What is the small switch on the right side of the headlight switch in a Volkswagen?
4 Answers
The small switch on the right side of the headlight switch in a Volkswagen is used to adjust the instrument panel's interior lighting background and brightness. Taking the 2021 Volkswagen Lamando Fashion Edition as an example, it is a compact 4-door, 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of 4615mm in length, 1826mm in width, and 1425mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2656mm. The 2021 Volkswagen Lamando Fashion Edition is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a maximum power of 96 kW and a maximum torque of 225 Nm. It features front-wheel drive, with a MacPherson independent suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.
When I drove the old Passat before, I noticed that the knob on the right side of the light switch had two positions. Turning it to the first position adjusts the dashboard brightness—rotating it at night helps you see the speedometer clearly, as driving with it too dim can strain your eyes. The second position turns on the rear fog light, which is useful during heavy rain or thick fog when visibility is low. The red light has strong penetration, making it easier for vehicles behind to spot you from a distance. The design is quite practical, though many people overlook these small features. This layout is common across most Volkswagen models. Just remember not to fiddle with the fog light unnecessarily, as it might dazzle drivers behind you.
I've been driving Volkswagen cars for fifteen years, and that small rotary knob is the most practical feature—the fog light control. It has two-stage adjustment: the first stage allows you to twist it to adjust the instrument panel backlight brightness, adapting to different lighting conditions between day and night; the second stage involves pressing it to activate the rear fog light, which illuminates a striking red light at the back of the car during heavy rain. I remember two winters ago on the highway in thick fog, turning it on really helped the cars behind maintain a safe distance. Don’t turn it on when it’s not needed, as it wastes battery and can distract others. The knob is located just below the left side of the steering wheel—you’ll get the hang of it after a few tries.
I often use the knob on the left to adjust brightness. The first notch on the right side controls the intensity of the dashboard lighting, which is very convenient for adjusting according to streetlight conditions during commutes; twisting it all the way down can activate the red rear fog light, especially useful in rainy or foggy weather. Volkswagen's design saves space and is practical, for commuters like me who rely on this feature during morning and evening rush hours.
