Subaru is known for its all-wheel drive and impeccable engineering that offers safety and ease of driving. However, have you ever wondered about the purpose of the parking light switch in your Subaru? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the parking light switch and its benefits in various driving situations.
What is a parking light and its function?
Before talking about the parking light switch in Subaru, let’s first understand what a parking light is. Parking lights, also known as sidelights, are located on the front and rear ends of a car and are typically found below the headlights. These lights are small and dimly lit to provide a low level of light for the vehicle without dazzling other drivers on the road.
Parking lights help improve visibility for a vehicle during low light conditions, such as during dusk or dawn or when driving in a parking lot, without fully illuminating the road ahead like the headlights.
The parking light switch in Subaru
In a Subaru, the parking light switch is located on the headlight stalk (or steering wheel column) and is usually positioned towards the far left. It has two settings: "Park" and "On".
- The "Park" setting is used when the driver wants to park their car and leave it with the parking lights on only.
- The "On" setting is used when the driver wants to use the parking lights while driving in low light conditions without turning on the headlights.
It is important to note that the parking light switch in Subaru is different from the hazard light switch. The hazard light switch turns on all four indicators simultaneously to warn other drivers in case of an emergency.
Benefits of using the parking light switch
Using the parking light switch in Subaru offers various benefits to the driver and other drivers on the road.
Improved visibility in low light conditions
Using the parking light switch in low light conditions can help improve the visibility of the vehicle on the road and also help other drivers see the vehicle. It can make the vehicle more noticeable, especially during times when other drivers are distracted or if there is a risk of collision.
Reduced battery consumption
Using parking lights instead of headlights can reduce battery consumption, which can be beneficial in situations where the battery is drained or if the vehicle is not moving for an extended period.
Extended headlight lifespan
Using parking lights instead of headlights can also prolong the lifespan of the headlights, resulting in less frequent replacement and maintenance.
Improved safety during parking
Using the parking light switch can also benefit drivers when parking at night. It can make the vehicle more visible to other drivers, especially when parked on a dark street or in a parking lot.
When to use the parking light switch
It is recommended to use the parking light switch during low light conditions or when parked in a poorly lit area. The parking light switch can be used when the driver wants to improve their visibility on the road without fully illuminating it with headlights.
It is important to note that the parking light switch should not be used instead of headlights in complete darkness, as it can be dangerous and potentially illegal. The headlights should be used during full darkness or during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy fog or snow.
How to use the parking light switch
Using the parking light switch in a Subaru is easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Locate the parking light switch on the headlight stalk towards the left.
- Turn the switch to the "On" position to turn on the parking lights.
- Turn the switch to the "Off" position to turn off the parking lights.
FAQ
Is it necessary to use the parking light switch in Subaru?
It is not necessary to use the parking light switch in Subaru unless the driver is in low light conditions or parked in a poorly lit area. However, it is recommended to use it for improved safety.
Can the parking light switch be used instead of headlights?
The parking light switch should not be used instead of headlights in complete darkness or during extreme weather conditions. It can be dangerous and potentially illegal. The headlights should be used during these situations.
Can the parking light switch drain the battery?
Using parking lights instead of headlights can actually reduce battery consumption in the vehicle, resulting in less strain on the battery.
Conclusion
The parking light switch in Subaru offers various benefits to drivers, including improved visibility in low light conditions, reduced battery consumption, and extended headlight lifespan. It can also contribute to improved safety during parking. Knowing when and how to use the parking light switch can be a valuable and easy way to enhance your driving experience in a Subaru.