How to Use High and Low Beam Headlights?

[ValerieDella]

Using high and low beam headlights involves the following steps: 1. First, locate the controls for the low and high beams. On the left side of the steering wheel, there is a combination light switch. Rotating the switch forward one notch turns on the dashboard lights, and another notch activates the low beams. 2. Use low beams when driving at night on roads with streetlights, when encountering pedestrians on the roadside, or on narrow roads, narrow bridges, and curves. 3. Use high beams when driving on roads without streetlights or on long, straight roads with poor visibility at night. Rotating the switch forward one more notch activates the high beams. 4. When meeting another vehicle at night while using high beams, always switch to low beams until the oncoming vehicle has passed, then you may reactivate the high beams.

[ColeDella]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, let me share how to properly use high and low beams. Many beginners nowadays don't follow the rules and recklessly use high beams, which is extremely dangerous. High beams should only be used in suburban areas without streetlights or on highways, and you must immediately switch to low beams when there's a vehicle within 150 meters ahead. In urban areas, low beams are usually sufficient. When encountering oncoming traffic, flashing your high beams twice to remind the other driver to turn off theirs is much more civilized than honking. Flash your high beams to alert the car ahead when changing lanes or overtaking, and alternately flash your lights before sharp turns to warn opposing traffic. Remember the most important rule: any light that shines into others' eyes is inconsiderate lighting – blinding others makes it hard for them to see the road and can easily cause accidents. I've personally witnessed rear-end collisions caused by high beam misuse, and it's truly horrific. Practice switching beams regularly – pulling the turn signal lever toward you flashes the high beams, while pushing it forward keeps them on continuously.

[LandonLynn]

A couple of days ago, I taught my wife how to operate the high and low beams while driving. The control stalk on the left side of the steering wheel: a gentle pull towards yourself flashes the high beams, which is suitable for alerting pedestrians or the car ahead; to keep the high beams on continuously, push it all the way forward. In the city, you'll use low beams 90% of the time, while high beams are only suitable for rural roads without streetlights. Remember to switch to low beams 100 meters before meeting an oncoming car, otherwise, the other driver will see nothing but a blinding white light. Don’t use high beams in tunnels—the reflection is even more glaring. In rainy or foggy conditions, low beams plus fog lights work best. Before each drive, take a moment to check your lighting mode; a blue indicator on the dashboard means the high beams are on. Some new cars come with automatic switching, but don’t rely entirely on electronic systems.

[McBrantley]

Last year when I was getting my driver's license, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the proper use of vehicle lights. High beams have a long illumination range but shine directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers, so they should only be used alone on roads with insufficient lighting. Low beams illuminate about 40 meters ahead with downward-facing light that doesn't dazzle, making them suitable for urban areas and when meeting other vehicles. The operation is simple: pulling the left stalk on the steering wheel toward you activates temporary high beams for signaling; pushing it down turns on constant high beams. The key is developing good switching habits: immediately switch to low beams when seeing oncoming headlights, flash high beams before overtaking, and alternate flashing at unsignalized intersections. New drivers often forget to switch lights, so it's recommended to put a reminder note on the dashboard.