Car users must understand the dissimilarities in the functions of low beam (dimmed) headlights and high beam (brighter) headlights.
Drivers should not just switch between high and low without knowing their appropriate usage.
Both low beams and high beams have different functions and thus different utilities.
Low beams are used in bad weather constraints and they cover a shorter length.
For instance, if it starts to rain heavily or snow while you are driving, the best thing to do is to switch to a low beam.
Also, you should use low beams while you’re driving at night on the road unless you’re driving at a very fast speed.
It will allow you to see the road clearly and also help other road users.
Use low beams when there is twilight (before sunrise or after sunset) and poor visibility conditions caused by hilly roads, twisty roads, and city traffic.
High beams are used to cover a longer length than short beams and they point directly in a parallel way.
High-beam headlights are more intense and brighter.
You should use a high beam when you’re driving in a remote area with no lights and there are no cars around.
Also, use a high beam when you are driving very fast to avoid colliding with other cars.
A lot of people believe that the only difference between the two is their brightness, but there’s more.
Key Differences Between Low Beam Headlights and High Beam Headlights
01. Brightness
Low-beam headlights are not as bright as high-beam headlights.
02. Distance
Low beams can only illuminate shorter road distances, but full beams can cover longer distances and provide better visibility.
03. Symmetrical Illumination
Unlike high beams, low beams provide asymmetrical illumination.
Therefore, only little illumination is provided for the side of the road, particularly for oncoming vehicles. However, it’s sufficient to lighten up your side of the road.
04. Field of View
A low beam offers a wider angle than a full beam, which is why its peripheral illumination is a lot better, unlike those of high beams that are less as their beams are narrow.
These are the main differences between the two headlight beams.
However, it’s also improved to understand how to use both beams and when to use them because road conditions and circumstances differ for each beam.
Road safety is also an important aspect to consider when using any of the beam headlights.
FAQ’s
Why Can’t You Use High Beams All The Time?
You can’t use high beams all the time because even though they are designed for better visibility, there are cases where they end up compromising visibility.
For example, high beams can worsen the driver’s vision under rainy, snow, or foggy weather conditions.
The light rays will directly shine into the water molecules, and a greater proportion of the right is reflected to the driver.
It’s even more severe during snowflakes, ice crystals, and snowstorms, as a greater proportion of the light is reflected, making it difficult for the driver to see clearly.
How To Identify Low Beam Headlights?
As a driver, how do you identify where your low beam headlights are on the dashboard? Headlights are Turned “on and off” with the control board.
Different cars have different control boards. Some are under the dashboard and some are beside the dashboards, it all depends on the factory that makes them.
The headlights are off by default, so you have to look for the “on” button for low beams and turn it on.
To know if you’ve correctly turned on your low beam headlights, you can try doing this. Park your car in front of a wall, then turn on your low-beam headlight.
If the light is pointing downward, it means you’re using a low beam headlight.
But if it points in a parallel way towards the building, you’re using a high beam.
Is it Safe To Use LED Bulbs For High Beams?
LED lights are now very popular because of their wide applications. Today, they are used in digital clocks, televisions, and even in-car headlights.
There are a lot of cars that now utilize LED bulbs, even for interior lights, fog lights, and brake lights. But is it safe to use LED bulbs for high beams?
The first thing you should know is that upgrading from the regular halogen bulb to Led light is not road legal.
This is because it’s considered a headlight modification, as you would invariably be switching between different technologies.
However, there are different road-legal his that can be used in normal traffic conditions, thanks to technological advancements and innovations.
The laws determining how safe it is to use LED bulbs for high beams vary depending on the state.
In general, using LED bulbs for high beams will be considered safe only when the goal is to have a clear view of objects that are 100 meters away.
People like to opt for LED headlights because they give cars a modern and stylish look.
The main point of concern is with the seller, as not all sellers are reputable enough.
Are Daytime Running Lights The Same As Low Beams?
Daytime running lights are not the equivalent to full headlights, that is, low and high beam headlights.
But many people often mix them up with each other. The lights are not very bright and don’t illuminate ahead.
They are also not as white as the LED Daytime running lights are suitable for driving on the highways during the daytime and they aid the visibility of the driver bulb’s headlights.
However, low beam headlights are much different. Low beams are suitable for driving in certain situations like darkness, bad weather, hilly roads, etc.
They illuminate the road ahead and make other drivers notice your car easily.
Click here to watch the video on the difference between daytime running lights and low-beam headlights.
What’s The Right Distance To Turn Your Headlights?
Whenever you’re driving at night or in a condition that requires increased visibility, especially over 500 ft, you’ll need to keep your headlights on.
This is because the regular daytime running lights may not provide enough illumination for you at night as they are too dim.
One thing to always remember is to turn off the brighter headlights if you notice an oncoming vehicle or after a vehicle overtakes you.
What Does it Mean To Overdrive Your Headlight?
When it comes to headlights, you’ll often hear many people say, “overdriving a headlight,” which might leave you wondering what it means.
This is a phrase used in referring to when the visibility of a driver is altered by darkness or fog, but the driver maintains a greater speed which further puts them in danger as they won’t be able to respond quickly when required.
What Should You Consider When Driving At Night?
Driving at night or in cases that require greater visibility can be tricky, especially when using lights effectively and safely. You’ll need to consider certain things when driving at night.
first thing you should always do is ensure that you’re considered whenever you’re using the full beam. Always consider incoming vehicles and vehicles that overtake you.
You don’t want to get anyone blinded by your high beams. Driving at night requires alertness, and you should keep your lights on always.
Hello! My name is John Smith. I’m the creator of this website. Since childhood, I had a passion for cars and its mechanisms. So, I started working in the automotive industry when I just left school, and how I have over 10 years of experience in this industry. To make my experience alive through the content I started blogging through Lighting Sparkle. I hope that my experience through the content can help you a lot in making decisions and learning.