Switches

Sidelights and headlights

Position

On many vehicles, the lighting controls are on a stalk at the side of the steering column.

This stalk normally has three positions

1. off
2. sidelights (or dim–dip), rear and number-plate lights
3. headlights (main or dipped beam) and the dip control. On some vehicles the dip control is a separate switch.

Some vehicles have ‘dim–dip’ headlights, which come on as the sidelights are switched on. It’s impossible to drive these vehicles with only the sidelights switched on.

The sidelights normally work without the ignition being switched on.

Use

This is covered in section 13.

Fog lights

Fog lights should work only when the sidelights or headlights are on. Modern vehicles must be fitted with at least one rear fog light. Front fog lights are often fitted as an option.

Position

Since they’re only used in bad weather, the fog light switches are usually on the instrument panel rather than on the steering column.

Use

You must only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, ie 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You mustn’t use fog lights in any other circumstances, because they can dazzle and distract other drivers.

Automatic and adaptive headlights

Automatic headlights

These work through sensors which detect the level of light outside the vehicle. When the sensors detect a certain level of darkness, the headlights switch on.

Drivers shouldn’t rely on such technology and should continue to turn on their headlights manually if needed.

Adaptive headlights

These are designed to improve visibility at night around corners and over hills. The headlights adjust according to the driver’s input and the driving conditions to illuminate the road without dazzling other drivers.

Direction indicator

Position

The direction indicator switch is usually on a stalk, which may be on either side of the steering column.

Function

The direction indicators enable you to show other road users which direction you intend to take. Correct use of the direction indicators is vital to safe driving.

Self-cancelling indicator switches might not cancel after a slight change of direction.

Always check that the signal has been cancelled. You can do this by checking the

• repeater warning light
• audible warning, usually a ticking noise when the indicators are flashing.

Most modern vehicles are fitted with lane change indicators. Flicking the indicator stalk in either direction gives you three flashes and removes the need to cancel the indicator. This functionality is especially useful for overtaking when driving on motorways and dual carriageways.

Use

You should be able to operate the direction indicators without taking your hand off the steering wheel.

Hazard warning lights

Position

The position of this switch varies. Some vehicles have it on the steering column, others on the instrument panel. It’s usually

• within easy reach of the driver’s hands
• clearly marked to prevent accidental use.

Use

Hazard warning lights should be used to warn other road users when you’re temporarily obstructing traffic; for example, when

• you’ve broken down
• you have to slow down quickly on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, because of a hazard ahead. Use them only long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

Don’t use them to excuse stopping in a restricted area, such as on double yellow lines, regardless of how brief your stop.

Because the lights flash at the same rate as normal indicators, if another driver is unable to see both sides of your vehicle, the hazard warning lights could be mistaken for a turning or moving-out signal.

Windscreen washers and wipers

Position

The windscreen washer and wiper controls are usually on stalks mounted on the steering column. You should be able to find the controls without taking your eyes off the road.

On most vehicles, the same stalk controls both the washers and wipers. Both are essential in bad weather.

Where they’re provided, rear washers and wipers have separate controls. Some vehicles may be fitted with miniature washers and wipers to keep the headlights clear.

Increasingly, vehicles are fitted with rain sensors which automatically adjust the speed of your wipers according to the amount of rain. This means you don’t have to regularly adjust the speed of your wipers, or switch them on and off.

Function

The windscreen washers and wipers keep the windscreen clear of rain, spray, snow or fog.

Use washers before wipers

Use your washers first to wet the surface before you switch on your windscreen wipers. Wiping a dry windscreen can cause scratches to the screen as well as shortening the life of the wiper blades.

Avoiding excessive dirt build-up can also help to stop scratches on your windscreen. Tiny bits of grit can scratch the surface and make driving at night very difficult.

Wash your windscreen regularly with a sponge and plenty of water. Wash the wiper blades as well.

Regular checks

Check the windscreen washer bottle and keep it topped up.

You can use additives to prevent smearing, assist cleaning and, especially in the winter, to prevent icing up.

Wiper blades

Wiper blades wear and become ineffective, causing smears and streaks across the windscreen. You MUST replace them if this happens.

Horn

Position

On most vehicles, the horn switch is either

• on the steering wheel
• on the outer end of the stalk which controls the direction indicators.

Function

The horn is used to warn other road users of your presence.

Use

Use it to tell other road users you’re there, if this is necessary.

Aggressive sounding of the horn is dangerous.

It can distract and alarm other road users.

You mustn’t sound your horn (unless there’s a danger from another vehicle) when your vehicle is stationary or when driving in a builtup area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.

Heated windscreen and rear window

Most cars have heated rear windows, and some have heated front windscreens as well.

Function

The front and rear windscreen heaters keep the windscreen and rear window clear of

• internal condensation
• frost and ice on the outside.

Use

They should be used as necessary to keep your windscreen and rear window clear, especially in wet and cold conditions.

Demister

Once the engine has warmed up, you can set the controls to direct warm air to the windscreen and, on some vehicles, the front side windows.

The fan control can be set to boost the warm air flow.

Ignition switch and starter

Position

The ignition switch is usually positioned on the steering column.

Before operating the starter

Make sure that

• the parking brake is on
• the clutch is disengaged (pressed in) if required to start the car • the gear lever is in neutral.

On most vehicles, the ignition and starter are incorporated in the same switch and operated by the ignition key. Some vehicles have a separate starter button.

On most vehicles, an anti-theft device is incorporated into the ignition switch and operated by the ignition key. The mechanism locks the steering column,  so a slight movement may need to be applied to the steering wheel while turning the ignition key to release it.

The first position

This operates some of the electrical equipment, such as the radio.

The second position

This switches on the ignition, instrument panel and gauges. A red ignition warning light will usually show when the key reaches this position.

The third position

This operates the starter.

The direction indicators, and on some vehicles the headlights, will only operate when the ignition is switched on.

Use

The starter is usually operated by turning the ignition key to its maximum. As soon as the engine starts, release the key. Don’t operate the starter when the engine is running. This can damage the starter motor and the engagement mechanism.

Being towed

When the vehicle is being towed, the anti-theft device locking the steering column must be released by inserting the ignition key and ensuring that the steering wheel is free to move (unless a suspended tow is being used).