What is the difference between clearance lights and width indicator lights?
2 Answers
The difference between clearance lights and width indicator lights lies in the types of vehicles they are used for. Clearance lights are commonly used on large vehicles, while width indicator lights are typically used on small cars. The functions and usage scenarios of width indicator lights (clearance lights) are as follows: Characteristics and functions of width indicator lights (clearance lights): Width indicator lights (clearance lights) are used to alert other vehicles. These lights are generally installed along the edges of the vehicle's roof, indicating both the height and width of the vehicle. Usage scenarios for width indicator lights (clearance lights): They are used to indicate the vehicle's width in low-light conditions. During dusk, nighttime, or special weather conditions such as rain or snow, and when the vehicle experiences a malfunction or accident at night, the width indicator lights (clearance lights) should be turned on.
I've always thought that position lights and width lights are essentially the same thing, just different names for it. It's like how we southerners call them 'tangyuan' while northerners say 'yuanxiao'. Take a closer look at your car—when you turn the light control lever to the first position in the evening, those small lights that come on at the front and rear are called width lights, and they also serve as position lights. The yellow ones on the sides of the front wheels and the red ones on the sides of the rear wheels are there to indicate the width and position of the vehicle to others. In fact, the national standard simply refers to them as position lights, and car manuals use the terms interchangeably. If there's any real difference, it's just that large trucks might have a few extra position lights installed on the roof, something we don’t need to worry about with our family cars. Remember to turn them on early when driving in the evening—they’re more energy-efficient than low beams and just as noticeable.
