Cornering Lamps – Feature Explained

What Is A Cornering Lamp?

Cornering lamps are auxiliary lights mounted on the front of a vehicle that are activated when the driver turns the steering wheel or activates the turn signal. They are designed to provide additional illumination in the direction of the turn, reducing blind spots and improving visibility of the road ahead.

What Are The Different Types of Cornering Lamps?

There are primarily 2 types of cornering lamp systems:

• Traditional Cornering Lamps: These are separate lights, usually located within the headlight assembly or the fog light housing. They are activated when the steering wheel is turned beyond a certain angle or when the turn signal is activated.
• Integrated With Fog Lamps: In some vehicles, the fog lamps themselves perform the function of cornering lamps. In this case, the fog lamp on the side of the turn will activate to provide additional illumination.

How Do Cornering Lamps Work?

The operation of cornering lamps is relatively straightforward:

Activation: Cornering lamps are triggered by either a steering wheel sensor or activating the turn signal. A sensor detects the angle of the steering wheel. When the wheel is turned beyond a certain point (15-30 degrees), the cornering lamp on the same side is activated. When the driver activates the turn signal, the cornering lamp on that side of the vehicle is activated.

Illumination: Once activated, the cornering lamp emits a wide beam of light that is directed towards the side of the vehicle and the area into which the driver is turning. This illuminates the road surface, curbs and road edges as well as pedestrians or obstacles that may be hidden in the darkness

Deactivation: The cornering lamp deactivates when the steering wheel is straightened or the turn signal is turned off.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Cornering Lamps?

Here are the pros, or advantages, of cornering lamps:

• Improved Visibility: Cornering lamps significantly enhance visibility in turns, reducing blind spots and making it easier for drivers to see potential hazards.
• Enhanced Safety: By providing additional illumination, they improve safety, especially at night, on winding roads, and in urban areas.
• Increased Driver Confidence: Cornering lamps can boost driver confidence, particularly for novice drivers or those driving in unfamiliar areas.

Here are the cons, or disadvantages, of cornering lamps:

• Added Cost: Cornering lamps can add to the cost of a vehicle, though they are becoming increasingly common.
• Complexity: The system adds a degree of complexity to the vehicle’s electrical system.
• Maintenance: Like other lights, cornering lamps require maintenance, such as bulb replacement (in systems that don't use LEDs). However, LED systems are very long-lasting.

Can Cornering Lamps Be Fixed From The Aftermarket?

Yes, cornering lamp functionality can be added to some vehicles through aftermarket modifications. However, this is not as common as aftermarket fog lamp installation and can be more complex. It may involve:

• Installing additional lights
• Wiring them into the vehicle’s electrical system
• Connecting them to the steering system or turn signal circuits
• Requiring specialised modules or programming

Due to the complexity, professional installation is typically recommended for aftermarket cornering lamp systems.

Affordable Cars In India With Cornering Lamps

While cornering lamps were once a feature found primarily on luxury vehicles, they are now available on a wider range of cars, including some affordable models in India. Here are a few examples:

• Hyundai i20
• Hyundai Verna
• Tata Harrier
• Kia Seltos

The availability of cornering lamps can vary depending on the specific variant and model year. It’s always best to check the latest specifications from the manufacturer or dealer.

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