What is the small light on a vehicle?
4 Answers
Vehicle small lights are position lights, also known as width indicator lights. They serve as warning lights installed at the edges of a car's roof to indicate the vehicle's width. Functions of small lights: 1. They make vehicles more easily recognizable during daytime driving; 2. When a motor vehicle turns, the small lights are activated to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians; 3. They provide road illumination during nighttime driving. Situations requiring small light activation: 1. Driving in fog: With low visibility in foggy conditions, turning on position lights along with fog lights enhances warning signals for other vehicles; 2. Rainy weather: During poor visibility in rainy conditions, small lights can be used alone for warning purposes; 3. Evening driving: When streetlights are absent at dusk and surrounding vehicles become indistinct, activating small lights improves visibility for other vehicles' safety.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and the small lights refer to the position lights on a vehicle, typically located on both sides of the front and the corners of the rear. Their purpose is to enhance visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions. When driving with the headlights on, these small lights automatically illuminate; you can also manually turn them on when parked to alert pedestrians of the vehicle's presence. I regularly check if these small light bulbs are burnt out. If they are, it's crucial to replace them promptly—costing just a few dollars—otherwise, in foggy or rainy nights, others might struggle to see the car's position, increasing collision risks. Many modern new cars come with automatic lighting systems, but small lights remain fundamental. Developing the habit of maintaining them can save a lot of trouble. I recommend checking the wiring and contact points every six months during routine maintenance.
As a safety-conscious driver, I believe that parking lights are an essential part of vehicle safety. They are position lights designed to display the vehicle's outline at dusk or night. Not turning them on in complex road conditions can easily lead to other drivers misjudging distances and causing accidents. I always ensure they are functioning properly. Unlike headlights, parking lights have lower brightness but consume less power, making them particularly crucial when parking or driving at low speeds. Some regulations require them to be turned on in specific road sections. I also recommend developing the habit of checking the parking lights before turning on the headlights. If there are issues with the bulbs or fuses, address them promptly to avoid unnecessary trouble.
When I first started driving, I was also puzzled about what the small lights were. They are actually the position lights on the car, which light up when you turn on the headlights to indicate the car's position. Located at the edges of the front and rear light clusters, their function is simple: to prevent others from not seeing your car in the dark. I think they are quite basic but practical, especially when parking or driving on cloudy days—don't forget to turn them on. Now that I know more about cars, I make sure to regularly check if the bulbs are blackened and replace them if they're broken—it's very cheap.
