Turning on your car's lights is a fundamental skill, but the exact method varies by vehicle. For most modern cars, you'll find a dial or stalk on the dashboard or steering column. Rotate the dial or twist the end of the stalk to the appropriate symbol. The standard settings are usually, in order: Off, Parking Lights (small side markers), Low Beams (headlights for night driving), and sometimes an Auto setting. Many cars now have an Auto setting, which uses a sensor to turn the low beams on and off automatically based on ambient light. The high beams are typically engaged by pushing the stalk away from you until it clicks.
The most common location for the light controls is on a stalk protruding from the steering column, often on the left side. This stalk might also control your turn signals and windshield wipers. Some models, particularly older or more basic cars, use a separate dial on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
Here's a quick reference for the common symbols:
| Symbol | Light Function | When to Use It |
|---|
| (O) or "Off" | All lights off | Daytime driving in clear conditions |
| Parking Lights (small green lights icon) | Small side marker lights | Legally required in some states when parked on a road at night; makes your car visible |
| Low Beams (green light pointing down) | Standard headlights | Night driving, rain, snow, fog, or any low-visibility condition |
| High Beams (blue light pointing straight) | Bright, long-range headlights | Dark, open roads with no oncoming traffic. Always dim them for other drivers. |
| Auto (A inside a circle) | Automatic control | Leave it here for hands-free operation; the car decides when lights are needed |
For safety, it's best practice to turn on your low beams anytime your windshield wipers are on, as this is the law in many states. If your car has fog lights, there’s usually a separate button or a second position on the dial to activate them. Remember, your headlights are not just for you to see, but for others to see you.
