Headlights are a vital safety measure in any motor vehicle. Learn how to turn on projectors - it's as simple as it is important.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Activate the Headlights
Step 1. Locate the power control
It is not in the same place on all vehicles, but there are some commonly used areas. Look for a control panel or arm near the steering wheel.
- Some manufacturers install a special control panel just below the dashboard, on the driver's left; they are particularly common on larger vehicles, which have more space on the dashboard. Look for a small dial that bears the standard symbols of the optical groups, variously positioned around it.
- Other manufacturers place the control of the lights on a control arm fixed to the base of the steering wheel and can be located either on the left or on the right of the same. The ring nut is generally placed in the final part of the arm and will bear the standard symbols indicating the headlights.
Step 2. Look for the "off" position
By default, the command will be in the "off" position. Check which symbol indicates this status and where it is on the bezel, so you can turn off the projectors when you no longer need them.
- Typically, the "off" position is at the far left or bottom of the knob, marked with an open or empty circle.
- Current vehicles are equipped with "running lights" which are activated automatically when the engine is running and the headlights are off. If you notice lights on in front of your car even though the ignition is off, it is possible that the "running lights" are on.
- Always make sure the lights are off when you turn off the engine. If you leave them running with the engine off, they could drain the vehicle's battery and you won't be able to restart. If this happens, you will need to restart it by pushing it or using the battery cables.
Step 3. Turn the switch to the correct symbol
Take the ring nut between your thumb and forefinger and rotate it until you reach the right position among those indicated. Each setting has different symbols; as you turn the knob you should hear a small click at each step between positions.
- The position lights are the first adjustment on most cars. They are white or yellow on the front and red on the back.
- The position of the "dipped beams" is generally the next. These projectors illuminate front and side, minimizing reflections; they should be used on busy roads when other vehicles are within 60 meters of yours.
- The position of the "fog lights" may also be on the control dial, but some manufacturers place it on a separate button, located directly next to the standard headlight control. The fog lights provide ample, downward light to illuminate the road well. They should be used in fog, rain, snow, dust and poor visibility in general.
- The "high beams", on the other hand, Not are located on the dipped beam control. This adjustment is usually placed on an arm fixed to the steering column: it can be the same that activates the turn signals, but it is always separate from the dipped beam control. The spotlights can be activated by pushing or pulling the turn signal lever. They project a brighter light, so they create more brightness and should only be used when no other vehicles are present.
Step 4. Check how they behave
If in doubt, check how the headlights react to each change in the position of the bezel.
- Ask someone to help you and stay outside, in front of the parked vehicle. Open the window so you can communicate with him and turn the control knob to individual positions. Each time you switch between them, ask your helper for confirmation.
- Park your car in front of a wall, garage, or similar structure if no one can help you; then, turn the bezel to the various positions, pausing at each long enough to see how the surface is illuminated. You should be able to determine which setting is active based on the degree of brightness the lights produce.
Step 5. Know when to turn on the headlights
You should activate them in any low light situation and when you cannot see more than 150-300 meters in front of you.
- Always activate them at night, using the low beams when other vehicles are nearby and the high beams when other conditions are present.
- Turn on at least the low beams at sunrise and sunset, even if there is sunlight - you may have a hard time seeing other vehicles, due to the long shadows cast by buildings and structures.
- Use the fog lights in rain, snow, fog or dusty conditions. Do not turn on the high beams; in these circumstances, their reflection and reverberation make it difficult for other drivers to be seen.
Part 2 of 2: Lighthouse Symbols
Step 1. Look for the base symbol that indicates the headlights
Most of the controls are marked with a standard symbol: you can find it next to the control knob.
- This symbol looks like a sun or an upside down light bulb.
- Next to this image there is also often a closed circle, which indicates the side of the bezel that controls the actual headlight setting. Align this closed circle with the adjustment you want to select.
Step 2. Identify the symbol of each setting
Each different setting is indicated by its own identification mark, which is the same for almost all vehicles.
- If your vehicle is equipped with position lights, these should be indicated by a letter "p", with some lines extending from the rounded part.
- The "low beam" is represented by a rounded triangle or by a capital letter "D"; downward sloping lines extend from the flat side of the symbol.
- The "fog lights" are represented by a shape equal to that of the "dipped beams", but will have an inclined stroke that crosses the oblique lines.
- The "high beam" symbol has the shape of a rounded triangle or a "D", but the lines starting from the flat side will be perfectly horizontal.
Step 3. Pay attention to the warning symbols on the dashboard
Cars that have electronic / digital dashboards may display a warning light when some lights are not working properly. If any of these lights blink, your projector may need to be replaced or repaired.
- In the event of a headlight malfunction, the display may show the standard light symbol crossed by an exclamation point (!) Or an "x".
- Or it may display the low beam symbol with an exclamation mark above it.
