What is the small light below the headlight?
4 Answers
The small light below the headlight is the fog light, which is turned on during rainy or foggy weather. It has strong light penetration, reducing the adverse effects on driving visibility in complex weather conditions. Here is some relevant information: Purpose: The function of the fog light is to make the vehicle visible to other vehicles in foggy or rainy conditions where visibility is significantly affected by the weather. Therefore, the light source of the fog light needs to have strong penetration. Most vehicles use halogen fog lights, while xenon fog lights are a more advanced option. Fog light classification: Fog lights are divided into front fog lights and rear fog lights. Front fog lights are usually bright yellow, while rear fog lights are red. The symbol for the rear fog light is slightly different from that of the front fog light—the light lines of the front fog light symbol point downward, while those of the rear fog light are parallel. These symbols are generally located on the dashboard inside the vehicle.
I've been working at the car shop for over ten years and get this question a lot. The small lights below the headlights are what we commonly call position lights or marker lights. They're usually located near the front bumper or beneath the headlight assembly - not very bright but extremely important. Their main job is to outline the car's shape during nighttime or rainy conditions with poor visibility, preventing others from hitting you. I've seen many rear-end collisions happen just because these small lights weren't on. Many new cars now use LED lights which last longer and save energy, but if they burn out it's no big deal - first check the fuse and socket connection, then you can replace the bulb yourself for just a few bucks. Remember to check them during regular maintenance, keeping the lens clean from dust buildup. This significantly improves nighttime driving safety, especially crucial on highways. From another perspective, some luxury cars integrate these marker lights with daytime running lights - stylish yet practical. Putting some effort into maintenance definitely pays off.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I always consider these small lights as position lights, located just below the headlight rim. Before heading out, I make it a habit to turn them on first—they make the car more visible when parked roadside at night. Once during foggy weather, I forgot to switch them on and nearly got sideswiped by a car behind me. Since then, I frequently check if the lights are functioning. Light failures are common, mostly due to burnt-out bulbs or loose wiring, and DIY replacement is straightforward. Nowadays, most position lights in cars are small incandescent or LED bulbs, energy-efficient yet highly effective. Checking their status before driving has become routine, especially in autumn and winter when longer nights pose higher risks—this small detail can be a lifesaver. Maintenance is simple and shouldn’t be overlooked; like airbags, these lights are vital for safety.
When I first started learning to drive, I also asked my instructor what this small light was. It's called the position lamp or clearance lamp. Located just below the headlights, it's not very bright but clearly marks the vehicle's outline. Don't underestimate it - if it's not working when parked roadside at night, other drivers can't see your car clearly, which is dangerous. I've noticed it usually activates with the low beams. Just check if the bulb is burnt out and replace it - a simple DIY job that takes minutes. Keeping it functional is important for both safety and peace of mind.
