5 Top tips to use your dipped headlights and when to use them

Driving involves knowing how to use different components in a car along with when to use them. Turn lights, headlights, and fog lamps are all meant to have their own scenarios for use while on the roads. Here we are discussing headlights, especially when to use dipped headlights on the road.

What are dipped headlights?

Your headlights can be set to different modes. You can have straight beams, which can lead up to a few hundred meters, and you can have dipped headlights, which have a lesser light area. In dipped headlights, the light is focused downwards compared to the straight beam.

Why use dipped headlights?

Dipped headlights are preferable while driving on the road at night. It is the right way to illuminate your path without hurting the visibility of other road users who are coming from the opposite side of the road.

When a straight beam is used, especially in new-generation cars, it damages the vision of other road users temporarily. This can lead to serious road accidents. That is why you should always use dipped headlights while moving on a busy street at night.

When must you use dipped headlights during the day?

Other than the lights that automatically illuminate while the car is on, dipped headlights are advised while on a busy street. They should be turned on as per road signs and terrains. It is advised to turn on the dipped lights when crossing a tunnel. If you are driving through heavy climate conditions such as fog, a sandstorm, or a jungle, you might want to use the high beam to increase your vision, but you should switch back to the dipped beam as soon as you see other vehicles approaching from the opposite side.

Why do motorcyclists use dipped headlights in daylight?

In many countries, motorcycle manufacturers have made dipped headlights turn on automatically as soon as the engine starts. In older models, it is advised to turn on the dipped light on motorcycles to get noticed easily.

For road safety reasons, motorcyclists always turn on dipped lights while on the road.

Tips for using headlights

1. Always turn on the dipped lights when passing through a tunnel or enclosed area during the daytime.
2. During the night, if it is absolutely necessary, turn on the high beam, but please be cautious and switch back to dipped lights when vehicles are approaching.
3. Regularly check your headlights because if you are caught with a damaged headlight, you will be fined.
4. Make sure to understand how to operate the headlights before driving a new car.
5. Based on your weather conditions, you might need fog lamps to see through heavy fog. Check with a technician and get a light that is permissible as per the law.