Driving at night or in poor weather conditions can be challenging and risky. You need to see the road clearly and avoid dazzling other drivers with your headlights. That's why you need to know how to use your dipped headlights properly.
Dipped headlights are the ones you'll likely use most commonly. They're named as such because the beam faces down towards the road. These are the second-brightest you'll have — more so than sidelights, but less so than full beam headlights.
In this article, we'll explain what dipped headlights are, when you should use them, and how they can improve your safety and visibility on the road. We'll also share some tips on how to adjust your dipped headlights correctly and avoid common mistakes.
Plus, we’ll tell you where to find the best auto body repair parts for your dipped headlights in case they get damaged or need replacement.
What are dipped headlights?
Dipped headlights are the main lights on your car that illuminate the road ahead without blinding other road users. They are also called low beams or anti-dazzle lights. They have a special adjustment that points the beam downward, creating a wedge-shaped pattern of light that covers the lane in front of you and a little bit of the opposite lane.
Dipped headlights are usually controlled by a knob or a switch on your dashboard or steering column. You'll see a dome-like shape with lines directing downwards on the stalk to indicate low beam headlights are on. This should also show a matching green or yellow symbol within your instrument cluster. If this shows as blue with the lines pointing straight on, this means your high beam headlights are on.
When should you use dipped headlights?
According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights at night and "when visibility is seriously reduced". This is generally considered when visibility is restricted to 100 metres or less and includes fog, heavy rain, snow, smoke, or dust.
On top of that, it suggests to "use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen". It also states you must not "use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders".
Essentially, this means using dipped headlights rather than full beams when oncoming traffic is nearing or if you're close to other road users ahead. You should also keep them dipped while overtaking. Switching these to dipped headlights will typically require you to pull the stalk on the left towards you.
Here's a summary of when to use dipped headlights:
● At night in built-up areas with street lighting
● In dull weather conditions
● When approaching other road users at night
● When following another car at night
● When overtaking another car at night
How do dipped headlights improve your safety and visibility?
Using dipped headlights correctly can make a big difference in your safety and visibility on the road. Here are some of the benefits of using dipped headlights:
● They help you see the road better in low-light or poor-weather conditions
● They make your car more visible to other road users, especially in urban areas or busy roads
● They prevent glare or discomfort to other drivers, which can cause accidents or road rage
● They reduce eye fatigue and strain for yourself and others
● They save fuel and battery power compared to full beam headlights
How to adjust your dipped headlights correctly
To get the most out of your dipped headlights, you need to adjust them properly. If they are too high or too low, they can reduce your visibility or blind other drivers. Here are some tips on how to adjust your dipped headlights correctly:
● Check your owner's manual for instructions on how to adjust your headlights. Some cars have manual adjustment knobs or screws, while others have automatic or electronic adjustment systems.
● Park your car on a level surface about 10 metres away from a wall or a garage door. Make sure your tyres are inflated correctly and there is no extra weight in your car.
● Turn on your dipped headlights and mark the centre of each beam with a tape or a chalk on the wall. The beams should be slightly lower than the height of your headlamps and slightly to the right of the centre marks.
● Adjust your headlights according to your manual until they match the marks on the wall. You can use a screwdriver or a wrench to turn the adjustment knobs or screws, or use the buttons or switches on your dashboard if you have an electronic system.
● Test your headlights on the road and make sure they are not dazzling other drivers. You can also ask a friend or a mechanic to help you check your headlights.
Common mistakes to avoid when using dipped headlights
Using dipped headlights is not difficult, but there are some common mistakes that drivers make that can affect their safety and visibility. Here are some of them and how to avoid them:
● Driving with only daytime running lights (DRLs) on. DRLs are the lights that automatically turn on when you start your car. They are designed to make your car more visible during the day, but they are not bright enough for night driving or poor weather conditions. They also don't light up the rear of your car, which can make you invisible to other drivers behind you. Always switch to dipped headlights when it gets dark or when visibility is seriously reduced.
● Driving with only sidelights on. Sidelights are the small lights on the front and rear of your car that are usually used for parking or as a courtesy light. They are not bright enough to illuminate the road or make you visible to other drivers in low-light or poor-weather conditions. Always switch to dipped headlights when you need more light or visibility.
● Driving with full beam headlights on when not needed. Full beam headlights are the brightest lights your car has that can improve your visibility in rural areas with little or no street lighting. However, they can also dazzle other road users and impact their visibility as a result. Always switch to dipped headlights when you see other road users approaching or ahead of you, or when you enter a built-up area with street lighting.
● Driving with fog lights on when not needed. Fog lights are the extra lights on the front and rear of your car that are used to improve your visibility in foggy conditions. They have a wider and lower beam than dipped headlights, which can cut through the fog better. However, they can also dazzle other road users and create glare if used in clear weather conditions. Always switch off your fog lights when visibility improves or when you see other road users nearby.
Conclusion
Dipped headlights are an essential part of your car's lighting system that can improve your safety and visibility on the road. They are the main lights that you should use at night and in poor weather conditions, as they illuminate the road without blinding other drivers.
To use your dipped headlights properly, you need to know when to switch them on and off, how to adjust them correctly, and how to avoid common mistakes. By following these tips, you can drive more confidently and comfortably in any situation.
We hope this article has helped you understand what dipped headlights are and when to use them. If you need any auto body repair parts for your car, check out our website for the best deals and quality products.
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