Location of headlights in a car: where are they located and how to distinguish them

Introduction: Why know the location of headlights in a car?

Headlights are more than just a source of light, they are a critical element of road safety. Visibility in the dark, recognition of the car by other road users, and even the legal side of the issue (for example, fines for unlit dimensions) depend on their correct operation. However, many drivers, especially newbies, confuse headlights with fog lights, and rear dimensions - with brake lights. This leads to errors when replacing lamps, diagnosing faults, or even purchasing the wrong components.

In this article we will look at where exactly are all types of headlights located? in modern cars - from classic halogen to LED matrices, and we will also explain how to distinguish them visually and functionally. The material will be useful not only to owners of foreign cars (Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat), but also domestic cars (Lada Vesta, GAZelle Next). We will pay special attention hidden headlights in the bumper, which are often ignored during pre-inspection inspections.

Headlights: main blocks and their purpose

Headlights are the most visible and functionally loaded element of optics. They are usually combined into a single block (sometimes called headlight block), which includes several independent light sources. In modern cars, this unit can consist of 3-5 separate lamps or LED modules, each of which is responsible for its own function.

Where to look for headlights? They are always located symmetrically in the front of the car, on both sides of the radiator grille. In most models, the headlight is attached to the body through special adjustment bolts, which allows you to adjust the angle of light. For example, in Hyundai Solaris The headlight unit is fixed by three points: two from below and one from above.

• 🔦 Low beam - the main source of road illumination. Usually this is the lower section of the headlight unit (in halogen headlights - a lamp H7 or H4).
• 🌃 High beam — upper section or separate module (lamp H1, HB3). Turns on to illuminate the road over a long distance.
• 🟡 Side lights - small light bulb (W5W) in the corner of the block, shines yellow or white. Turns on together with the low beam or separately.
• 🟠 Direction indicators - usually located on the side of the block (lamp PY21W) or placed on the wing (in older models).

⚠️ Attention: In cars with xenon or LED headlights (for example, Audi A4 B9) low and high beams are often combined in one module with automatic switching. Trying to disassemble such a unit without experience risks damaging the optics!

Rear lights: what lights up where and why

Rear lights (or rear optics) perform two key functions: they signal other drivers about your maneuvers and make the car visible in the dark. Unlike the front ones, the rear lights are rarely combined into a single unit - more often they are separate sections located in the rear lights (on the sides of the trunk or on the lid).

How to find them? The taillights are always symmetrical and are located at the level of the rear bumper or slightly higher. For example, in Kia Rio they are built into the trunk lid, and in Ford Focus — partially placed on racks. Important: in some models (for example, BMW 5 Series) rear lights may be LED strips, where there are no separate lamps.

Interesting fact: in some American cars (for example, Chevrolet Tahoe) the brake light can be placed on upper rear light (so-called CHMSL — Center High Mount Stop Lamp), which is located centrally above the rear window. This is done for better visibility when braking.

Fog lights (FTL): where to look for them and how to turn them on

Fog lights (PTF) is a separate type of optics, which many drivers confuse with dimensions or daytime running lights (DRL). Their main task is to improve visibility in conditions of fog, rain or dust by wide and low a light beam that is not reflected from water drops.

Where are the PTFs located?

• 🚗 B front bumper - usually on the sides, below the main headlights. For example, in Renault Duster they are built into the bumper symmetrically, and in Volkswagen Tiguan - in special niches.
• 🚘 B rear bumper - one or two red lanterns. B Skoda Octavia rear PTF is located on the left, and in Toyota RAV4 - in the center.

How to enable them? Most cars have a separate button for this on the instrument panel (usually with a headlight icon and wavy lines). On some models (Lada Granta) PTFs are included only together with the dimensions. Important: rear PTF can only be used in poor visibility conditions — their constant burning is prohibited by traffic regulations (fine 500 rubles).

⚠️ Attention: If your PTFs do not light up, check not only the lamps, but also fuse (usually F10 or F15 in the block) and relay. B Ford Focus 2For example, the PTF relay often sticks due to moisture.

Daytime running lights (DRL): how to find them and how they differ from dimensions

Daytime running lights (DRL) is a relatively new element of optics that has become mandatory for all cars manufactured after 2010. Their task is to make the car visible during the day without turning on the main headlights. Many people confuse DRL with side lights, but these are fundamentally different things:

• 🌞 DRL - bright white lights that burn only during the day. They are usually built into the headlight unit or located separately (for example, in the bumper Nissan Qashqai).
• 🌃 Dimensions - dim lights (red at the back, white/yellow at the front) that come on at night or at dusk.

Where to look for DRLs?

• 🔆B headlight block - in the form of a separate LED module (for example, in Kia Sportage this is a thin strip of LED above the headlight).
• 🔆B bumper - as individual round or rectangular lights (for example, in Volkswagen Polo).
• 🔆B radiator grille - in premium cars (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) DRLs can be integrated into decorative elements.

How to check if DRLs are working? Turn on the ignition, but do not start the engine - if the DRLs are working properly, they will light up automatically (in some cars you need to turn the light switch to the position AUTO or DRL).

Is the ignition turned on (it is not necessary to start the engine)?

Do both DRLs light up (white light, no flickering)?

Are there any cracks in the diffuser?

Is the angle of light adjusted correctly (does it not blind oncoming traffic)?

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How to determine which lamp has burned out: step-by-step instructions

If one of the headlights does not light, the first step is to determine what kind of lamp out of order. To do this, it is not necessary to disassemble the headlight - a visual inspection and logic are enough. Here is the algorithm of actions:

1. Determine what function doesn't work:

   • Low beam not on? The problem is the lamp H7/H4 or fuse.
   • Turn signal not flashing? Check the lamp PY21W or turn signal relay.
   • Dimensions don't light up? Blame the lamp W5W or light control unit.

1. Remove the socket from the lamp.
2. Connect the multimeter probes to the contacts of the block.
3. Turn on the low beam - if there is voltage (about 12V), but the lamp does not light, it means it has burned out.

⚠️ Attention: In cars with LED optics (for example, BMW X5) there may not be a lamp as such - the LEDs are soldered into the board. In this case, when one diode burns out, the entire module changes, and it is almost impossible to do this yourself.

Hidden headlights: what are they and where to look for them

In addition to the main headlights, modern cars have hidden optics, which many drivers are not even aware of. These lights turn on automatically in certain situations and often go undetected until they burn out. Here are the most common types:

• 🔍 Turning lights in mirrors — repeat the signal of the main turn signals. Found in Audi Q7, Volvo XC60.
• 🔍 License plate light - small white light bulbs (W5W) above or below the number. A non-lit backlight is a common reason for refusal of technical inspection.
• 🔍 Side dimensions on the wings — additional lights that duplicate the front dimensions (for example, in Ford Mustang).
• 🔍 Hazard warning lights on the roof - in minibuses and commercial vehicles (for example, Mercedes Sprinter).

Where to look for them? Inspect the car with the ignition on and activate different light modes (dimensions, turn signals, hazard lights). Hidden headlights usually light up along with the main ones. For example, in Toyota Land Cruiser 200 When you turn on the turn signal, not only the side lights come on, but also lighting at the bottom of the mirror.

Why is this important? Faulty hidden headlights may go undetected but result in a fine. For example, a non-lit license plate light is punishable by a fine of 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offences), and non-working turn signals are punishable by a warning or the same fine.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about headlight placement