How to Operate the High-Low Beam Switch?
2 Answers
Method for alternating high and low beams: There is a lever below the left side of the steering wheel. Use your thumb and index finger to grip this lever. First, pull it toward yourself, then push it in the opposite direction (toward the front of the car). Repeat this back-and-forth motion twice to complete the high-low beam alternation. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, drivers must alternate between high and low beams when driving at night in the following situations: sharp curves, slopes, overtaking (while simultaneously activating the left turn signal), arched bridges, pedestrian crossings, and intersections without traffic lights. Additionally, when overtaking at night, you must not only turn on the turn signal but also use the high-low beam switch to alert the vehicle ahead. When approaching a crossing, you must alternate the high and low beams to warn vehicles on both sides of the intersection.
As a veteran driver with over 15 years of experience, I find operating the high-low beam switch quite simple—the key lies in the control stalk on the left side of the steering wheel. While driving, if you need to alert vehicles ahead or pedestrians, gently pull this stalk toward you—it will momentarily switch to high beam before automatically reverting to low beam, creating a flashing effect. To maintain high beam illumination, push the stalk all the way forward until the lights brighten. This technique proves particularly useful during overtaking, nighttime mountain driving, or foggy conditions, effectively preventing accidents. I recall an instance on the highway when a truck was hogging the lane—I rapidly flashed my lights three times as a warning, successfully avoiding a rear-end collision. Novices should practice this maneuver to build muscle memory, as excessive force may damage the switch while insufficient pressure yields no response. Test the feel in parking lots beforehand—don’t wait until the critical moment to fumble.
