How to Turn On High and Low Beams in an Automatic Transmission Car?
4 Answers
The method to turn them on is via a control lever located either on the steering wheel or to the left side of the car. The lever typically has a rotary knob design with at least two settings. Turning it to the first setting turns on the parking lights, the second setting activates the parking lights plus low beams, and pushing it downward engages the high beams. Note that you must first turn on the parking lights. Rotating it clockwise once sets it to 'auto' mode, meaning the lights will operate automatically. Rotating it twice turns on the low beams, and three times activates the high beams. Generally, turning it once switches on the width indicator lights, and turning it twice turns on the headlights. To activate the headlights, you need to lift the lever upward once.
I remember when I first started driving, I was a bit nervous about operating the high beams. Driving out at night, I fumbled with the lever on the left side of the steering wheel—pushing it forward turned on the high beams, and pulling it back switched to low beams. At first, I made mistakes like accidentally flashing high beams at others in the city. Now I know to use only low beams in urban areas or when there’s oncoming traffic. In automatic cars, the light switch isn’t related to the gear shift; it’s all handled by the light lever. After a few practices, it became second nature. I also check the bulbs before every drive to avoid driving blind if they burn out. Using high beams on highways at night improves visibility and safety, but it’s crucial to develop the habit of timely switching for a more secure drive.
After driving for several years, I've realized the importance of proper light operation. Pushing the light lever activates high beams, while pulling it back switches to low beams – the movement should be quick yet steady. From a safety perspective, overly bright lights can dazzle oncoming drivers and increase accident risks; use high beams only when no other vehicles are present to maximize visibility. Regular light inspections are also crucial, as aging bulbs may lead to insufficient illumination. Proper light usage helps prevent nighttime rear-end collisions while complying with traffic regulations avoids penalty points. Developing good habits like promptly dimming lights when encountering other vehicles makes driving more reliable and gives you greater peace of mind.
When taking kids out, I pay extra attention to light control. It's simple: push the light lever forward for high beams, pull back to turn them off. I remind myself not to use high beams in residential areas to avoid disturbing others. I prioritize nighttime safety, like turning on lights in dim conditions to spot pedestrians clearly. With practice, the operation becomes second nature, and I teach my child road etiquette too. This habit makes family trips more pleasant.
