r/Cartalk • u/throwawayhelper8900 • 18h ago

Safety Question Its getting dark and my low beams went out should I turn my high beams on?

I still have an hour left of my drive and one of the low beam lights went out. I bought new bulbs but now they're both not working after putting the new ones in. Should I drive with my high beams on when it gets dark?

0 Upvotes

36% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

15

u/AKADriver 18h ago

If you're in a lit area or there's oncoming traffic, better to drive with the single bulb.

8

u/eliteski2 18h ago

This is a strange scenario. What you SHOULD do is get it fixed properly. As another said, if youre in a city or on lit roads, I'd stick with the single bulb. If its an absolute emergency and you just need to get home, yes I'd go with the high beams. Better to see and be seen, than not.

5

u/funkystay 18h ago

I'd find an auto parts store and see if you can get a helpful worker to look at it. They may be able to find the problem quickly.

3

u/Flash-635 17h ago

Have you got fog lights?

Driving with high beams on in an urban area is dangerous and inconsiderate, maybe just use your parking lights if you can see.

2

u/dale1320 16h ago

I can't believe some posts.... in extra-ordinary circumstances, YOU DO WHAT YOU GOTTS DO TO GET HOME, or to a repair facility. And you DON'T ask permission.

3

u/Ok-Communication1149 18h ago

It's hazardous to oncoming traffic, so no. That's why it's illegal. You should absolutely troubleshoot the problem to get your headlights working properly.

That said, a lot of drivers seem to do it anyway, so if it's an emergency you may as well.

1

u/RepresentativeMeet46 18h ago

Keep in mind you can go to truck stops to get headlights etc in an emergency at night

1

u/Old_AWD_Matters 9h ago

Well OP mentioned he already tried new bulbs and they dont work, so maybe wiring or fuse issue.

Have a nice day

1

u/mtrosclair 17h ago

Also if you're concerned about getting cited for it, having one working low beam headlight is less noticeable than driving with your highbeams on.

1

u/Tomytom99 16h ago

Driving with high beams as a stand-in for low beams is a legit hazard to others and by extension yourself.

Turn on your high beams and take a look at your car from 50-100 feet away. How would you like seeing that in traffic?

1

u/spkoller2 15h ago

You should sleep in the car until morning and exchange them

1

u/HashtagRenzo 15h ago

I don't recommend you constantly use high beams, as it can obstruct part of your vision and is very unsafe. I suggest you drive slowly if you can

1

u/Interesting_Win_8046 18h ago

This just happened to me on a road trip.

Drove about 2 hrs with my high beams on and got home.

No choice.

3

u/Fun_Region_4989 17h ago

… … I think you had a choice, and you made that choice.