Do vehicles with automatic headlights need to turn on low beams at night?
3 Answers
Vehicles with automatic headlights do not need to turn on low beams at night. Reasons for not needing to turn on high beams: When the light control lever is set to automatic headlights, the vehicle will automatically turn the low beams on or off based on the surrounding light conditions. Therefore, when the lights are in the AUTO position, there is no need to manually turn on the low beams. How to use car headlights: Turning the switch to the 1st position (AUTO) enables automatic mode, the 3rd position turns on the headlights, pulling the switch toward the steering wheel activates the high beam flash (for signaling), and pushing it in the opposite direction (downward) turns on the high beams. The headlights and parking lights will automatically turn on when there is insufficient light, and the 2nd position turns on the parking lights (position lights). As the eyes of the car, automatic headlights are not only related to the external image of the owner but also closely linked to safe driving at night or in bad weather conditions.
Since driving this car, I've found that the automatic headlights don't require manually switching on the low beams at night—they activate automatically when sensing darkness, which is super convenient. They also handle city streetlights or rainy days effortlessly, making driving easier. However, once at a tunnel entrance, the sensor didn't react promptly, so I manually turned them on to avoid risks. It's advisable to regularly clean the sensor on the windshield to prevent dirt from interfering with system reliability. Although the system is highly reliable, I still keep the habit of manually operating the switch just in case—safety first is always right. Chatting about this, fellow car enthusiasts agree that automatic headlights are standard in modern smart cars, but it's essential to develop the habit of checking lights before driving and not rely entirely on machines.
From a safe driving perspective, automatic headlights are designed to turn on low beams at night to reduce human oversight. However, in extreme environments such as heavy rain or system failures, they may malfunction, making manual operation critical—otherwise, it could endanger the vehicle. I have participated in accident analysis cases where a car's lights failed in a dark area, leading to a rear-end collision, reminding everyone to master manual control techniques, read the vehicle manual, and maintain lights regularly to avoid over-reliance on automation. In training, I always emphasize that even with advanced technology, retaining manual skills is essential for emergencies. Simple tests, like checking light functions monthly, can prevent potential hazards.
