Driving at night can be scary, but it's also dangerous. We all know that driving at night is a little more difficult than during the day, but did you know that it's actually much more dangerous? Nighttime drivers are four times as likely to be involved in an accident than daytime drivers.
The best way to stay safe on the roads at night is to be prepared. Make sure you have a good set of headlights, and that they're in good working order.
Which light bulb is for high beam?
There are still two bulbs in many high-end and performance vehicles. In these situations, a halogen bulb is used for the low beam, while a high-intensity discharge (HID) bulb is utilized for the high beam. These HID lights generate a considerably brighter light than a halogen bulb while using less energy.
If you are not sure which light bulb is for the high beam, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or ask a qualified mechanic on https://highbeambulb.com/. Many newer vehicles have only one light bulb for both the low and high beam. In these cases, the high beam is usually activated by pulling the turn signal lever all the way toward you. If you are still unsure, have your vehicle's electrical system checked by a qualified mechanic or dealership service department.
Do you need different bulbs for high beams?
A standard halogen bulb will be used for low beams, and an HID bulb for high beams. These are not to be interchanged. Both require a distinct lightbulb (HID bulbs are significantly more expensive than halogens).
Different vehicles will have different specifications for what kind of bulbs are needed for the low and high beams. Many newer vehicles have only one light bulb for both the low and high beam, but it's still important to use the correct bulb for your car.
How do I know what headlight bulb I need?
The bulb will state the fitting around the casing. You can also check your car manual. It should state all the fitting that your vehicle needs for each type of light. You can also check online retailers that should list the bulbs according to vehicle make and model.
Most headlight bulbs will either be H1, H4 or H7.
H1 - These are usually found in projector headlights and some crystal headlights. They have a single filament which is located in the middle of the bulb.
H4 - These are the most common type of headlight bulb and are usually found in most cars. They have two filaments, one located at each end of the bulb.
H7 - These bulbs have a single filament and are usually found in headlights with reflectors.
What is difference between high beam and low beam?
The distinction between low and high beams is that low beams are utilized for city driving during the night, whereas high beams are used in rural areas or on little roads with little or no light.
Low beams provide a lighted area that is low to the ground and wide enough to see the edges of the road. High beams provide a much brighter light that can reach further down the road, but can also cause oncoming traffic to be blinded. It is important to use high beams only when necessary and to always dim them when approaching or passing other vehicles.
When should I use high beams?
High beam headlights should be used at night, whenever you're unable to see enough of the road ahead to drive safely. Low visibility at night can be scary for even the most experienced drivers. Add in the slick roads and you've got a dangerous situation.
In rural areas, high beams can help you see far down the road and avoid obstacles in the dark. They can also be helpful when you're driving on a back road with no lighting.
In urban areas, using high beams can actually make it harder to see where you're going. The light from high beams reflects off of buildings and streetlights, creating a glare that can make it difficult to see. For this reason, it's best to use low beams in cities unless you really need the extra light.
Be sure to dim your high beams when you're driving near oncoming traffic, and never use them if there's a car ahead of you. Not only is it illegal in most states, but it's also just rude!