How to Use Car Lights for Beginners

[DelRafael]

Methods for beginners to use car lights: 1. Use low beams when starting and driving on well-lit roads; 2. Use high beams on roads without streetlights and few people; 3. When overtaking, alternate between low and high beams to alert the driver ahead; 4. Immediately switch off high beams when a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction to avoid affecting others' driving safety. The car lighting system is one of the essential systems for safe driving, mainly including external lighting lamps, internal lighting lamps, external signal lamps, and internal signal lamps. Passenger cars and trucks usually have only one dome light, which serves not only as interior lighting but also monitors whether the doors are securely closed.

[LeColin]

I learned this from my driving instructor. The most important thing for beginners about using lights is not to randomly turn on the high beams. Normally, low beams are sufficient. In the city, low beams can illuminate about 40 meters ahead, providing clear visibility without dazzling oncoming traffic. If it gets dark or you enter a tunnel, remember to turn on the lights promptly—don’t wait until you can’t see anything. Use fog lights in rain or fog for better penetration, but avoid using them normally as they are very glaring. Signal at least three seconds before changing lanes or turning to give trailing vehicles time to react. At night, switch back to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic—otherwise, the other driver won’t see anything, which could lead to accidents. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when parking to avoid draining the battery. Practice a few times when you first start driving, and you’ll get the hang of it gradually.

[Crystal]

Using car lights as a beginner driver isn't actually difficult, just grasp a few key points. First, familiarize yourself with the light control stalk upon entering the car - usually located on the left side of the steering wheel. Turn it once for parking lights, twice for low beams, and push it forward for high beams. Remember the high-low beam switching: use low beams on regular city roads, only switching to high beams on completely unlit rural paths. During rainy or foggy weather, avoid using hazard lights - it's safer to specifically turn on front and rear fog lights. When changing lanes, make sure to fully engage the turn signal until you hear the clicking sound. Pay special attention to oncoming traffic at night - switch to low beams at least 150 meters away. The automatic activation of reverse lights when backing up is very practical; if driving manual, remember to coordinate with brake lights. Always keep spare bulbs in your car for immediate replacement in case of failure.

[McIsabel]

Using lights properly can really help avoid many accidents, so beginners should pay extra attention. Turn on daytime running lights when the light is poor during the day, making it easier for other vehicles to spot you. Keep low beams on when following cars at night, and switch to them within 100 meters of the car ahead. Manually turn off high beams when passing schools or hospitals, as strong light can be very disruptive. When using fog lights in bad weather, keep your speed under 40 km/h, as visibility is too low in rain or fog. Signal in advance before turning, and remember to manually turn off the indicator after completing the turn—it won’t reset automatically. Using hazard lights is the safest option for temporary stops, but avoid prolonged use. The dashboard has light indicators: a blue symbol means high beams, while a green one means low beams—observing them helps you learn the patterns. Lastly, remember to turn off automatic headlights when washing your car to prevent water damage and short circuits.