Do I need to turn on the low beam when the headlights are on?
3 Answers
You don't need to turn on the low beam when the headlights are on, because turning on the headlights means turning on the low beam. Function of low beam: Used for driving on urban roads and for meeting other vehicles on national or provincial highways at night. Its purpose is to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle, with the light directed downward, minimizing the impact on oncoming traffic. Additionally, low beams should be used when driving in foggy conditions, as using high beams in such situations can create a blinding white haze, making it difficult to see anything ahead. Function of high beam: Used for normal driving on highways, national, and provincial roads. Its purpose is to illuminate a longer distance, allowing for timely detection of road conditions and better anticipation. However, it can significantly affect oncoming vehicles during encounters, so it should be switched to low beam when meeting other vehicles.
I've been driving for 20 years, and this is quite a representative question. Turning on the headlights usually means activating the low beams, with no need for additional operations; headlights generally include both low and high beam modes. When we say 'turn on the headlights,' such as rotating the light switch as it gets dark, the car defaults to starting the low beams, illuminating the road ahead without dazzling oncoming vehicles. If stronger lighting is needed, like on remote rural roads, you would manually switch or press the high beam button. However, for normal city driving, turning on the headlights is sufficient. I've driven both my old sedan and a modern SUV, and both are designed this way. Automatic lighting systems are even smarter, adjusting brightness based on light sensing. If you accidentally leave the high beams on without adjusting them, it can cause dangerous glare for others and may even result in a traffic police fine. It's important to develop the habit of checking your light status while driving. Remember, safety comes first—keeping your lights bright and clear during night driving can prevent many accidents.
I just got my driver's license half a year ago when this happened. That night, I was driving my friend's car on the highway, and I thought turning on the headlights would be bright enough—why bother with the low beams? Later, I figured out that turning on the headlights automatically means the low beams are activated, just like in most cars. You only need to twist the stalk next to the steering wheel to turn them on. If visibility is poor, you can push the stalk forward to switch to high beams, but don’t use them unnecessarily to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic and causing trouble. Now, I’ve developed a simple habit while driving: when turning on the lights, I just make sure the low beam indicator appears on the dashboard. Automatic transmission cars even intelligently adjust the brightness. Don’t overcomplicate the settings—keep your focus on the road, and driving becomes much safer and more worry-free.
