Automation Automatic headlights

[Korkut Varol]

Originally Posted by Kpow99

Just wondered, are Xenon/HID lights more energy efficient than normal so therefore use less Batt power?

I think so.. Have to look up in the manual, but I remember seeing something like 20 W or thereabouts....

[eaglesrest]

Hi,

I like the car and think the auto windscreen wipers are tuned just right but the auto headlights are a bit pants. I was hoping they might be dealer modifiable to make them more sensitive?

I was driving on the m62 this morning and it was dark and heavy rain with mist. Every cars lights were on, except my civic. No problem to turn them on manually, but I guess i've paid for the auto option.

Previous car was an x5 and it's auto lights were much better, but the wipers weren't as good as the civic so swings and roundabouts.

[crispy]

Something I noticed the other day, early morning my lights came on but to be honest it was fairly light. (about 6.00 am)
Coming home at about 4.00 pm it was dark and overcast, much darker than the morning and the lights didn't come on. Are the lights connected to the time or something? So the car tries to use some intelligence as to determine whether its dark due to time as well as conditions?

Or is my car just weird?

[Kremmen]

Me too, very overcast but the lights didn't come on, so I had to twist the switch manually !

I never have the lights on auto normally because I have a feeling that one day down the twisty lane I use with overhanging trees, the lights will turn on just before a junction and someone will think I have just flashed them to let them out = bang.

[GHGH]

In Norway the lights stay on all the time, so the "AUTO" differs mainly from "OFF" in dimming the dash lights automatically, plus enable turning on the main beam (or what you're call it).

The manual says something about avoid leaving the switch in "AUTO" if the car (hypotetically) is not used for some days.
(I suppose there is some battery drainage).

Does anyone know how long is "safe"!?

[Bungle]

Originally Posted by crispy

Something I noticed the other day, early morning my lights came on but to be honest it was fairly light. (about 6.00 am)
Coming home at about 4.00 pm it was dark and overcast, much darker than the morning and the lights didn't come on. Are the lights connected to the time or something? So the car tries to use some intelligence as to determine whether its dark due to time as well as conditions?

Or is my car just weird?

It was probably more down to your perception of light than anything else.

A sensor will detect light and a certain amount of light will give it a certain value. A person's perception of light changes and cannot be given a set value.

[Type S Bournemouth]

I use the auto lights all the time but every now and again have to manually adjust. I wish it was clever enough though to turn on your sidelights when needed and not just the main bulb.

Does make you look an idiot though when you drive into a multistorey car park in the day with auto swithed on and the main lights turn on

[crispy]

Originally Posted by Bungle

It was probably more down to your perception of light than anything else.

A sensor will detect light and a certain amount of light will give it a certain value. A person's perception of light changes and cannot be given a set value.

Probably so, but it was weird as it was very light in the morning (to me anyway) and very overcast in the afternoon.

Still, can always move my hand and flick the switch!! How lazy do we get?!

[Bog]

Originally Posted by Type S Bournemouth

Does make you look an idiot though when you drive into a multistorey car park in the day with auto swithed on and the main lights turn on

Or ultra cool cos you have auto lights!

[Unknownsoldier]

Originally Posted by Korkut Varol

I think so.. Have to look up in the manual, but I remember seeing something like 20 W or thereabouts....

On my 5 Series, they are remarkably energy efficient, so much so, my rear bulbs blow occasionally (about once every 2-3 weeks).

Tom

[Bungle]

A bulb failure every 2-3 weeks? That's rubbish! (not what you're saying, the car!)

Anybody else ever noticed that the vast mojority of cars that have a rear light out are VW Golfs or Audis? Does it say something about the cars, or is it the drivers of the cars?

[Kremmen]

With the amount of drivers who sit at traffic lights with their foot permanently on the brakes, blinding anyone behind, I'm not surprised these brighter bulbs burn out prematurely.

I excuse drivers of some Mercs, Lexus and other models who have foot operated handbrakes as they are a pain to operate quickly from rest.

[civicfan]

Originally Posted by stu_iow

As i used to have a well working clio, i left both wipers and headlights on auto.

The wipers in the civic are so much better, but the headlights are a little bit annoying.

AS soon as they automatically turn on, if its light enough, the turn straight back off, which is very annoying.

Anyone know if there is something that can be done to cause a 2 minute delay or something if they are switched on?

Stuart

I prefer the "schandinavian solution" meaning lights on all day, quite simple to do, just remove the sensor from the windshield (take care not to break the plastic) and stick some thick black tape over the sensor fields for the light (one is for the rain detection and must remain free, I don't remember which is which but it was not so hard to find out if you look when the lights go on when you cover them)