WhatsApp
When talking about the name of the lights in a car, most people can list headlights, brake lights, fog lights, and indicators. But did you know there are several other lights built into your car, each designed for a very specific purpose?
Every type of light has its own role, whether it’s improving visibility, signaling to other drivers, or keeping you safe in poor weather conditions. And chances are, even experienced drivers may not be familiar with all of them.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of car lights, explain their names and functions, and show you the right time to use them. Plus, we’ll share some common mistakes drivers often make and how to avoid them.
8 Types of Car Lights: Functions Explained
Name | Functions |
|---|---|
Headlight (High/Low Beam) | Light up the road ahead without glaring others. |
Fog light | Illuminate the road close to the vehicle in foggy or low-visibility conditions. |
Reverse Lights | Alert others and illuminate the area when reversing. |
Turn Signal Lights | Indicate the driver’s intended turning direction. |
Daytime Running Lights | Improve vehicle visibility during the day. |
Brake Lights | Warn others when the vehicle is slowing or stopping. |
Parking Lights | Mark the vehicle’s position when parked or in low light. |
Hazard Lights | Signal a warning or emergency to other drivers. |
1. Headlight
Headlights are the eyes of your car, illuminating the road ahead during nighttime or in low-visibility conditions such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. They are the most important lighting system on a vehicle, ensuring safe driving by helping you see obstacles and signaling your presence to others. Modern headlights are not just functional—they also enhance the car’s style.
Headlight power usually ranges from 40 to 60W, providing bright and even lighting at least 100 meters ahead. They also include anti-glare features to avoid dazzling other drivers, using technologies like dual-filament bulbs, asymmetric beam patterns, and automatic light adjustment. Strict regulations also control the light’s angle and height to ensure safety.
Headlight technology has advanced significantly. Early cars used simple halogen bulbs, while xenon, LED, and even laser headlights are now becoming common, offering longer and brighter illumination. Modern headlights are also getting smarter, with features like automatic on/off and adaptive turning lights, making driving safer and more convenient.
When To Use Your Headlight?
Low Beam
Use low beams when driving in city streets, traffic, or when there are oncoming vehicles. They provide enough light for you to see the road without blinding other drivers.
High Beam
Use high beams on dark, empty roads or highways where there’s no oncoming traffic.
2. Fog Light
Fog lights are specially designed car lights, usually installed at the front and rear of the vehicle, slightly lower than the headlights. Fog lights are typically classified as front fog lights and rear fog lights.
They usually emit yellow or orange light, which has a longer wavelength and can cut through fog, snow, heavy rain, or dust storms more effectively.
Fog lights improve road visibility in low-visibility weather and help other drivers clearly see your vehicle. Their power typically ranges from 45 to 55W, ensuring stable performance in various challenging conditions.
When To Use Your Fog Lights?
The front fog lights can only be turned on after switching on the position lights (parking lights). Then, once you turn on the low beam, you can use the fog lights. If you turn on the fog lights without the position lights, it may cause glare to oncoming drivers and affect driving safety.
For the rear fog lights, you must first switch on the front fog lights. If you turn on the rear fog lights without the front ones, drivers behind you won’t notice them. This makes the warning useless and could even cause a rear-end collision.
Front Fog Lights
In foggy or smoggy weather, you should turn on the front fog lights to focus the beam better and improve visibility.
Rear Fog Lights
In heavy rain, you can use the rear fog lights to remind vehicles behind you of your presence, helping them avoid misjudgment and preventing rear-end accidents.
3. Reverse Light
The reverse light is installed at the rear of a vehicle. Its main purpose is to illuminate the area behind the car and signal to other vehicles and pedestrians that the car is reversing or preparing to reverse. It also functions as a lighting signal device. The light is white and typically has a power of 28W.
Why Only One Reverse Light Turns On in Some Cars?
Reverse lights are white and very bright to effectively illuminate the rear area. If two symmetrical reverse lights were used, it could confuse drivers behind, making them think the car is coming toward them, which reduces their alertness.
Using only one reverse light prevents this misunderstanding. It also allows the other side of the rear lights to remain visible, so drivers behind can see one red light and one white light, instantly recognizing that the car is reversing.
- For left-hand drive vehicles, the reverse light is usually on the right side, with the left being the fog light.
- For right-hand drive vehicles, the reverse light is on the left side, with the right being the fog light.
4. Turn Signal Lights
Turn signals are important indicator lights used to warn surrounding vehicles and pedestrians when a car is turning. They are installed on the left and right sides of the front and rear of the vehicle. Using turn signals while turning helps ensure driving safety. By using them according to regulations, people around the car can anticipate its direction and make the correct decisions.
In the U.S. driving manuals, drivers are generally required to turn on their turn signals about 100 feet (around 30 meters) before a turn. However, the use of turn signals should also adapt to current speed and road conditions.
Based on the experience of professional drivers, it is usually recommended to turn on the signal about 50 meters before a turn. On city expressways or highways, signals should be turned on much earlier, around 150 meters ahead. When changing lanes or overtaking, turn on the signal 2–3 seconds before steering to give others enough time to react.
When To Use Your Turn Signal Lights?
Before turning, changing lanes, or overtaking, turn on your signal at least 3 seconds in advance to give other vehicles and pedestrians enough time to react. After turning on the signal, always check your rear-view mirrors and blind spots to ensure it is safe before making the maneuver.
5. DRL (Daytime Running Lights)
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are a safety feature on modern vehicles designed to make cars more visible during daylight hours. Unlike headlights, DRLs automatically turn on when the vehicle is running and do not require manual operation.
They emit a low-intensity white or yellow light that helps other drivers and pedestrians notice the car from a distance, reducing the risk of daytime collisions. DRLs are usually positioned at the front of the vehicle and are energy-efficient, consuming less power than standard headlights.
While they improve visibility, they are not intended to replace headlights at night or in poor weather conditions. Many countries now require DRLs as a standard safety feature, making driving safer for everyone on the road.
6. Brake lights
Brake lights are the red lights located at the rear of a vehicle that illuminate when the driver applies the brakes. Their main purpose is to alert drivers behind that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping, helping to prevent rear-end collisions.
Brake lights are an essential safety feature, ensuring that following vehicles have enough time to react. Modern vehicles may also include high-mounted or third brake lights to improve visibility, especially in heavy traffic.
The lights typically work automatically with the brake pedal and are powered by the car’s electrical system. Proper functioning of brake lights is crucial, and any malfunction should be repaired immediately to maintain road safety.
7. Parking Light
Parking lights (also called position lights) are small lights located at the front, rear, and sometimes the sides of a vehicle. Their main purpose is to indicate the presence and width of a parked or slow-moving vehicle, making it more visible to other drivers in low-light conditions or when parked on the roadside.
Parking lights are not designed to illuminate the road like headlights—they are mainly a safety signaling feature. They are usually low-power, and some modern cars automatically turn them on when the engine starts or when switching on the headlights.
When To Use Your Parking lights?
Use parking lights when parking on narrow roads, streets with low visibility, or during twilight to show your vehicle’s presence. They help warn other drivers and reduce the risk of accidents without consuming much power.
8. Hazard lights
Hazard lights (also called emergency flashers) are the vehicle’s four-way flashing turn signals that blink simultaneously on both the front and rear of the car.
Their main purpose is to warn other drivers of potential danger, indicating that the vehicle is stopped, moving slowly, or experiencing an emergency. Hazard lights are typically used when a vehicle breaks down, is involved in an accident, or when driving in unusual hazardous conditions.
They help improve visibility and alert surrounding drivers to be cautious. Hazard lights are a critical safety feature, and improper use may confuse other drivers or violate traffic laws.
When To Use Your Hazard lights?
Use hazard lights when stopping unexpectedly, during vehicle breakdowns, in accidents, or in severe weather conditions. They signal other drivers to slow down or proceed carefully, preventing collisions and improving road safety.
Drive Brighter, Drive Smarter With NAOEVO LED Lighting
For 19 years, NAOEVO has been committed to reshaping the road with innovative automotive lighting. From LED headlight bulbs and motorcycle LED bulbs to LED turn signal lights and off-road light bars, we make driving safer, clearer, and more stylish.
Our advanced factory, spanning 100,000 sq m, delivers products at scale with faster lead times and factory-direct pricing you can trust. Today, with 50+ distributors worldwide, NAOEVO lights up roads across the globe, combining performance with reliability.
Choosing NAOEVO means more than just upgrading your vehicle — it’s about experiencing how powerful, efficient, and dependable automotive lighting can be. Partner with us now and drive the future with confidence!
English 
Español