How to Check Lighting Systems in Your Car During Inspection

Lighting systems in your car are a basic safety feature which should be kept in the best working condition. A set of dim headlights reduces visibility during night drives, damaged taillights cannot give a timely signal to vehicles in the rear to slow down,  and a faulty indicator can be risky while taking turns.

A working lighting system is essential for safety, road communications, and compliance with the law. Let’s get to understand how a car’s lighting system is checked during an inspection.

Why Car’s Lighting System Checks Matter in India

It is highly important to check all the car’s lighting system to drive on the Indian roads as most Indian roads do not have proper street lighting. Your car’s headlights are vital for illuminating your path during night drives without street lighting. Street lights can negate the effects of weaker headlights thus counting on your car’s well-functioning headlights becomes important.

Fog lamps, on the other hand, are important during monsoons and foggy winter roads. Turn indicators and taillights are essential to signal other road users about your next move on the road, be it turning or slowing down.

Other lesser-known lights, such as cabin lights, are also useful to illuminate the cabin during night time stops, finding objects or checking maps and other essentials.

Car Lighting System Inspection Checklist

Here is the complete procedure for checking your car’s lighting system during an inspection. We have covered almost all the lights in any car.

Headlights

To test the headlight throw of your car, park it facing a wall and switch on the low beam first. You will see a steady beam of light around the height of the bonnet. Now, check the high beam by switching the stalk. High beam spreads even higher when compared to the low beam. The switch to high beams should be even and flicker-free.

Check is the headlight glass is clear and clear without yellowing, which is common in old cars. The headlight brightness depends on the vehicle’s make and model. However, you can identify if the headlights are weakened or dimming with experience.

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

Higher variants of most modern cars are equipped with daytime running lights (DRLs). These lights are usually located on the bumper or with the headlight assembly. When the ignition is turned on, the DRLs light up and remain on until the ignition is turned off. All you have to do is have a look at the DRLs; if one side is dim or flickering, it usually points to a wiring issue or a previous accident repair done poorly.

Fog lamps

Fog lamps are located near the bottom of the front bumper. They are used for illuminating the immediate road ahead during heavy rains and foggy winters. Fog lamps are turned on with a dedicated switch.

Check if they are even and bright without cracks in the glass or water vapour inside. Misaligned fog lamps are a common issue, especially in cars that have tackled rough patches or speed bumps too aggressively.

Turn Indicators

You can check your car’s turn indicators by simply switching them on and visually inspection them. Turn indicators are usually placed in the headlight assembly, front fenders or outside rear view mirrors, and in the tail light assembly. Visually checking both right and left side indicators will ensure that all of them are working correctly.

In addition to this, switch on the hazard switch and do a visual check if the hazard system is working as intended. If any bulb is at fault, you can buy one and replace it yourself or through a professional mechanic.

Tail Light Assembly

For checking the tail light assembly, you would require someone to sit in the driver’s seat and operate the brake pedal. This way, you can visually check all the tail lamps, including the higher-mounted stop light.

Ask the person to slot the gearbox into reverse gear and check if the white light switches on or not. Once you are done with all the inspections, you can note down if any bulbs are faulty.

Interior Lighting Inspection

You can check the working condition of the interior dome light by individually opening each door. Manually switch on and off the reading lights in the ceiling, both front and rear, if available.

If your car is equipped with glovebox light and boot light, you check them individually. Just open the glovebox and see if the light switches on. Now go in the back and open the boot door to check the working of the boot light.

Common Lighting Issues Spotted in Used Cars

Used cars go through a lot when it comes to service to the next owner. During all these times, lighting systems are used for hundreds of hours or even thousands of hours based on the usage and the car’s life. Here are common lighting issues in used cars.

• Moisture or presence of water in the light assembly
• Inconsistent brightness
• Dim bulbs
• Faulty wiring due to moisture or damage
• Problems with interior lights
• Mismatched light colours
• Flickering lights
• Cracked light assembly
• Yellow glass
• Illegal, very high lumen bulbs

DIY Checks Versus Professional Inspection

At your home, you can check surface-level issues with the lighting system, like a faulty bulb, broken glass, a yellow assembly, etc. However, when it comes to a detailed report of wiring, electrical, beam alignment, etc., you need a professional pre-delivery inspection on used cars.

Professional car inspectors use alignment rigs, multimeters, and diagnostic tools to trace faults hidden deep in the electrical system. If you are looking for a complete inspection of a car that includes engine, gearbox, and electricals then booking a professional Pre Delivery Inspection makes more sense. A PDI ensures no fault spoils your safety and ownership experience.

Conclusion

Lights are the unsung heroes of your car, quietly working in the background until the moment you desperately need them. A thorough check takes just minutes but prevents countless troubles on dark streets or foggy highways. Whether you’re buying a car or maintaining your own, never underestimate the power of a well-lit path ahead. After all, safe driving begins with being seen as clearly as you see ahead.