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

AdrianC

photome wrote: »

I didn't know that, I assumed that as it was a new shape with a new engine etc that it was a newer model

I was disappointed not to get drl on it when I got particularly as my last car had them

...and this is where type-approval dates start to get complicated.

The current production Focus was launched 2010, facelifted 2014, and some engines have been launched since then. So... when was it type-approved?

photome

AdrianC wrote: »

...and this is where type-approval dates start to get complicated.

The current production Focus was launched 2010, facelifted 2014, and some engines have been launched since then. So... when was it type-approved?

That's why I thought it was newer. It has the 1.5 diesel which I believe is quite recent.

What would have to change for it to be re type-approved

deanos

My Sportage has led running lights , very bright they cant be turned off

My Combo van also had drl's and i can turn them on and off in the settings

thescouselander

My car has LED running lights that are off when the gearstick (it's a auto box) is in park but come on in any other position.

As for the rest of the lights they are either automatic or switched manually depending on the position of the knob.

The only lights that can be switched separately are the front and rear fog lights.

Robisere

DRL's and sidelights are, IMO, stupid and unnecessary. If visibility is reduced to the point at which it is difficult to clearly see traffic, then headlights should be used with dipped beam. That is the reason why they are fitted. Some months ago, I was driving in dusk with dipped beams on and was followed into my Close by a neighbour with no lights. As I switched off lights and engine, then got out of my car, he shouted to me "Why were your lights on? It's not dark!" - "So that dim bulbs with NO lights on can see me coming!" I answered, and walked into my house whilst he tried to work that one out.

I have lost count of the number of cars that I see in bad visibility, driving along without lights, totally oblivious to the fact that almost every other car they see, has lights on. Some morons even drive without lights in fog and heavy rain.

oldagetraveller

"Some morons even drive without lights in fog and heavy rain"

And wearing their sunglasses!

sparrie2k

I had this problem with DRLs recently - had a hire car while mine was being fixed after a bump (not my fault thankfully).
Mine (Seat) has auto lights as well as bright DRLs (= me being lazy), hire (2016 Focus) had the DRLs but no auto headlights so I forgot to turn lights on several times after dark. However, mine also has the dashboard lights dimming when it's getting dark and headlights aren't on as a reminder that lights are needed - the hire car made the dash brighter (can see dials, looks fairly bright in front of the car) in the dark so no such clue.
Seems like dimming the dash lights in the dark if headlights aren't on would be a good system across the board?

Iceweasel

sparrie2k wrote: »

I had this problem with DRLs recently - had a hire car while mine was being fixed after a bump (not my fault thankfully).
Mine (Seat) has auto lights as well as bright DRLs (= me being lazy), hire (2016 Focus) had the DRLs but no auto headlights so I forgot to turn lights on several times after dark. However, mine also has the dashboard lights dimming when it's getting dark and headlights aren't on as a reminder that lights are needed - the hire car made the dash brighter (can see dials, looks fairly bright in front of the car) in the dark so no such clue.
Seems like dimming the dash lights in the dark if headlights aren't on would be a good system across the board?

I would agree - but an even simpler solution is a light sensor to turn on the headlights when it gets dark (with the engine running of course) which would automatically extinguish the DRLs

So everyone gets auto lights and the numpties are beaten.

I can't see any drawbacks with all cars having auto lights - or have I forgot something?

The cost would be minimal and the technology is well tested.

BeenThroughItAll

oldagetraveller wrote: »

"Some morons even drive without lights in fog and heavy rain"

And wearing their sunglasses!

I quite often drive in those conditions in sunglasses, as my eyes are very sensitive to light and it can be almost painful without them based on the amount of ambient light reflected off fog and shiny wet roads.

You know fog and rain don't necessarily make it dark, right?

Doesn't make me a moron. I use my lights as well, BTW.

Jamiesmum

Fiat 500X - Have it on hire at the moment, it doesn't have automatic lights, it does have day lights that are on all the time. The day lights are brighter than the dipped lights. Dipped lights are shockingly dim. Full beam ridiculously bright. Genuinely can't see a thing if I'm anywhere without street lights, I'll be very happy to take it back tomorrow.