How do you turn off the lights when parked?
To turn off the exterior lights when you’ve parked, set the headlight control to OFF or to Auto and ensure the engine is off. Some modern cars also offer a brief “follow-me-home” lighting delay after you lock up; if you don’t want that feature, it can usually be disabled in the vehicle’s settings. This guide explains common controls and what to check if the lights stay on.
Understanding how your vehicle controls its lights
Exterior lighting in modern cars is managed by a few core options: a manual headlight switch (or stalk) on the dashboard or steering column, an Auto setting that turns lights on and off based on ambient light, and a separate control for parking lights or side lights. Some models also include a short-off delay after you turn the engine off, meant to help you see when you’re exiting the vehicle.
Manual headlight switch
On cars with a physical dial or lever, rotate the switch to OFF to extinguish all exterior lights. In many designs, the OFF position is labeled with a zero or the word “OFF.” Verify that the indicator lamps inside the cabin aren’t drawing power when you expect the lights to be off.
Automatic headlights (AUTO) and off-delay features
In Auto mode, the system uses sensors to activate headlights as needed and usually turns them off automatically when the engine is off and there’s enough daylight. If your vehicle keeps the lights on briefly after you park or lock the doors, this is often a delay feature known as follow-me-home or an exit lighting setting. You can usually disable or adjust this setting in the vehicle’s infotainment or instrument cluster menu, depending on the model.
Parking lights and related settings
Some cars provide separate parking lights that stay on when the doors are unlocked or the car is parked. These can be independent of the main headlights. If you want to avoid any exterior lighting after parking, make sure the parking-light control is off in addition to the main headlight control.
What to do if the lights won’t turn off
If the exterior lights remain on after you’ve parked and turned the engine off, you could be dealing with a stuck switch, a faulty relay, or a misbehaving door/hood sensor. Start by confirming the control is definitively set to OFF or Auto (with the engine off). Check that all doors, including the trunk, are closed and that interior lights aren’t remaining on due to a separate switch. If the problem persists, consult the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance or contact a dealer or qualified technician to diagnose electrical faults or a failing control module.
Tips for different vehicle types
While the exact controls vary by make and model, the general approach is similar across most modern cars: use OFF or AUTO to ensure lights aren’t left on and review any delay or follow-me-home settings if you notice lights staying on after you park. For some European or premium brands, you may need to navigate the vehicle’s settings menu to disable a parking-light delay or exit-light feature.
Summary
Turning off car lights when parked typically involves moving the exterior-light switch to OFF or Auto and ensuring any follow-me-home or delayed-off features are disabled if you don’t want them. If lights persist after parking, inspect the switch, fuses, relays, and door sensors, and consult the owner’s manual or a professional for a precise diagnosis.
Bottom line: knowing your specific model’s controls helps you avoid battery drain and unnecessary illumination, keeping your parked vehicle safe and compliant with local lighting rules.
How do I turn the parking light off?
Almost all light switches in modern cars are either mounted on the dashboard, to the right-hand side of the steering wheel, or on the end of the indicator stalk. Your parking lights can be switched on and off by rotating the dial into the correct position, or pressing a button depending on the car.
Where is the parking light switch on a car?
In the vast majority of modern cars, you can turn your sidelights on with the same control as your headlights. This is usually a stalk on the steering wheel or a small dial to the side. The parking lights symbol is usually two small semi-circles facing in opposite directions.
How do I turn off the car lights when parked?
One common way is to just turn your auto lights off. Another is to turn your vehicle off, apply the parking brake and the lights will stay off.
How fast will headlights drain a battery?
There is no exact time, as it depends on the car's battery condition, charge level, and headlight technology, but a typical car battery can run headlights for 1-2 hours before the engine may not start. Newer cars with LED headlights and automatic shut-off features may last much longer, while older cars with older batteries may die in less time. A completely drained battery will need to be recharged, and a deeply discharged one may have its lifespan shortened.
Factors that affect battery life
- Battery condition: An older or worn-out battery will have a reduced capacity and will die much faster. A strong, new battery will last significantly longer.
- Battery charge: A battery that is already low on charge will drain faster than a fully charged one.
- Headlight technology: Halogen headlights use more power than LED headlights, so they will drain the battery more quickly.
- Temperature: Colder weather reduces a car battery's power, meaning it will die faster in winter than in summer.
- Automatic shut-off feature: Many modern cars automatically turn off the headlights after a few minutes of the engine being off to prevent the battery from draining completely.
What to do if you left the lights on
- If the car still starts: Drive the car for a while to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. It may have slightly shortened the battery's overall lifespan, but it's likely fine for now.
- If the car doesn't start: You will need to jump start the battery or have it recharged. It's a good idea to have a professional check the battery and charging system, especially if this happens frequently, as it could be a sign of a failing battery.
