Parking lights are an essential part of a vehicle’s lighting system.
More than just an aesthetic detail, these lights fulfill functions that are required by law and play an important role in road safety.
Although small, they are essential for ensuring that the vehicle is visible to other drivers, especially in low light conditions.
In this article, you will find out what they are, what they are used for, when to use them, and how to replace them.
What Is A Car’s Parking Light?
Parking lights, also known as running lights, are a lighting system that serves to indicate the position of the vehicle. They are present at both the front and rear of the car.
Although they do not serve to illuminate the road, they are crucial for preventing road accidents.
What Are Your Parking Lights For?
The main function of parking lights is to make the vehicle visible to other drivers and pedestrians, especially when parking at night on poorly lit roads. In addition, they are also very useful in conditions of reduced visibility, such as light rain or fog, as well as at dawn or dusk, before turning on the headlights.
The parking light and the low beam light refer, in practice, to the same vehicle lighting system.
What Is The Difference Between Parking Lights And Low Beams?
While parking lights is the technical term used in legislation, low beams is the term most commonly used by drivers. It is also important to remember that parking lights should not be used as a substitute for low beams when driving at night.
What Color Are Parking Lights Supposed To Be?
As a rule, depending on the country’s legislation, car lights must be white at the front and red at the rear.
What Is The Range Of A Car’s Parking Lights?
Although they are not intended to illuminate the road, parking lights must be visible from at least 150 meters away.
Where Is The Parking Light Located In A Car?
They are usually integrated into the front and rear headlights, near the other lights on the vehicle.
In newer models, they may be included in LED lighting systems, while older models use halogen bulbs.
Can I Drive Using Only My Parking Lights?
No, because parking lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road or allow the driver to see obstacles.
Their use alone while driving is only permitted in specific situations, such as moving the car in a parking lot or to signal its presence at a repair shop.
When Should You Use The Parking Lights?
You must use parking lights:
- From nightfall to sunrise;
- Tunnels or reversible lanes;
- When parking at night on unlighted public roads;
- In areas with poor visibility, but without the need for dipped headlights;
- During temporary stops on hard shoulders or roadsides.
What Happens If You Drive Without A Parking Light?
Driving with one or more broken parking lights increases the risk of accidents due to the vehicle’s lack of visibility. In addition, it may result in traffic fines, according to the legislation of your country.
What Tools Are Needed To Replace Parking Lights?
If you notice that one or more parking lights are not working properly, it is essential to replace them. Replacing car parking lights varies depending on the model, but you will usually need:
- Screwdriver or Torx wrench;
- Protective gloves (to avoid touching the bulb with your hands);
- A replacement bulb compatible with your vehicle model;
- A multimeter (optional, to test the circuit).
Alternatively, you can go to an auto repair shop to ensure that the service is done accurately and without compromising the rest of the vehicle’s components.
Summary Table On Minimum Requirements
To check whether your car’s parking lights comply with the mandatory requirements, see the summary table below, which lists the characteristics of this type of light.
| Feature | Mandatory Detail |
| Front color | White |
| Rear color | Red |
| Reach | Visible up to 150 meters |
| Number | 2 in front and 2 in back |
| Main function | Signal the presence of the vehicle |
| Location | Integrated into the front and rear headlights |
The parking light is a simple but mandatory and essential component for safety.
Keeping this system working properly prevents fines, and helps prevent accidents.
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