How to Use High Beam and Low Beam Headlights?

[Andy]

The control for high beam and low beam headlights is located on the lever on the left side of the steering wheel. The middle position is for low beam, while the first and third positions are for high beam. The high beam icon is blue with straight lines, while the low beam icon is green with downward-slanted lines. There are levers on both sides of the steering wheel: the right one is mostly for wiper control, and the left one is primarily for light control, including switching between high and low beams and controlling the turn signals. High beams emit light that is parallel and highly concentrated from their focal point, providing greater brightness and the ability to illuminate distant and high objects. Low beams emit light that diverges beyond their focal point, illuminating a wider area of nearby objects.

[OHector]

When driving on city roads, I usually stick to low beams because the streetlights provide enough illumination, and using high beams can dangerously dazzle oncoming drivers. In rainy or foggy conditions, low beams plus fog lights are sufficient—high beams can actually reduce visibility. On suburban roads or highways, I use high beams as needed but switch to low beams at least 150 meters before encountering oncoming traffic. I also avoid using high beams when following another car to prevent blinding the driver ahead. A quick flash of high beams can signal overtaking or warn of hazards ahead. When parked, I avoid pointing lights directly at walls to check them and clean the lenses regularly, as dirt can impair lighting effectiveness.

[StParker]

Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor kept drilling me on the rules for high beams and low beams. Now I finally understand why. In the city with streetlights, always use low beams to avoid fines and penalty points. On unlit county roads or highways, I switch to high beams to see better, but immediately dim them when there's oncoming traffic. Flashing high beams as a greeting is much more polite than honking, especially in residential areas. In foggy conditions, high beams actually reduce visibility – low beams with fog lights work best. I've also developed a habit of checking my lights every three months to ensure they're working properly, which gives me peace of mind when driving at night.

[JoelMarie]

Using car lights correctly is a matter of safety, as misuse can lead to accidents. Low beams are suitable for daily city driving, providing gentle and non-dazzling illumination. High beams should be used on roads without streetlights, but must be immediately switched off when oncoming traffic approaches. Using high beams during a head-on encounter can blind the other driver, potentially causing a collision. In rainy or foggy conditions, using high beams is like putting on a blindfold—it makes everything harder to see. When reversing, low beams can assist with lighting, offering a more intuitive view than a reversing camera. Always turn off your lights when parked to save battery and prevent forgetting. Following lighting rules not only protects others but also ensures your own safety.