Only in October – you can visit this workshop completely free of charge

Since 1956 there has been a light test campaign in workshops nationwide in October.

The function and setting of high and low beams, brake, side and parking lights, as well as turn signals and hazard warning lights are checked. The rear fog lights and permitted additional headlights will also be examined in the free light test 2022.

If everything is in order, there is the coveted badge for the windscreen, with which you show other road users that your vehicle’s lighting is working safely.

Driving in the dark season

Driving to work in the dark – and coming home in the dark: If you don’t work from home in autumn and winter, you almost automatically reach for the light switch several times a day as a driver. Drivers can get through the dark season with these tricks and tips.

1. Use fog lights sensibly

Not mandatory, but helpful are fog lights on the car. “However, they may only be used in weather-related poor visibility such as rain, fog or snowfall,” says Mühlich.

In addition, it is best to switch on the side lights and not the low beam or high beam. Since the fog lights spread their light more widely and are usually low, the fine water droplets dazzle the driver less. However, they do not shine far, so the speed should be greatly reduced.

If the fog visibility is less than 50 meters, the maximum speed is 50. Only then may the rear fog light be switched on. If it is already active when visibility is better, there is a risk of a fine of at least 20 euros. The delineators at the edge of roads and motorways, which are usually 50 meters apart, serve as a point of reference.

2. Strict specifications for auxiliary headlights

Not all headlights and lights are approved for use on the car. According to the law, all lamps, lights, headlights, spotlights, indicators and taillights for the respective vehicle must have a type approval and be used in accordance with the type approval, explains Thorsten Rechtien from Tüv Rheinland. A headlight must not simply be converted or converted, the lamps must fit into the respective headlight and have an E-mark.

3. Other lamps and care – what makes sense?

In the case of conversion kits that switch from conventional H7 headlights to LED headlights, TÜV expert Rechtien urges caution: “If these retrofits do not have a type approval for the respective vehicle type and headlights, they may not be used because the vehicle’s operating permit goes out.”

Headlights and taillights do not require any special care. Depending on the outside temperature, however, they can fog up on the inside. This often happens due to a large temperature difference, a defective ventilation system or incorrectly installed lamps, says Neuburger. He then advises simply switching on the headlights so that the moisture can escape due to the heat generated.

However, blind reflectors inside should be replaced in the workshop, the same applies to matt and milky glasses.

In hazy autumn weather or fog, drivers should not rely on the automatic headlights. According to the ADAC, even the most modern technology does not reliably recognize adverse lighting conditions. If in doubt, drivers should operate the low beam themselves. If visibility is poor, it is also mandatory during the day – alternatively, fog lights can be switched on, according to the auto club.

On the other hand, the daytime running lights, which in many cars turn on when the ignition is switched on, do not always ensure sufficient visibility – also because they only light up at the front of the vehicle. The rear fog light is different: it is so bright that it can also dazzle rear traffic. According to ADAC, you can only turn them on if visibility through fog is less than 50 meters. The maximum permitted speed is then 50 km/h.