Looking after car headlights

Whether you need to turn down the brightness or change a bulb, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to car headlights.

In this blog post, we’ll shine a spotlight on the things you can do to make your upcoming journeys brighter and bolder. We’ll break down all the essential light checks, legal requirements and signs to watch out for when it comes to your car headlights.

What are the different types of car lights?

• Headlights - High (full) beam or low (dipped) beam. Use when visibility is reduced.
• Daytime running lights - These are automatically activated front lights, depending on visibility.
• Sidelights - Often referred to as parking lights, these are stationed near the headlamps and are typically used when it’s dark or cloudy but not quite dark enough for dipped beams.
• Hazard lights - All four indicators flash simultaneously as a warning the vehicle is stationery, unexpectedly slowing down or reversing.
• Front fog lights - Small white lights, based in the bumper area that help improve visibility by illuminating the road surface.
• Rear fog lights - Single or double red lights that help make your vehicle more visible to drivers behind you, especially in adverse weather conditions.
• Brake lights - Red warning lights that activate at the rear of the car when you press the brake pedal down.

In need of some enlightenment when it comes to the symbols for full beams and fog lights? Need to know the difference between dipped headlights and daytime running lights?

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the lighting controls before setting off on any journey - especially if you're in a new or borrowed car.

The Highway Code’s lighting requirements

Rules 113 to 116 of The Highway Code cover lighting requirements:

113

You MUST

• ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise
• use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20mph (32km/h) in Wales, unless otherwise specified
• use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226).

Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise).

114

You MUST NOT

• use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
• use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users (see Rule 226).

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.

115

You should also

• use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen
• keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users
• slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights

116

Hazard warning lights. These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.

How do I check my car’s lights are working?

Whether you own a car or are borrowing one with temporary car insurance, one of the most practical ways of checking your lights are working is to turn them on before you start driving. Have a walk around the car and check to see if every one is shining bright, or ask a passenger, friend or family member to do the same. You also might be able to see if headlights are working by seeing if they shine on a garage door or a wall.

How do I look after my car lights?

• Check them regularly - Have a look at your lights every fortnight or so. Don’t forget the registration plate or fog lights and replace the bulbs if needed.
• Give them a clean - Clean your car lights and number plate at the same time, especially during the winter months. Remove grime with a rag or paper and water and use screen wash to get rid of more stubborn residue.
• Adjust them correctly - Make sure your headlights are in the correct position. If they’re too low, you won’t be able to see as well driving in the dark. If too high, you could dazzle other road users. Refer to your vehicle owner’s handbook to see how you make these adjustments.

Suspension issues, heavy loads and shock absorption can all contribute to issues with your headlight placement.

What are the legal requirements for UK car lights?

Firstly, it is a legal requirement that all mandatory lights must be working when driving your car. These include:

• Main beam
• Dipped headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicator lights
• Running lights
• Licence plate lights
• Fog lights
• Emergency lights
• Reverse lights
• Reflector lights
• Parking lights

It is not ok to drive with just one headlight on a UK road. If one needs replacing, you need to do this asap. If you don’t, you could face a fixed penalty notice of £100 and three points on your licence.

While all the mandatory lights will be checked as part of your annual MOT, it’s important to ensure they are roadworthy all year round. The following will be checked during your MOT test:

• The condition of the lights - Are there any defects?
• Operation - Are the lights turning on and off when you hit the controls?
• Headlamp aim - Where are the lights being aimed? Is this safe?
• Cleanliness - Are they as bright as they should be?
• Security - Are the lights as securely fitted as they should be?
• Full beam - Are they shining bright and is your dashboard indicating this?

As well as being legal necessities, working lights help you see what’s coming up ahead - and other drivers to see you.

Which headlights fit my car?

If your lights have gone out and you need to replace the bulb, there are a number of options:

• Check in your owner’s manual - This will contain the correct information.
• Check the old bulb - Does it have a code printed on the base?
• Check online - Find an online lookup tool and search your vehicle make and model.
• Take your car to an auto parts store - The store members will be able to assist you, and even replace the bulb for a small fee.

If the headlight itself is broken, you should take your car to a professional to find a replacement and carry out the repair. You could also do this yourself, if you are confident you know what you are doing.

Understanding modern lights

Daytime running lights (DRLs) have been mandatory in new passenger cars and light vans since 2011 and for large vehicles like trucks and buses from 2012. Existing models made before these dates did not need to be retrofitted.

• Daytime running lights are used for seeing in daylight.
• Dipped headlights are used for seeing in low light. This includes dusk and weather that reduces visibility.

Some drivers have been complaining that the increasingly common LED headlamps as they are whiter, more focused and brighter than halogen lamps fitted in older cars. The BBC reports the government is set to launch a new report investigating the design of cars and headlamps on UK roads and the impact these have on other drivers.

What should I do in the face of bright headlamps?

According to the College of Optometrists, you should:

• Ensure your windscreen is clean.
• Wear glasses (if needed) and keep them clean.
• Focus on the edge of the road, rather than looking straight ahead.
• Do not wear night sunglasses, as they reduce overall light and do not reduce glare.

Can I rely on automatic headlights?

You should never rely solely on the automatic nature of your headlights, especially in gloomier conditions like heavy rain, fog and snow. You should drive safely and sensibly in these conditions, keeping a close but safe distance away from the car in front.

Learn how to turn dipped beams on manually so they can work alongside your DLR.

What are the most common types of headlight?

• Halogen - The most popular and affordable headlights. They have a low level or brightness and short lifespan compared to other options.
• LED - The standard in most newer vehicles. They have a longer lifespan and better efficiency than halogen light and are clear and sharp.
• Xenon (HID) - A high level of brightness with a medium lifespan and cool blue/white tone that can sometimes cause glare to other drivers.
• Laser - Much brighter and more advanced than other headlight options, laser headlights are found in advanced models and offer an extremely high level of brightness.
• Matrix - Adaptive, automatic headlights that use multiple LEDs to adjust brightness and even turn off sections of a light to avoid other drivers experiencing glare.

When should I use fog lights?

Some outlets suggest using the 100-metre rule for switching on your fog lights. This is when you can’t see beyond the length of a football pitch (roughly around 100m or 328ft). As soon as visibility improves, you should turn your fog lights off as they can dazzle other drivers and potentially leave you with a £50 fine for misuse.

When should I use my main beam?

If you’re driving down a rural road or one with poor visibility, you can turn on your headlights’ main beams to be able to see further ahead. Just make sure the road is clear and that there are no other vehicles around.

If you spot another car on the road, especially in oncoming traffic, you should switch to dipped headlights immediately. You should also avoid using full beams when following other drivers. This will save you from dazzling any other drivers on the road.

Avoid using your main beam on motorways due to the central barrier and heavy traffic. Both of these aspects can increase the risk of dazzling other drivers and potentially causing accidents or collisions.

How to remove moisture from car headlights without opening them

If you’re seeing condensation in your headlights and want to remove it, you could try moving the car into direct sunlight and point the headlights up towards the sun. This should help the moisture evaporate.

You could also try turning your headlights on for 20 to 30 minutes to generate heat, but don’t forget to turn them back off.

Light the way ahead…

You need to ensure your lights are working, no matter where you’re going and what car you’re driving. It’s always worth having a quick look around to make sure everything is in working order before starting your next adventure.

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/car-lights-and-headlights-what-they-are-and-when-to-use-them/

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/using-your-lights

https://news.motability.co.uk/everyday-tips/when-to-use-car-lights-the-complete-guide/

https://club.autodoc.co.uk/magazin/car-light-guide-types-lights-and-when-use-them

https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/lighting-requirements.html

https://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-modern-headlights