What Lights to Use When Driving in Snow?
3 Answers
Snowy conditions require the use of fog lights and low beam headlights. Below are the methods and precautions for using car lights: Correct methods for using car lights: Turn the left light control switch forward one notch for parking lights, two notches for low beam headlights, push the light control lever forward once for high beam headlights, and lift the light control lever forward once for the right turn signal. Precautions for using car lights: Use low beam headlights when driving at night, avoid using high beams when a following vehicle is close to the one in front, and alternate between high and low beams when passing sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic signals at night.
When driving in snowy conditions, I usually turn on the front and rear fog lights along with the low beams. This makes my car more visible to others and allows me to see farther ahead. Snow reflects light intensely, so never use high beams—it just creates a blinding whiteout and increases danger. I reduce my speed to the minimum, maintaining about 70% of the speed limit, and leave twice the usual safe distance from the car ahead. The defogging function is also crucial—turn it on to prevent window fogging from blocking your view. If your mirrors have heating, activate it immediately. Snowy roads increase tire slippage, so switching to snow tires or adding chains in advance is much safer. If the snowstorm worsens, I find a safe spot to pull over and wait instead of pushing through.
When driving in snowy conditions, my favorite tools are the front and rear fog lights. Their strong penetration helps me see the road clearly amidst the falling snow, and makes my car more visible to others. High beams are absolutely a no-go—they just cause glare and make everything invisible. Using low beams for assistance is sufficient. Speed control is crucial; I take my foot off the accelerator and move slowly, avoiding sharp turns or sudden brakes. Don’t forget to press the defrost button for the windows, and turn on the heater or external circulation to prevent icing. If there’s heavy snow, install snow chains and check tire pressure to ensure it’s not low. With poor visibility in the snow, I turn on the radio to listen to weather forecasts and adjust my plans accordingly. If it’s dark or the fog is thick, turning on the hazard lights to warn vehicles behind is also a good idea.
