How to Use Lights in a Car?

[SamuelAnn]

Car light usage methods are: 1. In foggy weather, you must turn on the running lights and front/rear fog lights, and if necessary, you can also switch on the low beam; 2. Rotate the light switch knob to the corresponding position to activate the running lights or high beam; 3. Hazard warning lights (also called emergency flashers) should be turned on via the corresponding switch when the vehicle is in an emergency situation; 4. Turn signals are used to indicate that the vehicle needs to turn. The high beam has a higher illumination angle than the low beam, thus it can illuminate higher and more distant objects. Low beams are generally used on roads with street lighting, while high beams are used on roads without lighting.

[LeWillow]

When it comes to using car lights, I’ve developed a set of practical tips over my decade of driving: always use low beams at night, and only switch to high beams on unlit roads like highways or rural routes—but be sure to switch back to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 150 meters. Signal at least 30 meters in advance for turns or lane changes. In rainy or foggy conditions, front and rear fog lights provide better visibility. Never misuse high beams in urban areas—last year, I saw someone get lectured by traffic police on the spot. I’ve also forgotten to turn off my lights after parking, which drained the battery, so now I make it a habit to check the dashboard before turning off the engine. Hazard lights should only be used for breakdowns or extreme weather—using them unnecessarily drains power and confuses other drivers. Remember, brighter isn’t always better; the key is to see the road safely without affecting others.

[MacSamantha]

My lighting usage principles are very clear: Keep the automatic headlights on during daytime driving to enhance visibility with daytime running lights. Even during the day in rainy conditions, turn on the low beams to increase recognition, and add front and rear fog lights during heavy rain. When overtaking at night on the highway, flash the high beams twice to alert the vehicle ahead before using the turn signal. When entering a tunnel, since the lighting system may not react instantly, it's advisable to manually turn on the lights in advance. When changing lanes in traffic, maintain the turn signal throughout the entire lane change process; turning it off early can mislead following vehicles. The key is to adjust dynamically based on the environment—for example, turning on the lights immediately at dusk when streetlights aren’t on but visibility has already deteriorated. When parked and waiting, I turn off the headlights and keep only the parking lights on, which is both courteous and energy-efficient.

[Kinsley]

During my beginner phase, I found light operations the most frustrating: it took me half an hour of practicing with the control stalk to memorize—the first turn of the knob activates the parking lights, the second turn switches on the low beams, and pushing the stalk forward turns on the high beams, indicated by a blue symbol on the dashboard. The fog light button is separately located on the left panel, and I had to remember to press it during rainy days. The turn signal operation is the most crucial—pushing the stalk up activates the right turn signal, and pulling it down activates the left. It automatically resets after lane changes but requires manual deactivation after turns. If oncoming cars flash their lights, I immediately check if I've accidentally left the high beams on. In parking lots, pressing the unlock button on the key fob makes the headlights flash to help locate the car. Now, I see lights as the language of driving—using them correctly makes driving safer and smoother.