The Main Types of Truck Lighting: An Overview
By Space Coast Daily // April 13, 2022
Truck lighting is just as important as any other operational component of the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to consider the different types, functions, and benefits.
Headlights
Headlights are the most crucial lighting component of any vehicle. Headlights help maintain visibility in the absence of natural light- be it from darkness after sunset or reduced visibility in inclement weather. This importance makes headlight brands like Hella popular options. Hella is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) of vehicle lights for most major European trucks like Scania, Mercedes and Volvo.
Hella headlights have a proven track record of high performance, making them a popular choice for those seeking quality aftermarket parts for European trucks like DAF, IVECO, and MAN. Moreover, their products are durable, thus longer lasting. These attributes reduce truck downtime and bring down replacement costs, maximising the owners’ profits.
Marker Lights
Marker lights are ‘informational’ lights. They alert other road users of a vehicle’s shape and size and travel direction. Marker lights are designed to be universal so that it is easy for motorists to identify and correctly interpret them upon sighting. Therefore, these lights are crucial in helping others distinguish between an approaching light vehicle and a truck- even from a distance.
Marker lights have a universal colour scheme- amber/orange at the front of the vehicle and red at the back. Additionally, their placement is specific, with some on the bonnet, others along either side of the truck, while those on towed trailers must be visible on either side.
Stop/Tail/Direction Lights
Stop, tail and direction lights can often be deemed inconsequential. However, their purpose is just as crucial as that of headlights. Thus, their proper operation at all times is essential.
Stop lights signal to other drivers that the vehicle ahead is stopping. Hence their activation when the driver applies the brakes. Indicators are directional signallers. They alert other drivers of the truck driver’s intention to turn in a particular direction. The functionality of tail lights is the same as marker lights. They help other motorists identify the truck’s rear. Taillights come on and remain so while the headlights are in operation.
Stop/tail and directional lights benefit from technological advances that make them more effective components. The most popular of these is LED technology. They are widely available from brands like Narva. Narva is a leading truck lighting brand that offers a wide selection of rear light solutions in different compositions- all suitable for every truck brand on the road.
Fog Lights
Fog lights are a vital safety lighting component. They are beneficial for drivers who operate at night or frequently encounter foggy conditions.
Fog lights are installed below the headlights on the vehicle’s bumper. They are designed to produce a wide, bar-like beam of light with a sharp cut-off at the top. This specific attribute prevents the light from reflecting off the fog, thus shoring up the shortcomings of the headlights and significantly improving the driver’s visibility.
Truck lighting systems are vital for the safe operation of the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to always have them in proper working condition, especially for those transportation operations that occur at night. Consequently, when it is time to replace them, it is best to select only quality aftermarket parts for trucks to reduce downtime and ensure more secure operation.
