Why is there only one reverse light on?
3 Answers
There is only one reverse light because national regulations allow vehicles with a length of less than 6 meters to be required to install only one reverse light, with the option to install an additional one. Therefore, many manufacturers choose to install only one reverse light. Below are the specific reasons why there is only one reverse light: 1. Chinese National Standards: The design for left-hand drive vehicles is 'left fog light, right reverse light.' The rear light design for left-hand drive vehicles places the red light (fog light) on the left to warn vehicles behind that may be overtaking, while the reverse light is on the right to facilitate nighttime illumination when parking on the right side. For right-hand drive vehicles, the rear light design is the opposite. 2. Design: Since reverse lights are white and designed to illuminate the rear of the vehicle, they are very bright, enough to overshadow the width indicator lights. If there were two symmetrical reverse lights, it could easily mislead drivers behind into thinking the vehicle is approaching head-on, reducing their alertness. Having only one reverse light not only avoids this misunderstanding but also leaves the other side's tail light visible. This way, drivers behind can see one red and one white light, indicating that the vehicle ahead is reversing. 3. Fog Light: There is only one fog light because fog lights have stronger penetration in heavy fog and are much brighter than width indicator lights, often as bright as brake lights. Therefore, if there were two symmetrical fog lights, they could easily be mistaken for brake lights, making it difficult to distinguish when the brakes are actually applied, which could lead to dangerous situations.
I've seen many cars with only one reverse light working, which is quite a common issue. The most likely cause is a burnt-out bulb. Reverse light bulbs generally don't last long, as frequent switching and vibrations can easily break the filament. If replacing the bulb doesn't fix it, check the wiring or fuse—it might be a loose connector or a blown fuse interrupting the current. Additionally, older car models are prone to this problem due to aging wiring. Don't underestimate it; poor visibility when reversing at night can lead to accidents, like scraping a wall or hitting a pedestrian. It's advisable to regularly inspect the lighting system and visit a repair shop if anything seems off. Replacing a bulb usually costs just a few dozen bucks, so don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.
If you notice that only one reverse light is working, don't rush to spend money on repairs—try troubleshooting it yourself first. The most common issue is a burnt-out bulb. Just head to the supermarket to buy a replacement bulb of the same model, open the tail light cover, and swap it out using only a screwdriver. If the bulb is fine, check whether the fuse is blown. Locate the corresponding marking in the car's fuse box—replacing a fuse isn't difficult either. If both the bulb and fuse are okay, then consider issues like a short circuit or a faulty relay. That's when you should seek help from a professional mechanic. By the way, some budget cars are originally designed with only one reverse light to save space and costs, so don't panic. Make it a habit to check your lights weekly to ensure safe driving.
