What does overdriving your headlights mean?

It is often called ‘overdriving your headlights’ when a driver’s visibility is limited due to fog or darkness, but the driver still drives at a speed which does not allow them the ability to stop in time to avoid obstacles in the road.

Is it bad to keep high beams on?

Keep your beam use straight: low for lower speeds, suburban areas, and rain or fog. High for higher speeds and highways, but only when you can maintain at least 500 feet between your vehicle and the rest of us. And thank you for doing so.

What is the rule for headlights high beams?

If you are driving with your high-beam lights on, you must dim them at least 500 ft from any oncoming vehicle, so you don’t blind the oncoming driver. You must use low-beam lights if you are within 200-300 ft of the vehicle you are following.

At what speed do you outrun your headlights?

The math is surprisingly simple: At 55 miles per hour, you need about 500 feet to perceive an obstacle, react to it and bring your vehicle to a complete and safe stop. AAA’s research found that the most common halogen reflector lights illuminate only 300 feet on low beams.

When should you 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.

Why do my high beams work but not my headlights?

Headlight Fuse or Relay If a headlight fuse blows, it could cause the headlights to stop working. Most headlight systems are also designed with a relay that switches the power between low beam and high beam headlights. If this relay goes bad, it could allow power to the high beams, but not the low beams.

How do I know if my high beam switch is bad?

Usually a bad or failing headlight switch will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

1. Issues switching between modes. One of the most common symptoms of a faulty headlight switch is issues switching between headlight modes.
2. Issues with the high beams.
3. None of the lights work.

Why do people keep their high beams on?

High beams are designed to provide better visibility when driving in rural areas where street lights aren’t common. You should use your high beams if you’re driving at night and you aren’t within 200-300 feet of another driver. If you do approach another car, switch to your low beams until you’re safely out of the way.

How do you avoid high beam lights while driving?

Protect your eyes from the prolonged exposure to glare from sunlight or headlights as it temporarily affects your visibility at night. Wear sunglasses in daytime and take them off as soon as the sun sets. Rest for a while before driving at night, after a steady daytime driving.

Why do my headlights turn on but not my low beams?

Most headlight systems are also designed with a relay that switches the power between low beam and high beam headlights. If this relay goes bad, it could allow power to the high beams, but not the low beams. 1. Headlight Bulbs This is the most common reason we see for why a car’s high beam headlights work but the low beams don’t.

How do high beam headlights work?

Most headlight switches operate by pulling the lever backwards and locking it into place to activate the high beam headlights. Over time however the switch can break, which can lead to issues keeping the high beam headlights turned on.

What are the symptoms of a bad or failing headlight switch?

Another symptom of a bad or failing headlight switch is issues operating the high beams and more specifically, issues keeping the high beam engaged. Most headlight switches operate by pulling the lever backwards and locking it into place to activate the high beam headlights.

What happens if you drive with your high beams on?

The light from your high beams will not pass through and will be reflected. This reflected light will create a glare that will make it harder for you to see the road ahead of you. Heavy Rain – Like fog, the light from your high beams will not be able to pass through the heavy rain and will likely reflect and cause glare.