How do you turn on the side lights on a car?

To turn on side lights, use the headlight switch and set it to the Parking/Side-light position, or switch to Auto if your car supports automatic lighting. On some models, you can activate them by pulling or rotating the indicator stalk to the parking-light detent. The exact method varies by make and year, so consult your owner's manual if you’re unsure.

Rotary headlight switch (common in many modern cars)

This control sits on the dashboard near the steering column. It typically offers several positions, including a parking-light detent (side lights), full headlights, and often an Auto mode that uses ambient light sensors to decide when to illuminate.

• Locate the rotary headlight switch on the dashboard near the steering wheel.


• Turn the dial to the parking-light (side-light) position to activate the side lights.


• If available, set the switch to Auto so lights come on automatically when needed.


• Make sure the ignition is on if required by your model.


• Check that the exterior lights are visibly illuminated from the outside.

In practice, most drivers use the parking-light detent for parked or low-visibility situations, and Auto for everyday driving. If the lights don’t come on as expected, verify the switch is in the correct position and consult the manual for model-specific guidance.

Steering-column stalk or button controls

Some vehicles use the turn-signal stalk or a dedicated button on the stalk to control parking lights. Actions can vary: you might rotate the end of the stalk to a parking-light setting or pull the stalk toward you to flash the lights. The exact motion depends on the vehicle.

• Find the indicator stalk and locate the parking-light detent or end-of-stalk control.


• Move the control to the parking-light position, or pull/press as required by your model.


• Hold briefly to flash, or position and release to keep them on, depending on the system.


• Return the stalk to its normal position to switch off the lights.


• Verify by looking for the front and rear parking lights glowing outside the vehicle.

If your car uses a stalk method but you’re unsure of the exact action, check the owner’s manual or a quick model-specific guide, as manufacturers often use slightly different control schemes.

Regional variations in terminology and behavior

Europe and the United Kingdom

In many European markets, side lights refer to the parking lights and are activated via the first detent on the headlight switch. They’re designed to keep the vehicle visible in low-light conditions without using full headlights. Always confirm the sequence for your specific model, as terminology and layout can differ by country and year.

North America

In the United States and Canada, vehicles commonly rely on daytime running lights by default and offer parking lights as a separate setting on the headlight switch. Some cars use Auto mode to manage lighting automatically. Because terminology can vary, refer to your owner's manual for the exact control and function on your vehicle.

Troubleshooting if side lights won’t come on

If the side lights fail to illuminate after following the standard steps, try these quick checks to diagnose common issues.

• Ensure the ignition is on and the switch is in the correct parking-light position or Auto mode.


• Check the fuses for the exterior lighting circuit and parking lights.


• Inspect bulbs for burnout or corrosion at their connectors.


• Look for any damaged wiring or loose connectors in the lighting circuit.


• If the problem persists, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to diagnose electrical or control-system faults.

Ignoring lighting issues can reduce visibility and safety. If you’re uncertain about any step, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional mechanic for assistance.

Summary

Turning on side lights typically involves using the headlight switch in the parking-light position, or activating a steering-column stalk control. Many modern cars also offer Auto mode to manage lighting automatically. Regional terminology varies, with Europe commonly referring to parking lights as side lights and North America often emphasizing parking lights or DRLs. Always verify with your vehicle’s manual and test the lights to ensure visibility and safety on the road.

How do I turn the lights on in a car?

Okay auto means that the headlights will automatically turn on when it is dark enough. Outside. This right here is just your interior lights. And your corner lights of uh the exterior of your car.

How do I turn on the backlights on my car?

To turn on your car's tail lights, activate the headlights using the lever on the steering column, which typically has an outer knob or dial with settings for off, auto, and manual on. The tail lights are designed to come on automatically with the headlights to make your vehicle visible from the rear, especially in low light or at night.
 
This video explains how to use the headlight control lever: 44sHelpful DIYYouTube · Nov 14, 2024
Using the headlight lever

• Locate the lever: It is usually on the left side of the steering wheel. 
• Twist the outer knob: Turn the outer knob on the lever to the position for "headlights" or "parking lights". 
• Check "auto" setting: Many cars have an "auto" setting that turns the headlights and tail lights on automatically when it gets dark. Check the "auto" position for convenience. 
• Note the "parking lights" setting: This setting often turns on the front parking lights and rear tail lights without the headlights. 

Other control methods

• Infotainment system: Some modern vehicles have a setting in their infotainment system that controls approach lighting, which can turn on headlights and tail lights when you unlock the car. 
• Fog lights: There is a separate control on the lever to turn on fog lights if equipped. 
• Check for a separate dial: Some cars have a separate dial on the dashboard for light controls. 
• Dashboard indicators: On the dashboard, you will see an icon that looks like a headlight symbol, often with lines indicating the beam, to show which lights are on. 

This video explains how to use the car's internal light control system: 41sZula Driving SchoolYouTube · May 13, 2019

Are side lights always on?

Sidelights should always be on if you park on a road at night with a speed limit that is over 30mph.

How do I turn on side lights in my 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.