The lights on your vehicle are a critical part of safe driving.
I have a newer car and the lights are great
You have a reasonably new(ish) vehicle and with that comes the latest in lighting technology. LED’s, high energy headlights, maybe self-levelling or even automatic, great high-beam, daytime running lights and so on – all fantastic. Even in the interior of the vehicle, the latest in cab lighting, perhaps even some form of snazzy dash lighting, ambient lighting, footwell lights, auto-dimming lighting, all very nice.
On the back, massive, bright taillights, rear window brake light, all very bright and easy to be seen. All in all, no problems. One thing though, from time to time it is worth checking your headlights, parking lights, tail and brake lights too, because even on a newer vehicle, these can fail and require replacement.
But what if your car is older, even much, much older?
Good lighting is essential for ensuring the safety of a vehicle and its occupants, as well as other road users. Properly functioning lights help drivers to see and be seen, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Regularly checking and maintaining the lighting on your vehicle can help to ensure that it remains in good working order.
One of the most important things to check is the headlights. Headlights provide illumination for the driver to see the road ahead, and their brightness and focus should be checked periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly, and that can even include alignment. Let’s face it, improperly aligned headlights for oncoming drivers is like triple high beam and potentially very dangerous.
If the headlights appear dim or misaligned, they should be adjusted or replaced.
Tailights and brake lights are also important for signalling to other drivers when a vehicle is stopping or turning. These lights should also be checked regularly to ensure that they are working properly and are visible from a distance. If a taillight or brake light is not functioning, it should be replaced as soon as possible. This also applies to caravan and trailer towing. Once hooked up, make absolutely sure the connection fitting is secure and ‘all’ lights are functioning as they should.
Turn signals are another important type of lighting on a vehicle. Of course, these lights help to indicate to other drivers when a vehicle is about to turn or change lanes, and they should be checked regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly. If a turn signal is not working, it should be replaced to prevent confusion and potential accidents on the road.
Hazard lights are another important type of lighting on a vehicle. These lights can be used to warn other road users of a potential danger, such as a stopped vehicle on the side of the road. Hazard lights should be checked regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly, and they should only be used in emergency situations.
What can I do or even should do to make my car safer?
By regularly checking and maintaining the lighting on your vehicle, you can help to ensure that it remains in good working order and is as safe as possible on the roads. Taking the time to check and replace any faulty lights can help to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Older vehicles suffer from time and exposure
How often have you seen dull or even discoloured headlights on a car. Simply, the sun over time diminishes the finish on a headlight lens, making it opaque. This can also be remedied with a specialised treatment to restore the finish and make them …newer looking. This alos helps the lights function better.
Considerations
You can always rely on the professionals at Autospark for the latest know-how in all manner of lighting, bulb replacement, upgrades and even refurbishments to help you and keep you and your vehicle safe and well lit.
If you have any issues with your car, trailer, caravan lighting or wiring, talk to us.
