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Light up your Vehicle: Types, Purpose and Use

TopNotch Team

Types and Purpose of the vehicle lights:


Headlights

Essential for ensuring visibility in low-light conditions and promoting the safety of all road users.

They come in two types:

-High beam headlights emit a wide and intensely focused light beam. These headlights provide maximum visibility and illuminate the road ahead without limiting the light directed at other drivers.

-Low beam headlights provide short-range and adequate illumination without causing excessive glare to the oncoming traffic. 


Daytime running lights

Daytime running lights (DRLs) are designed to increase a vehicle's visibility during the day, making it easier for other road users to spot the car.


Note: that DRLs should not replace headlights in situations with poor visibility, such as during rain or fog. Drivers must use their headlights and fog lights as needed in these instances.


Fog Lights

These are a specialized type of vehicle lighting that is designed to help drivers see in dense fog or snow. They emit a unique, wide, and low beam pattern that illuminates the road surface and prevents light reflection. They are available in both front and rear types.


Turn Signal Lights/Indicators

Use it to signal to other drivers and pedestrians that you intend to change lanes, make a turn or slow down.  The front turn signal lights are typically located in the headlight assembly. They can also be found on your side mirrors. And the rear turn signal lights can be found in the taillight assembly.

Using turn signal lights is a critical aspect of safe driving and is legally required. 


Tail lights

The red lights on the rear of your car that turn on automatically when your headlights are on. They serve two primary functions: to signal to other drivers that you are slowing down or stopping and to improve visibility when driving at night.

Tail lights typically consist of a red lens that covers a bulb or group of bulbs. Some tail lights also include additional lighting features, such as brake lights, turn signal lights.


Brake lights

They are the brighter red lights located at the rear of the car that illuminate when the driver applies the brakes. Brake lights are designed to alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping.

The location of the brake lights is typically in the rear of the vehicle, mounted on the trunk or rear bumper. 


Parking Lights

Parking lights, also known as sidelights or position lights, are small lights located at the front and rear of a car. They are typically orange or white in color and are found on the same housing as the headlights and taillights.

Parking lights make your car more visible to other drivers in low-light situations, such as at dusk or dawn. They also provide a small amount of illumination to help you navigate when parked in a dark area.


Side Marker Lights

Side marker lights on your car's side body can be spotted near the front wheel or behind the rear wheel. Depending on your vehicle's design, they may be attached to the bumper, fender, or rear quarter panel. These little car lights serve a dual purpose: increasing visibility for the driver and other road users and acting as an early warning system.This allows for an easier view for other drivers to see your vehicle, especially during nighttime or poor weather conditions. They also signal your intentions when you're about to make a turn or change lanes.


Hazard Warning Lights

Hazard warning lights are used to alert other road users of potential hazards or emergency situations. These lights usually flash in amber or red and activate a vehicle's front and rear turn signal indicators. They are commonly known as flashers or hazard warning lights and use the same bulb as the turn signals.

This light switch is typically found on the dashboard, center console, or steering column, with an icon depicting a triangle encompassing an exclamation mark. They should only be activated when your vehicle is stationary due to an emergency, mechanical breakdown, or other obstructions that may pose a danger to other motorists.


Interior Lights

These lights are situated strategically in locations such as the dome, map, and door areas. The dome light, your car's main light source, is found overhead, while map lights cater to your front-seat passenger's reading needs. Additionally, door lights greet you with their warm glow as you enter or exit your vehicle.



Lights To Use in Different Situations: A quick breakdown on which lights to use in various situations.


Daytime Driving

You should use Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) to enhance your vehicle's visibility. It can reduce the risk of multi-vehicle daytime crashes.


Nighttime Driving in the Traffic

Use of the low beam headlights are your go-to option. 


Rural Areas and Dark Roads

In rural areas or poorly lit roads, high beam headlights, or main beams, provide maximum forward illumination. However, be sure to switch back to low beams when you see an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet of a vehicle you're following.


Foggy Conditions

Fog lights are specifically designed to improve visibility during fog, heavy rain, or snow. Advise that you should be used with low beam headlights. 


Rainy Weather

Low beam headlights are essential for visibility. As well as ensuring your taillights, brake lights and turn signals are properly functioning so other drivers will see you during downpours.


Hazardous Situations

Activate your hazard lights, or emergency flashers, to warn other drivers. Examples include disabled vehicles, accidents, or temporary obstructions on the road.


Turning and Changing Lanes

Turn signals, or indicators, are crucial for communicating your intentions to other drivers, use when changing lanes, merging, or making turns.



Choose The Bright And Durable Car Bulb Replacement

If you're experiencing issues with your car lights, it might be time to replace the bulbs. At Top Notch we not only provide a range of light bulbs for your vehicle, we also do installation. 


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