Why do newer cars have separate controls for front and rear headlights?

martinthebandit

agrinnall wrote: »

The only slightly weird ones were VWs where you could have one side and rear light on at the same time to display as parking lights.

I thought most cars did that? Or at least they used to, IIRC you put the indicator switch over to the side you wanted on.

KingS6

Rear tail lights. My bad. Apologies.

If it is DRL I'm surprised a system (light sensor) is not in place to alert the driver at dusk that it is time to switch over to dipped beams.

daveyjp

Definitely a DRL problem. Some are so bright they illuminate the road ahead. Just this Wednesday evening I saw three cars with no rear lights, but the driver had no problem seeing the road in front.

My DRLs are smaller bulbs inside the foglight housing, no more than about 5w side light bulb. Useless to actually drive with.

daveyjp

KingS6 wrote: »

Rear tail lights. My bad. Apologies.

If it is DRL I'm surprised a system (light sensor) is not in place to alert the driver at dusk that it is time to switch over to dipped beams.

There is a system - its called eyes and a brain - unfortunately in many drivers the connection is dodgy.

It also doesn't help that with DRLs the dash often lights up.

Johno100

KingS6 wrote: »

Rear tail lights. My bad. Apologies.

If it is DRL I'm surprised a system (light sensor) is not in place to alert the driver at dusk that it is time to switch over to dipped beams.

Probably have got Auto lights, but they will only work if the switch is in the correct position.

KingS6

I never realised DRL's could be mistaken for actual dipped beams. They do seem to lighting up the road pretty good for the driver.

I can see the advantages nontheless. Sidelights on my old focus are quite dim.

Iceweasel

KingS6 wrote: »

Rear tail lights. My bad. Apologies.

If it is DRL I'm surprised a system (light sensor) is not in place to alert the driver at dusk that it is time to switch over to dipped beams.

I think that the driver is meant to use his/her brain - but of course their brain may well be in neutral.

My car has fully automatic lighting - but as Johno100 has correctly pointed out - only when the switch is in the correct position.

loskie

I've noticed this with Audis. Front headlights appear to be on but no lights displayed on rear. The DRL's are in essence a dipped headlight. Actually can be quite dangerous for someone following in poor visibility.

Car_54

martinthebandit wrote: »

I thought most cars did that? Or at least they used to, IIRC you put the indicator switch over to the side you wanted on.

Yes, certainly most cars of German origin (inc. some Ford and Vauxhall).

Useless in this country.

Iceweasel

[quote=[Deleted User];71314349]Yes, certainly most cars of German origin (inc. some Ford and Vauxhall).

Useless in this country.[/QUOTE]

Why useless?