What are the various types of lights in your car and how important are they?

On our cars, we have various types of lights, such as headlights that can be set to different modes, dipped lights, indicators that also serve as hazard lights and tail lights and brake lights that are close to the lights.

Car bulbs are critical components, and if even one fails, you will fail your MOT test or risk being pulled over by the police. It is recommended that you get your local car mechanic to check all the lights are working during a car service in Reading.

The following sections will explain in detail what lights you'll find on your car and what they're used for:

Headlights - Headlights are classified into two types:

Low beam (also known as dipped) and high beam. These lights allow the driver to see the road in the dark while also alerting other drivers that a vehicle is nearby. Low beam headlights are the most commonly used headlights because they are brighter than sidelights but not as bright as full beam headlights. They get their name from the fact that they are pointing and focused downwards, towards the road. The switch to activate them is usually located on a dashboard dial or a contorted pointer tail known as an indicator stalk. Headlights on newer and more modern vehicles work without the driver's assistance and can be set to auto mode. In other words, turn on and adjust the brightness mode as the light begins to dim while driving.

Full beam headlights are the brightest type of headlights found in most cars. They are more pointed and focused than low beam headlights, allowing you to see more of the road. Full beam headlights should only be used on dark stretches of road in the evenings or at night, and they should be turned off when approaching traffic, including cyclists, as they can dazzle other drivers' vision and cause a major accident. The switch to turn them on is usually located near the switch for low beam headlights, and they may use a different arrangement of bulbs.

Fog lights - Fog lights are designed to cut through mist and fog, as opposed to full beam lights, which are reflected by fog and mist. They are typically sold in two sets, front and back, with the switches colour coded. The colour amber is used for back fog lights and green is used for front lights. When perceivability is less than 100 metres, you should consider using your mist lights. In many vehicles, you must first turn on your low beam headlights before turning on the fog light switch.

Hazard warning lights - Your Hazard lights can be seen on all sides of your car and are the lights that are typically used as indicators. The flashing amber lights are used to warn other drivers of potential danger, danger, or obstructions on the road. A triangle shape is used to represent the dashboard button. If your vehicle is broken down, you should turn on your hazard lights to warn others that you are causing a temporary obstruction. You can also use your hazard lights if you are driving on a highway and there is a hazard ahead that you need to warn other drivers about.

Indicators - Indicators, like your hazard lights, are visible on all sides of your vehicle. Using your indicator stalk, you move the flickering amber lights down one side of your vehicle. They also turn off automatically when you straighten your wheels after making a turn. Indicators should be used to show other drivers and pedestrians where you intend to go. This includes traffic circles, pulling indefinitely, overtaking, and switching to another lane. Make sure you don't leave it past the point of no return, or turn them on too soon, as others may suspect you're going backwards.

Sidelights/parking lights – These are typically found in the headlamp unit in your car's front corners. They are not as bright as headlights and are used by drivers to make themselves visible to oncoming traffic when it is too dark for main lights. The switch to activate them is typically located on a dashboard dial or the indicator stalk.

Tail lights - Tail lights are red and can be found on the back of your vehicle. They turn on and off at the same time as your headlights. Whether you manually turn on your headlights or they operate automatically, they will illuminate in any case.

Brake lights - These are also red and are located near your tail lights. They illuminate to indicate to other drivers that you have applied your brakes and are slowing down. You must keep them perfect and operational at all times. Aside from the dangers mentioned, a faulty brake light could result in a police stop.