Learning how to turn on car headlights is a fundamental skill for every driver. Locating your headlight control is the first step to safe nighttime driving, though its position can vary by vehicle. This guide will walk you through every common type of control, explain the different settings, and ensure you can see and be seen in any condition.
How To Turn On Car Headlights
The basic process for turning on your headlights is straightforward. You need to find the control stalk or dial, rotate or push it to the correct symbol, and verify the lights are on. Most modern cars also have an automatic setting, which we will cover in detail. The key is identifying which system your car uses.
Common Headlight Control Types
Car manufacturers use a few standard designs for headlight controls. You will typically find one of these three in your vehicle.
The Steering Column Stalk
This is the most common type, especially in cars from American and Asian manufacturers. The stalk extends from the side of the steering column, often the left side. To operate it, you twist or rotate the end of the stalk. One full twist usually turns on the parking lights, and a second twist turns on the low-beam headlights. Pulling the stalk toward you typically activates the high beams.
The Dashboard Rotary Dial
Many European cars and SUVs use a dial located on the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel. You turn this dial clockwise through the settings: off, parking lights, and then headlights. The symbols are clearly marked and easy to see. This dial sometimes also controls the front and rear fog lights.
The Touchscreen Or Button Panel
Some newer, often electric, vehicles have moved lighting controls to a touchscreen menu or a dedicated button panel. While sleek, this can be less intuitive. You may need to navigate to a “Lights” or “Vehicle” menu on the main screen. Familiarizing yourself with this system while parked is crucial for safety.
Step-By-Step Instructions For Each Control
Follow these specific steps based on the control type in your car.
- For a Steering Column Stalk: Sit in the driver’s seat and locate the stalk behind the steering wheel. Look for a rotating end with light symbols. Turn the end clockwise until it clicks into the position marked with the headlight icon. Check your dashboard for a green headlight indicator.
- For a Dashboard Dial: Find the rotary dial on the dash panel. It will have an “OFF” marking at the far left. Rotate the dial clockwise past the parking light symbol (usually a green light) to the low-beam symbol (a green light with lines pointing diagonally down).
- For a Touchscreen System: While the car is in “Park,” tap the car or settings icon on your touchscreen. Look for a menu labeled “Lights,” “Exterior Lights,” or “Vehicle Controls.” Tap the virtual button or slider to change from “Auto” or “Off” to “On.”
Understanding Headlight Symbols And Settings
Your headlight control is covered in symbols. Knowing what each one means is essential for proper use.
- Auto (A): This setting lets the car’s sensors turn lights on/off based on ambient light. It’s convenient but you should know how to override it.
- Off (O): All exterior lights are off. Daytime running lights may remain on.
- Parking Lights (P or a green symbol): Activates small marker lights on all four corners. Used for making your parked car visible.
- Low Beams (A headlight shape with lines pointing down): Your standard headlights for driving at night or in poor weather.
- High Beams (A headlight shape with straight lines): A blue dashboard light indicates these are on. Only use on dark, empty roads.
- Fog Lights (A light symbol with a wavy line): Separate buttons often control these for use in heavy fog, rain, or snow.
How To Use High Beams And Low Beams
Switching between high and low beams is a vital skill. Low beams provide adequate light without blinding other drivers. You should use them in all traffic, in cities, and in fog or rain.
High beams provide maximum forward visability. Only use them on dark, open roads with no oncoming traffic. To activate them, push the steering column stalk away from you until it clicks or locks. A blue indicator light will glow on your dashboard. To return to low beams, pull the stalk toward you. Many cars also have a “flash-to-pass” feature where a gentle pull toward you temporarily flashes the high beams.
Activating Your Fog Lights Correctly
Fog lights are specialized, wide, low-mounted beams that cut through fog, snow, or heavy rain. They are not the same as your regular headlights. They are usually controlled by a separate button or a second ring on the rotary dial. A crucial rule is that you should only turn on fog lights when visibility is significantly reduced. Using them in clear conditions can glare and distract other drivers. Remember to turn them off when conditions improve.
What Are Daytime Running Lights?
Daytime Running Lights, or DRLs, are automatic front lights that come on whenever the car is running and the headlights are off. They are designed to make your car more visible during the day, not to light your way. A common mistake is drivers thinking their DRLs are their headlights, but the rear lights remain off, making the car invisible from behind at night. Always manually ensure your full headlight system is activated at dusk or in bad weather.
Troubleshooting Common Headlight Problems
Sometimes, lights might not work as expected. Here are quick fixes for common issues.
- No Lights Turn On: Check if the control is in the correct position. Verify the car is not in “Auto” mode during a bright day. It could be a blown fuse—consult your owner’s manual for the fuse box location.
- Only One Headlight Works: This is almost always a burned-out bulb. It needs to be replaced promptly for safety and legality.
- High Beams Won’t Stay On: The stalk might be in the temporary “flash” position. Push it firmly until it locks into place for permanent high beams.
- Dashboard Light Is On But Headlights Are Dim: This could indicate a failing bulb, a weak battery, or a problem with the alternator. Have your electrical system checked.
Essential Headlight Safety Tips
Using your headlights properly is a major part of defensive driving. Turn your headlights on at least one hour before sunset and keep them on until one hour after sunrise. This is law in many states. Always use your headlights in rain, snow, sleet, and fog, even during the day. This makes you much more visible to others. Keep your headlight lenses clean; dirt and haze can reduce their effectiveness by over 50%. Regularly check that both your low beams and high beams are functioning correctly.
Consulting Your Vehicle’s Owner Manual
Your car’s owner manual is the definitive source for information on its specific lighting system. It will have diagrams showing the exact location of controls and explain any unique features your model has. If you’ve lost your physical manual, a digital version is almost always available on the manufacturer’s website. Taking ten minutes to read the lighting section can clear up any confusion and make you a more confident driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn on my car headlights in an older model car?
Older cars often have a simple pull-knob on the dashboard left of the steering wheel. You pull the knob outward to cycle through the settings. Some very old models may have a foot-operated switch on the floorboard near the driver’s left foot.
What does the automatic headlights setting do?
The “Auto” setting uses a light sensor, usually on the dashboard near the windshield, to automatically turn your low-beam headlights on when it gets dark and off when it’s bright. You should still manually override it in heavy rain or fog when the sensor might not activate.
Why won’t my car headlights turn off?
If your headlights stay on after you turn the car off, you likely have them manually switched on instead of in “Auto.” Check your control stalk or dial. Some cars have a “headlight delay” feature that keeps them on for a minute after you exit; this is normal.
Is it illegal to drive with my high beams on?
Yes, it is illegal in all states to drive with high beams on when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind another vehicle. It blinds other drivers and creates a serious saftey hazard.