Lights and Related Components
Automotive lighting has two essential functions: to see and to be seen.
- “To see” refers to illuminating the road, especially when driving at night or in bad weather or fog.
- “To be seen” means signaling your vehicle’s movements and intentions to other road users (position, direction of travel, intention of direction, braking etc.)
Please note that bulbs lose their efficiency over time, so they have to be replaced periodically even if they still light up and seem to work.
Please note that the replacement of a "Xenon" lamp must be done by a specialist because of high voltage.
High Beams
ROLE: to illuminate the road ahead over a longer distance (outside cities) and improve visibility at night, when there are no oncoming vehicles.
Risks if non-compliant:
- If high beams are damaged or incorrectly fitted, the beam might be modified, which will reduce visibility of the road ahead.
Position Lights
ROLE: to indicate the presence and the dimensions of a vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant:
- If position lights are damaged or incorrectly fitted, other road users might be misinformed (for instance a vehicle may be mistakenly confused for another type of vehicle or even a 2 wheeled vehicle).
Low Beams
ROLE: to illuminate the road ahead when driving at night or in low light conditions without dazzling other road users.
Risks if non-compliant:
- If low beams are set too low, visibility is reduced. Therefore, the risk of an accident is higher if an obstacle is detected too late.
- If low beams are set too high they may dazzle other drivers.
- If low beams are damaged or incorrectly fitted, the beam may be modified, which will reduce visibility.
Fog lights
ROLE: to improve the illumination of the road and visibility of the vehicle in the event of fog and snow.
Risks if non-compliant:
- Other road users might be dazzled if they are set too high or if the bulb color is white at the rear of the vehicle.
- If fog lights are damaged or incorrectly fitted, the beam might be modified, which will reduce visibility.
Direction Indicator Lights
ROLE: to emit a flashing light to signal the intention of the driver to decelerate and change the direction of the vehicle to the right or to the left. The hazard light will simultaneously operate all four signal lights; this is an emergency signal.
Risks if non-compliant:
- If direction indicator lights are damaged or incorrectly fitted, other road users may receive inaccurate information or even no information, for instance they may be mistaken for other lights or even signal the opposite change of direction, this will increase the risk of an accident.
Brake Lights and Third Brake Light
ROLE: to indicate to other users a slowing down and braking maneuver of the vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant:
- If brake lights are damaged or incorrectly fitted, other road users may receive inaccurate information, they may only realize that you are braking at the last moment or they may not have any indication that you are braking at all, which will increase the risk of accidents.
Reverse Lights
ROLE: to illuminate the road during reversing maneuvers and to signal to other road users when reversing.
Risks if non-compliant:
- Faulty or insufficient lighting may increase the risk of accidents.
Electrical Connections with a Trailer
ROLE: to transmit electrical signals to the lights of a towed vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant::
- Other road users might have poor visibility and receive incorrect or no information.
Low Voltage Electrical Wiring
ROLE: to ensure the electrical supply of the whole vehicle (generally 12V, sometimes 24V).
Risks if non-compliant:
- The systems may not work properly, which will remove many functions.
Traction Battery / Electrical Vehicle Battery (EVB)
ROLE: to store the energy necessary to drive an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Risks if non-compliant:
- Risk of fire or electrocution if damaged.
- Serious pollution can occur due to chemical leakage.
High Voltage Electrical Circuit
ROLE: to transmit the current from the batteries to the propulsion system and to other components (400 to 800V) of electric vehicles.
Risks if non-compliant:
- A short circuit may occur which could cause a fire.
- Driver and vehicle occupants could be electrocuted.