Have you checked your car lights?
In spring, autumn, and winter, there's a greater chance of rain showers, poor visibility, and sometimes snow showers. Many people travel to and from home in the dark but driving in the dark can be tiring and sometimes even dangerous. That's why it's important to ensure you have good car lights. In this blog, we'll explain the importance of good car lights and provide some tips for staying safe on the road.
Why is good car lighting important?
Car lights are there to help you see and be seen by other road users. They also help you see the road ahead clearly and react more quickly to unexpected situations. In many European countries, it's mandatory to have low beams, high beams, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights on your car. If your car lights aren't working properly, this is dangerous for you and other road users and you can face fines.
What types of car lighting are there?
Low beam
Low beam headlights are used most often both inside and outside built-up areas. They make you clearly visible, making road use safer. They are used during the day in poor visibility or at night, when they are mandatory.
City light
City lights may be used when lights are not required, for example, during the day. In the dark or with poor visibility, it's mandatory to turn on the low beams (or fog lights) in addition to the city lights.
High beam
High beams illuminate the road much further. You may only use them when there are no other road users nearby, both inside and outside built-up areas.
Taillights make you visible to traffic behind you, brake lights show you are braking, and turn signals indicate which way you are going.
Fog lights
Fog lights are designed to improve your visibility in fog, rain, or snow. You turn them on manually. Use the front fog lights only when visibility is very poor. If you can see less than 200 metres ahead, they can be turned on.
You only use rear fog lights when visibility is less than 50 metres due to fog or snow. If it’s raining, you’re not allowed to use rear fog lights.
Automatic headlights? Even if your car has automatic headlights, you must turn on your fog lights manually. When the weather clears up, don't forget to turn your lights back off. Unnecessarily driving with fog lights on can result in a fine.
Did you know that the taillights of a vast majority of cars don't work when you have automatic headlights on? In autumn and winter, this can mean you're much less visible to other road users in fog, rain, or other inclement weather. And you don't want that! Prevent this by manually switching on your low beams in rain or fog. Otherwise, you're driving without lights in conditions where they're required.
Proper use of car lighting
It's important that your car lights are always in good condition. Therefore, check regularly that your lights are working. It's also important that you use the correct bulbs. You can find the correct bulbs for your car in your owner's manual.
Tips for safe driving in the dark
In addition to car lights, there are many things you can do to drive safely in the dark:
- Don't drive too fast. If you drive faster, you'll have less time to react to unexpected situations.
- Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. This gives you more time to react if the car in front of you needs to brake.
- Pay close attention to the road and other road users.
- Use the right lighting on time.
- Wash your windows regularly.
- Keep your headlights clean.
