Car Lighting System: Function, Structure & Notes

car lighting system
Latest update date: February 19, 12

Car lighting system Includes lighting equipment installed both inside and outside the vehicle.

According to the WHO Global Report on Road Safety, traffic accident rates are three times higher at night than during the day due to limited visibility and improper use of lighting systems.

The lighting system on a car is responsible for improving visibility, signaling to surrounding vehicles, increasing aesthetics, supporting safety features and providing information about the vehicle's status. The system is currently divided into two main groups: exterior lighting and interior lighting.

To ensure safety and efficiency when using, drivers need to use the lights properly, avoid overuse, take advantage of automatic features, maintain regularly and choose lights that meet technical standards.

Let's explore this system in detail!

car lighting system
Car lighting system: details A-Z

What is Automotive Lighting System?

The lighting system on a car is a set of light-emitting devices installed inside and outside the car, to provide the necessary light for driving, ensure safety and enhance vehicle recognition on the road.

Automotive lighting systems are divided into three main groups according to their intended use: lighting, signaling, and vehicle status notification.

For example, headlights are used to illuminate the front of the vehicle, helping the driver see the road. Turn signals are used to indicate that the vehicle is about to change direction, while taillights inform the vehicle's position to vehicles behind.

Depending on the type of vehicle, the manufacturer can equip additional types of lights such as fog lights, daytime running lights (DRL) and decorative lights, not only supporting safety but also increasing the aesthetics of the vehicle.

According to the Global Road Safety Institute (GRSI), the lighting system on a car is one of the key factors in reducing traffic accidents, especially when driving at night or in bad weather conditions. Using the right type of lights and adjusting them properly can reduce the risk of collisions on the road by up to 30%.

What is the function of the lighting system in a car?

The lighting system on a car has the task of supporting visibility, warning signals to other vehicles, increasing aesthetics, supporting safety and providing information about the vehicle's operating status.

The role of the lighting system in cars
The role of the lighting system on cars

1. Improve driver visibility

The lighting system helps the driver see more clearly in poor lighting conditions such as at night, in tunnels, or in bad weather (fog, heavy rain). Headlights, fog lights and low/high beams ensure that the driver can clearly see obstacles, traffic signs and pedestrians on the road. This helps the driver react promptly to unexpected situations.

2. Warning and signaling to other vehicles

The lighting system also plays a role in helping surrounding vehicles easily identify the location and status of the vehicle. Some lights have important warning functions such as:

  • Turn signal: Indicates direction of travel when turning or changing lanes.
  • Brake lights: Inform vehicles behind that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping.
  • Reverse lights: Help warn vehicles and pedestrians that the vehicle is moving in reverse.
  • Hazard warning lights: Used in case of vehicle breakdown, emergency stop, or dangerous situation.

These lights help create safe coordination between vehicles, minimizing the risk of traffic accidents.

3. Enhance the aesthetics and value of the car

Many high-end cars today are equipped with advanced lighting such as LED lights, Xenon lights (HID) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

  • LED Lights: Sleek, modern, energy efficient and long lasting.
  • Xenon light: Outstanding blue-white light, creating luxury.
  • Daytime running lights: Not only increase aesthetics but also make the car more visible during the day.

Modern lamps with distinctive designs also create brand identity for car manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi...

4. Safety support and advanced features

Many modern car models are equipped with advanced safety features thanks to improvements in lighting systems, including: Adaptive headlight systems, automatic high/low beam adjustment systems and laser light technology.

  • Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS): Automatically adjusts the lighting angle according to the steering angle, helping the driver see better on bends.
  • Automatic High Beam Control: Automatically switches between high beam and low beam when detecting oncoming vehicles, helping to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.
  • Laser light technology: Projects farther, brighter, improving lighting on highways or long roads.

These features provide comfort, safety and optimize the driving experience.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): “Advanced lighting technologies such as LEDs, Matrix lights and adaptive headlight systems (AFS) have significantly improved the visibility and safety of car drivers.”

5. Provide vehicle status information

Not only exterior lighting, the interior lighting system also takes on the task of informing the vehicle's operating status. The lights on the dashboard provide important information such as: engine failure warning, low fuel, tire pressure warning, ABS brake warning.

  • Check Engine Light: Indicates that the engine is having problems that need to be checked.
  • Low fuel warning light: Reminds the driver to refuel.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Warning of unstable tire pressure, risk of puncture.
  • ABS brake warning light: ABS brake system error, need to check and fix.

This information helps drivers detect potential errors early and maintain their vehicles promptly, avoiding more serious damage.

According to the American Automobile Association: “Dashboard warning lights are often overlooked by drivers, but they are important signals that can help prevent more serious damage. For example, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light can reduce the likelihood of a crash involving a blown tire by 20 percent.”

Structure of the Lighting System on Cars

Automotive lighting systems include two main groups: exterior lighting and interior lighting.

1. Car exterior lighting

The nine most common types of lights installed on the exterior of cars are: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, reverse lights, size lights, license plate lights, and fog lights.

  • Headlight

Headlights are front lights that help drivers see farther and clearer when moving in low light conditions. Headlights have two operating modes: low beam (cos) and high beam (pha).

Low beam mode provides near-beam illumination without blinding oncoming vehicles, while high beam mode provides farther illumination and is often used when driving on empty roads.

According to the Vietnam Traffic Police Department: Using the correct headlight mode (high beam or low beam) is a decisive factor in the safety of the driver and oncoming traffic. Misuse of high beam mode in urban areas is one of the main causes of accidents at night.

  • Backlight

Tail lights are installed at the rear of the vehicle and automatically light up when the driver turns on the headlights or position lights. This type of light has a dim light, helping vehicles behind identify the vehicle's location, especially at night or in dark tunnels.

Backlight
Backlight
  • Brake lights

Brake lights are designed to warn vehicles behind you when your vehicle is slowing down or stopping. They are usually brighter than taillights and are activated automatically when the driver steps on the brakes. Brake lights are often integrated into the taillight assembly, saving space and manufacturing costs.

  • Turn signal light

Turn signals are used to signal other vehicles the direction of travel (left or right). They are installed in the front, rear and on the side mirrors. When the driver activates the turn signal, the light will flash continuously and make a “click” sound to remind the driver.

Turn signal light
Turn signal light
  • Hazard warning lights

Hazard warning lights are used when the vehicle has a breakdown, emergency stop or is in a dangerous situation. When this light is turned on, all the turn signals (front and rear) will flash simultaneously, signaling to other vehicles that the vehicle requires special attention.

Hazard warning lights
Hazard warning lights
  • Reverse lights

The reverse lights illuminate when the vehicle is moving in reverse and have a characteristic white light. This light not only helps surrounding vehicles recognize that the vehicle is reversing, but also helps the driver observe the area behind the vehicle at night. The reverse lights automatically turn on when the gear lever is shifted into reverse (R).

Reverse lights
Reverse lights
  • Dimension lights (position lights)

Dimensional lights help signal the location and size of the vehicle, especially useful at night. This type of light is usually placed at the corners of the vehicle so that other vehicles can easily recognize the length and width of the vehicle, especially when large vehicles such as trucks and passenger cars are on the road.

Lamp size
Lamp size
  • License plate light

License plate lights are responsible for illuminating the license plate, helping road users and authorities easily identify the license plate, especially at night. This type of light is installed directly above or below the rear license plate and usually has a soft white light that does not cause glare.

License plate light
License plate light
  • Fog lights

Fog lights are installed at the front and rear of the vehicle, assisting the driver in bad weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain. Fog lights usually have yellow or white light, which can penetrate thick fog better than the white light of headlights. At the front, the fog lights are located near the front bumper, while at the rear, the fog lights are integrated with the taillight cluster.

Fog lights
Fog lights

2. Interior car lighting

The interior lighting system of a car includes two most common types of lights, which are dashboard lights and interior lights.

  • Dashboard light

Dashboard lights illuminate the dashboard and speedometer cluster, allowing the driver to easily see important information such as speed, fuel, warning lights and other signals. Dashboard lights are located inside the speedometer cluster and on the center console.

The outstanding feature of this type of light is the ability to automatically light up when the driver turns on the headlights. On some car models, the driver can adjust the brightness of the light through the adjustment button installed on the dashboard.

  • Interior lights (interior lights)

Interior lights (also known as interior lights) are used to illuminate the cabin space, assist in getting in and out of the car, find objects and provide comfort for passengers. These lights are usually mounted on the ceiling, above the rearview mirror or behind the car, depending on the design of each car model. Interior lights have three operating modes.

Operation mode:

  • ON (always on): The light stays on until the user turns it off.
  • OFF (completely off): The light is always off.
  • DOOR (automatic): The light automatically turns on when the car door is opened and turns off when the door is closed.

According to Vietnam Transport Magazine, installing interior lights with Door mode (automatic) not only enhances user experience but also helps save energy, thanks to the ability to automatically turn off when the door is closed.

What to Note When Using Car Lighting Systems?

When using the lighting system on a car, the driver needs to use the lights for the right function, avoid overusing the lights, take advantage of automatic features, perform regular maintenance and choose lights that meet technical standards.

What should be noted when using the lighting system in the car?
What should be noted when using the lighting system in the car?

1. Use the lamp for the right function and purpose

Each type of light on a car (headlights, taillights, brake lights, reverse lights, fog lights, etc.) has its own function. Therefore, you need to understand the role of each type of light and use it in the right context.

For example, when turning, making a U-turn or making an emergency stop in areas with high traffic density, you should turn on your turn signals or hazard lights. This helps surrounding vehicles identify and have time to react promptly.

Or on roads without median strips, low beams should be used instead of high beams to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. This helps reduce the risk of accidents and increases safety for all road users.

According to the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP): Many drivers still do not understand the rules for using headlights and turn signals. Overuse of headlights on crowded roads is the leading cause of dazzling oncoming drivers, leading to accidents.

2. Avoid overusing the lighting system

Misuse or abuse of lights can be dangerous to other vehicles and violate traffic laws.

For example, do not turn on your headlights (high beam) when driving on a busy road or when there are oncoming vehicles, because the strong light from the headlights can blind the oncoming driver, causing the risk of an accident.

Do not overuse hazard lights at red lights or when driving slowly, as this can confuse surrounding vehicles. Hazard lights should only be used in the event of a breakdown or emergency stop.

According to the Vietnam Institute of Transport Science (ITST): Abusing hazard warning lights when stopping at intersections can cause incorrect reactions from other vehicles.

3. Take advantage of automatic lighting features (if available)

Many modern cars are equipped with automatic high beam systems and automatic high/low beam systems. These are smart features that help optimize the use of lighting and ensure driving safety.

  • Automatic headlights: Automatically turn headlights on/off depending on outside light conditions, for example when the car enters a dark tunnel or when it gets dark.
  • Automatic high/low beam conversion system: Automatically switches from high beam (pha) to low beam (cos) when detecting oncoming vehicles, helping to reduce glare and ensure safety for oncoming vehicles.

4. Regular maintenance and inspection of lighting systems

Lighting systems can become dim, damaged or misaligned over time. Therefore, you should regularly check, clean and maintain your lighting system to ensure that visibility is always at its best.

If the light shows signs of dimming, flickering or not working, it should be replaced or repaired immediately.

5. Choose lighting that meets technical standards

When replacing your headlights, you need to choose a light with the right wattage, light intensity, and standards that comply with traffic safety regulations. Using substandard lights can reduce visibility or cause glare to other vehicles, leading to unsafe driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Automotive Lighting Systems

1. Should I upgrade or replace my car's light bulbs?

Upgrading or replacing car bulbs depends on the user's personal needs and complies with legal regulations. See now Important notes when repairing, modifying, and modifying car lights regulations.

2. Should fog lights be white or yellow?

Yellow fog lights have longer wavelengths, which penetrate fog better than white light. This is why many cars choose yellow fog lights.

3. Does the car lighting system comply with any standards?

Yes, international standards for automotive lighting systems include:

  • ECE (Economic Commission for Europe): Regulates lighting standards for vehicles in Europe.
  • SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers): Standard used in the US and many other countries.
  • Vietnam Technical Regulation (QCVN 09:2015/BGTVT): Applicable in Vietnam.

4. How to periodically clean and maintain headlights and underbody lights?

Regular cleaning and maintenance of headlights and fog lights is necessary to maintain optimal brightness and ensure driving safety. Here are the basic steps to follow:

  • Clean the surface of the lamp glass: Use a soft cloth and a specialized glass cleaning solution to clean the lamp glass, the recommended frequency is 2-3 months/time. Limit the use of abrasive objects or corrosive chemicals because they can scratch or yellow the lamp reflector.
  • Check the wiring system and control switches: Every 6 months, check the wiring and switch connections. Make sure there are no signs of breakage, oxidation or flickering. If damage is found, repair it immediately to avoid reducing lighting efficiency.
  • Replace the bulb when necessary: ​​After the vehicle has run about 20.000 - 30.000 km or used for 1-2 years, the bulb may become dim, lose brightness or burn out. It should be replaced with a genuine bulb (LED, Xenon or Halogen) to ensure stable and safe lighting.

You can refer to the Causes of broken car headlights for quick and safe solutions.

5. Where to check, maintain and repair car lighting systems with good reputation and good price in Ho Chi Minh City?

Thanh Phong Auto is a choice worth considering if you are looking for a place to check, maintain and repair car lighting systems in Ho Chi Minh City with reasonable prices and guaranteed quality.

With many years of experience in the field of car maintenance, Thanh Phong Auto has built trust from customers thanks to professional service and a team of skilled technicians.

Reasons to choose Thanh Phong Auto:

  • Professional team of technicians: Possessing a team of highly qualified technicians, well-trained and with many years of experience in the field of repairing automotive lighting systems.
  • Modern equipment and technology: The garage is fully equipped with advanced diagnostic machines and equipment such as light angle alignment machines, headlight and fog light brightness testing equipment.
  • Genuine spare parts and components: Use genuine spare parts, bulbs and components to replace for customers. Ensure transparent prices, customers are consulted before replacing components and there is no situation of replacing spare parts without notice.
  • Professional service, transparent process:
  • Public quote, detailed for each repair item.
  • Do not report additional false errors to incur unnecessary costs.
  • Long term warranty after maintenance and repair of lighting system.
  • 24/7 on-site rescue service in Ho Chi Minh City: Providing 24/7 car rescue service within Ho Chi Minh City, providing quick support for vehicles with lighting system problems on the road.

Come to Thanh Phong Auto to experience professional service!

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