Is the low beam the default when the headlights are turned on?
3 Answers
When the headlights are turned on, the default setting is the low beam. The method to switch between low and high beams is as follows: 1. Rotate the light control lever located on the left side of the steering wheel all the way forward to turn on the low beam; 2. Push the lever upward to activate the high beam. The difference between low and high beams lies in their illumination distance: the low beam illuminates a distance of 33 to 40 meters, while the high beam covers 80 to 120 meters. Precautions for using car lights include: 1. Use low beams when driving at night; 2. Do not use high beams when driving closely behind another vehicle in the same direction; 3. When navigating sharp turns, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic lights at night, alternate between high and low beams to signal.
When I first started driving, I was also curious whether turning on the headlights defaults to low beam. It really depends on the specific car. Most regular sedans and SUVs do default to low beam when the headlights are turned on, to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. However, some modified or older models might be different, requiring manual switching. If you notice that the road isn’t illuminated far ahead after turning on the lights, it’s likely in low beam mode, and you’ll need to use the control stalk on the left side of the steering wheel to switch to high beam. Nowadays, many new cars are quite smart—those with automatic headlight features can switch between low and high beams based on speed and lighting conditions. I remember once driving a friend’s car, and the dashboard had a blue indicator showing high beam was on, which usually isn’t there when it’s off. The worst thing is drivers who keep their high beams on without switching—it’s both dangerous and annoying. So, new drivers should take time to familiarize themselves with their car’s lighting settings.
This actually involves considerations of safety regulations. The default low-beam setting for headlights when turned on is primarily designed to reduce traffic accidents caused by the misuse of high beams. The low-beam light is directed downward, illuminating the road about 30 meters ahead without directly shining into the eyes of oncoming drivers. I once encountered a situation on a national highway at night where a truck in the opposite lane had to brake suddenly due to high beams, nearly causing an accident. According to traffic regulations, high beams are generally prohibited on urban roads, so the default low-beam design helps drivers avoid the risk of violating these rules. Modern vehicles also incorporate automatic sensing features. For example, Mercedes-Benz's Intelligent Light System automatically adjusts the beam angle when turning, but it still starts from the low-beam setting. Of course, special vehicles like construction trucks may differ, but the cars we drive daily generally adhere to this design logic.
