What are the parking lights on my car?
Parking lights are an essential feature of your vehicle's lighting system, but many drivers are unsure of their purpose and when to use them. In this article, we’ll explore what parking lights are, their function, and how they differ from other lights on your car.
What Are Parking Lights?
Parking lights, also known as sidelights in some regions, are small lights located at the front and rear of your car. They are typically amber or white in color at the front and red at the rear. Unlike headlights, parking lights are not designed to illuminate the road ahead but to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers and pedestrians.
What Is the Purpose of Parking Lights?
The primary purpose of parking lights is to enhance the visibility of your parked vehicle, especially in low-light conditions. They are particularly useful in the following scenarios:
- When parking on narrow or poorly lit roads to alert other drivers to your vehicle's presence.
- In some countries, they are required by law when parking on the side of the road at night.
- To provide a low level of illumination without using the full power of your headlights.
How Are Parking Lights Different from Other Car Lights?
Parking lights are often confused with other lights on your car, such as headlights or daytime running lights. Here’s how they differ:
- Headlights: These are the primary lights used for driving at night or in poor visibility. They are much brighter than parking lights and are designed to illuminate the road ahead.
- Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): These are automatically activated when the car is running and are intended to make your vehicle more visible during the day. Unlike parking lights, DRLs cannot be manually turned on or off.
- Hazard Lights: These are flashing lights used to signal an emergency or warn other drivers of a hazard. Parking lights, on the other hand, remain steady and are not used for emergencies.
When Should You Use Parking Lights?
While parking lights are not as commonly used today due to advancements in vehicle lighting systems, there are still situations where they are necessary or beneficial:
- When parking on a dimly lit street or roadside to ensure your car is visible to other drivers.
- In compliance with local laws that require parking lights to be used in specific conditions, such as when parked on a public road at night.
- To conserve battery power compared to using full headlights when stationary.
How to Turn On Your Parking Lights
Turning on your parking lights is usually straightforward. Most vehicles have a dedicated setting on the light control switch, often labeled with a symbol resembling two small lights facing outward. Consult your vehicle’s owner manual if you’re unsure how to activate them.
Conclusion
Parking lights may seem like a minor feature, but they play an important role in keeping your vehicle visible and safe in certain situations. Understanding their purpose and proper use can help you comply with local regulations and enhance your safety on the road. If you have any questions about your car’s lighting system or need assistance with repairs, feel free to contact us at Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are parking lights required?
Though there are no state or federal laws requiring vehicles to have parking lights, some manufacturers still include them in their vehicles as a standard safety feature.
When should you put parking lights on?
All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Should I leave my parking lights on?
When parking and leaving your car, it's generally recommended to use your parking lights if you are parked on a roadway or in an area where visibility is limited, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Parking lights help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, which can enhance safety.
What are the parking lights on a car?
Parking lights are designed to make your car visible to other drivers when you are parked; they aren't intended to provide light for driving in the dark (and are not bright enough to do so). When driving, you should use dipped beam headlights, as these are designed to light the road ahead for you.
What's the point of parking lights?
While parking lights are designed to make your car visible when parked, they won't provide sufficient light when driving in the dark. You'll need to use your dipped beam headlights when driving. These are designed to light the road ahead when you're on the move.
What are the extra lights on the front of my car?
A maximum of four additional headlights (including LED light bars) may be fitted to a vehicle. The lamps must always face forward and only show white light. If fitted as pairs, they must be symmetrically positioned in relation to the vehicle's centre line.
Are parking lights the same as daytime running lights?
DRLs are typically mounted in front of the vehicle to provide maximum visibility. They are generally brighter than parking lights but not as bright as headlights and can be easily noticed during the day without causing glare or distraction. Still, the intensity varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
When can you drive using only parking lights?
Never drive using only your parking or fog lights. Make sure you can stop within the space you can see ahead.
What are parking lights in the front of the car?
Car sidelights, or parking lights as they are sometimes known, are usually found in the headlamp unit in the front corners of your car. Sidelights aren't as bright as headlights, so are used by drivers to make themselves visible to traffic during times when it's not dark enough for main lights.
Should you drive with parking lights on?
As a result, using parking lights while driving can be unsafe, and it is also against the law.
