your headlights, which can lead to loss of control and traffic accidents.
Regularly maintain the car's headlight system, properly align the light beam of the high and low beams and replace the headlights after a period of use to ensure the safest lighting when in use.
