4x4 rear lights

[panholio]

This has always puzzled me but I've never asked the question as to why.. hopefully this isn't an ambiwlans moment.

Certain 4x4s/ SUVs (or whatever you want to call them) have a smaller set of brake lights and indicators that are positioned lower down in the rear bumper. They are in addition to the normal more car like set of lights that are where you would normally expect to find them. What are they for? Trailor towing? Bikes on the back?

I have seen some drivers going round with only these in use... this is not helpful in my mins as they are a lot less visible. I saw an Audi Q3 with only these lower lights in use yesterday.

[Big Dee]

I think in the case of some of the 4 x 4's the lower lights are for when the rear tailgate opens and the spare wheel is mounted on the rear door the indicator / brake lights are still visible rather than a wheel obscuring the lights higher up

[Snowboy]

AFAIK it's just different model styles with different options.
I know one old model used to have different light depending on whether the rear door was top hinged or side hinged.

With the Audi it could just be rear running lights.

[panholio]

Snowboy said:

With the Audi it could just be rear running lights.

The ones on the Audi were operating as indicators and brake lights. A lot smaller that the normal ones above, which weren't working.

[astirling]

panholio said:

The ones on the Audi were operating as indicators and brake lights. A lot smaller that the normal ones above, which weren't working.

Pretty sure there that's because there are no indicators or brake lights in the upper light cluster - those are just the tail lights. It's not a case of switching between different sets of rear lights.

[Dr Interceptor]

The Q3 in question has a faulty boot sensor/switch.

The bumper lights on the Q3 usually only work when the tailgate is open, as the lights are mounted on said tailgate and would not be visible.

[panholio]

You may well be right.

here is a q3 arse end (looks angry doesn't it?)...



I'm sure there are indicators in the upper clusters, but I could be wrong... Only the bottom ones were working, and not very visible.

[Dr Interceptor]

astirling said:

panholio said:

The ones on the Audi were operating as indicators and brake lights. A lot smaller that the normal ones above, which weren't working.

Pretty sure there that's because there are no indicators or brake lights in the upper light cluster - those are just the tail lights. It's not a case of switching between different sets of rear lights.

Audi Q3 rear cluster featuring tail light, brake light and indicator.

[panholio]

Older discos have them:

[davidf4]

Where the spare wheel is mounted to the tailgate door, the door will open sideways (like that of a van).
When the door is open any lights mounted in the more normal higher position can be obscured by the spare wheel and door.
So it becomes necessary to have lights lower down below the door that can still be seen when the door is open.
That's regulations for you.

[Superhoop]

It's not just 4x4's either

The Insignia estate has a seperate set of lamps in the boot, so that lights are visible at the rear if the tailgate is open