Car manufacturers have always looked for ways to increase the customers' safety and prevent any accidents from happening. This motivation necessitated the inclusion of airbags, hydraulic braking systems and different kinds of lights. Apart from the main headlights of the cars, parking lights are also installed in cars. These lights can be very handy – especially in cases of emergencies. Let us look into the role of parking lights more and find out about when to use them.
What are parking lights?
Parking lights are also known as sidelights. These lights are nowadays connected to the main headlights of the car, towards the outside.
What are parking lights used for?
- One of the main reasons these parking lights were incorporated in the car system was to make the car more visible. The visibility can be an issue – especially if the car is parked on a poorly lit road.
- There are several areas worldwide where the parking lights are used for this purpose or when the road is too narrow.
- Nowadays, these lights are mainly used to increase the car's visibility from distances.
When to use parking lights?
- The parking lights can be used for parking the car in narrow areas or roads that are not well-lit. However, it is advised that these lights shouldn't be used on their own since they are not bright enough.
- If the car is to be made visible in dark conditions for a long period, these lights can be very useful. One of the major advantages of these lights is that they do not drain the battery even after a long usage period.
- However, the most common usage of these lights comes during emergencies. Supposedly, if one or both of the headlights go out simultaneously, these lights can come to the rescue. These lights make the car visible from the side so that other vehicles can easily spot the vehicle.
- These lights can also be used during bad weather – such as rain or fog. Since visibility is a major issue during such conditions, these lights can improve visibility.
Specifications of parking lights
- The specifications that parking lights must meet can vary across regions. In the case of India, the specifications for the parking lights are: -
- A parking light is defined as a lighting apparatus that indicates the presence of a vehicle parked on the road.
- As per the guidelines, when installed at the rear, the colour of the parking light shall be red. When installed at the front, the colour shall be yellow, amber, or white.
Properly functioning parking lights are essential for ensuring road safety during bad weather conditions. So, the owners must ensure that these lights are always working.
