Headlights matter: drive smart this winter

Tasmania’s winter months bring early sunsets, overcast days, and often rainy or foggy conditions, all of which significantly reduce visibility on the road. Your car’s headlights play a critical role in ensuring you can see and be seen, but they’re often overlooked until it’s too late.

Here’s what every Tasmanian driver should be mindful of when it comes to car headlights during winter:

Always turn your headlights on in low-light conditions

Winter days in Tasmania are shorter and often gloomy, especially in early mornings and late afternoons. Even if it’s not fully dark, overcast skies, rain, and fog can make it harder for other drivers to see you.

• Don’t rely on automatic lights: Some vehicles don't switch on headlights in fog or low ambient light. Make it a habit to manually turn your lights on during these conditions.

• Be proactive, not reactive: If you're wondering whether it's dark enough to turn your headlights on, it probably is.

Regularly check all your globes are working

It’s easy to miss a blown globe, especially in daylight. Headlights, taillights, and indicators that function are essential for both seeing and communicating with others on the road.

• Do a weekly light check: Have someone walk around your car while you test each light: low beam, high beam, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, and fog lights.

• Replace faulty bulbs promptly: Not only is it dangerous to drive with a missing headlight or taillight, but it can also earn you a fine.

Use high beams and fog lights responsibly

High beams and fog lights can be lifesavers when used correctly, but a danger when misused.

• High beam use: These are helpful on country roads or poorly lit areas, but must be dipped when approaching or following other vehicles and in built-up or urban areas.

• Fog lights: Use these only in heavy fog or mist. They're too bright for normal conditions and can dazzle other drivers.

Parking lights vs driving lights

Parking lights (sometimes called sidelights) are not meant for driving visibility. Some drivers mistakenly think they’re being energy-efficient by using only parking lights in low-light settings but this is dangerous.

• Use low beam headlights while driving in poor light. Parking lights alone are not bright enough for safe visibility.

Keep your headlight lenses clean and clear

Tasmania’s wet and muddy winter roads can quickly cloud your headlights.

• Wipe lenses clean regularly, especially after driving in rain or on dirt roads.

• Consider restoring cloudy or yellowed lenses this will improve light output and visibility at night.

Tasmanian winter conditions demand more attention to detail from all drivers. Staying vigilant about your car’s lighting system isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s a matter of safety for you and everyone else on the road.

Watch Josh in our life hacks video series, and learn how to check your headlights to ensure they’re working as they should be.