Car Care
Exterior car lighting is not only an essential accessory but also a legal requirement. Visibility on the roads is of utmost importance when safety is concerned. No matter the time of day, a driver should be able to clearly see what's ahead, and nearby road users should be able to spot him/her easily. This is achievable only if the driver's exterior lights are effective. Poor visibility accounts for the majority of car accidents. Apart from improving visibility, lights also play an aesthetic role. One can improve a car's look by installing custom lights. There are different types of lights, and as a driver, you should be able to identify them and their functions.
They are also referred to as signal lights or blinkers and are located next to the sides of the headlights and taillights. They play a crucial role of visual communication. They primarily inform other road users that you are about to slow down and make a turn. In the rare cases of an emergency or car problem, they are used as hazard lights. This is done by flashing the left and the right indicators simultaneously.
The main purpose of these lights is to maintain or increase long-range road vision in poor light conditions. They also inform other road users that you are approaching. There are two types of headlamps, and they are the high beam and the low beam headlamps. The low beam headlamps produce a dim light that is enough to brighten up the road without affecting the visibility of oncoming drivers. The high beam headlamps produce an intense and bright light, and they enable the driver to see further and have a wider field of view. However, the use of high beam headlamps should be controlled since the intense amount of light may affect the sight of other drivers. Daytime running lights are fixed next to headlamps, and they help make your car more visible during the day or in foggy conditions. They are always on and light up as soon as the engine is fired up.
The taillamps main function is to notify drivers behind you that there is a car ahead and enable them to gauge the distance in-between. The standard colour for rear lights is red as the colour is easy to identify. They usually engage in unison with headlamps. Brake lights are usually mounted right next to the taillamps. Brake lights are usually brighter, and they are used to signify that you are slowing down or intend to stop.
These lights are usually setup beneath the headlamps, especially near the bumper. As the name suggests, their purpose is to increase short range visibility when sight has been heavily compromised by conditions such as fog and heavy snow. They go a long way in avoiding accidents in such conditions.
What car owners ought to keep in mind is the fact that lights are subject to the principle of wear and tear. They need to regularly check and replace their lighting bulbs. For example, in the case of taillamps and brake lights, both are vital and are often under one casing. A fault may arise and the taillamps work as usual but one brake lamp isn't. When this occurs, sometimes it may be hard for the car owner to know that there is a problem, which begs the need to be extra vigilant. If bulbs burn out at the most needed moments such as night time, the results may be devastating.
There are various signs that ought to raise a red flag. The first sign is dimming. When either of your lights starts dimming, it may be a sign of excess dust or a fault. If dust is not the cause of the problem, then be sure that a blackout is coming soon. Another sign is when one bulb burns out. Similar lamp bulbs are usually used on each side, so if left taillight suddenly goes off consider replacing the right one too. This may be a sign that there may be a problem or limitation with that type or brand of bulb. It is worth noting that if several bulbs stop working at once may not necessarily be bulbs burning out. This may be a sign of a technical fault in the wiring or electrical components.
Ensuring your brake lights function properly is critical for safety. When you press the brake pedal, all of your brake lights – typically located on either side and often integrated with the taillights – should illuminate brightly.
The easiest way to check is to have a friend stand behind your car while you depress the brake pedal. Verify that both lights activate simultaneously and are free from cracks or damage. You can also inspect them yourself by looking at their reflection in a window or shiny surface.
Don’t forget to check if your center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) is working too! A faulty brake light could lead to rear-end collisions, so regular checks are essential.
High and low beam headlights serve different purposes. Low beams provide a dim, downward-facing light that illuminates the road immediately in front of your vehicle without blinding oncoming drivers.
High beams project a bright, long-range light, allowing you to see further ahead when driving at night on dark roads with no other traffic. However, it’s crucial *not* to use high beams when there are approaching vehicles—it can severely impair their vision and create a dangerous situation.
Think of low beams as your primary nighttime driving lights, while high beams are for occasional use on open stretches of road. Properly switching between the two is essential for safe night driving.
Daytime Running Lights, or DRLs, are fixed next to your headlights and automatically illuminate when the engine is on. They significantly increase your car’s visibility during daylight hours, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
Many newer vehicles come standard with factory-installed DRLs. In some countries and states, they are legally required. Even if not mandated in your area, DRLs add a valuable layer of safety, especially in overcast conditions or when driving towards oncoming traffic.
Aftermarket DRL kits are available for older cars. They’re relatively easy to install and can be a worthwhile investment for improving road safety, even if they aren't legally necessary where you live.
There isn’t a strict time frame, but it’s smart to be proactive. Bulbs dim over time, reducing visibility. As a general rule, if one bulb burns out, replace both on that side – the other is likely nearing its end too.
Regularly inspect your lights during routine maintenance (oil changes are good reminders). Look for dimness, discoloration, or flickering. Halogen bulbs typically last 500-1000 hours, while LEDs can last much longer—up to 30,000+ hours. However, even LEDs can fail.
Ignoring failing lights isn’t worth the risk. A burned-out taillight or brake light is a safety hazard and could get you a ticket. It's better to spend a few bucks on bulbs than risk an accident.
Progressive shift lights illuminate gradually as RPM climbs—think of a visual tachometer. A strip of LEDs lights up one by one, giving you a sense of how close you are to your set shift point. The full strip glowing indicates it’s time to change gears.
Sequential shift lights work differently. They flash in a chasing pattern when you hit the target RPM, creating an unmistakable "shift now" signal. It's harder to miss than a static row of LEDs.
Progressive is better for feel and finesse—you learn to anticipate shifts as the lights climb. Sequential is more aggressive and definitive, ideal for high-stress racing where you need zero ambiguity. Consider your driving style when choosing!
