Why does the Wuling Hongguang have only one reversing light?
4 Answers
Because the Wuling Hongguang is equipped with only one reversing light. Many vehicle models have only one reversing light, with the rear fog light positioned on the opposite side, which also reduces the failure rate. Here is the relevant information: Reversing light: The reversing light is installed at the rear of the vehicle to illuminate the road behind and warn vehicles and pedestrians that the car is reversing. All reversing lights are white. Regulations: Starting in 2001, China's traffic laws were revised to require each vehicle to have at least one fog light and one reversing light. Vehicles under 6 meters in length are mandated to have one reversing light, with the option to install a second one. Due to this regulation, many automakers, while complying with national standards, install only one reversing light. This not only adheres to legal requirements but also reduces manufacturing costs.
I've been driving a Wuling Hongguang for over a decade, and this is a great question. It's quite common for reverse lights to have only one side illuminated, especially in economy models. On the Wuling Hongguang, the right side is the reverse light while the left position is reserved for the rear fog light - this is an intentional design by the manufacturer. National regulations require at least one reverse light but don't mandate two, so manufacturers arrange it this way to control costs. Besides, a single reverse light provides sufficient brightness for checking rear conditions when reversing at night. My neighbor also thought there was a problem with the lights when they got their new car and caused quite a stir at the dealership before realizing it was normal. One thing to note: if the right light completely fails to illuminate, it might indicate a burnt bulb or wiring issue. When reversing, don't rely solely on the lights - using your mirrors in combination is safer.
Last time when I repaired a Wuling Hongguang, the owner asked about this. The right side has the reversing light, while the left side is the rear fog light—this is completely normal. Car designers considered saving materials and costs, and regulations allow installing only one reversing light, hence this arrangement. A single reversing light is actually bright enough to provide sufficient illumination when reversing in a parking lot. Another point is that separating the functions on the left and right sides makes it easier to identify—other drivers can tell by the light position whether you're reversing or using the fog light. I advised the owner to check the manual, which includes a diagram of the light positions. If any genuine signs of malfunction are noticed, such as a blackened bulb or a cracked lens, it's recommended to replace the parts promptly.
When I first bought the Wuling Hongguang, I also wondered why only the right reversing light was on. Later I learned that the left one is actually a fog light, and there's only one reversing light. Manufacturers designed it this way mainly to save costs, since adding another light would require extra wiring and switches. The brightness of a single light is completely sufficient for nighttime reversing—I've never felt the lighting was inadequate when backing into a parking space. I remember using the fog light on a rainy day, and having them separated does make identification easier. The white, bright color of the reversing light clearly distinguishes it from other red or yellow lights, preventing confusion for vehicles behind. Just use it with confidence—if both lights were on, that would actually be unusual.
