Why is this happening???

"TJDMAX" (tjdmax)
06/17/2014 at 10:29 • Filed to: None

So this is not a recent thing I have noticed, its been going on for a while now but I am just getting so frustrated that I needed to share.

I have seen so many car's now a days that will be driving around at night without their headlights on. Now, i understand that on some well light highways sure the driver may forget to flip on the headlights on his older car and while this isn't an excusable act it is an understandable one. My frustation stems from the couple of year old cars that I see doing this. And what makes it worse is that auto manufactures will make the DRL's (day time running lights) bring enough to act as headlights so drivers will never turn their real headlights on, thus meaning that their tail lights aren't on and this is a safety issue. Also, i know that some manufactures will illuminate the interior lights but not the headlights when it gets dark enough so the driver will really have no idea his/her headlights aren't on because everything else will look like they are on.

My 07 Chevy truck has AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS!!!! Its a novelty item where when it is dark enough outside it magically just turns all my head lights and tail lights on for me no questions asked! I don't understand why this isn't standard on every car now a days...I can never think of a reason why i wouldn't want my headlights on while driving.

I was in LA a couple weeks ago and there was a brand new BMW 535 that was flying down the highway with out his lights on......So when i pulled up behind him (but at a reasonable distance) in my S4 i flashed my lights, turned my lights completely off and back on trying to signal to him that he should turn his lights on, but all he did was want to race. It was frustrating and I don't know of a better way to try and tell people who are too dumb to turn their headlights on to turn them on...without making it seem like i'm just being a douche or wanting to race.

Sorry for the rant...Enjoy a picture of my S4 with newly tinted windows...and a fresh washing.

DISCUSSION (38)

505Turbeaux > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:30

my 93 Roadmaster wagon had automatic lights for christs sake. And Volvo forever has made it so if the switch is on, the come on with the ignition, so you just leave them on. Better that way anyhow

EL_ULY > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:32

bulbs out in general. I've seen a lot of singe brake light cars. But the worst is the high beam assholes BECAUSE one of their headlights is out.

"oh no I have a headlight out....I could just go to ANY STORE!!! and get a bulb for $5... nah! too much work. I really need to out tonight, i'll just drive with my high beams on...for months"

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:34

Even my car from back in 2000 has automatic headlights. However, my mom's 2005, my dad's 2005, and my sister's 1999 are all lacking. I don't get it.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:35

4 doors for more whores....

Kinja'd!!!

RazoE > EL_ULY
06/17/2014 at 10:35

Oh man, highbeams are run during the DAY here in L.A. Also tons of ricer Civics with $30 eBay HIDs run with headlights on all day to show they have HIDs..

The problem with automatic headlights is most of them are instant. If it gets dark (like a tunnel), BOOM: headlights on. If it gets a tiny bit bright, like under a light, BOOM: off. My headlights are on a delay to compensate for tunnel driving, so I actually use my auto feature, but I've seen cars' lights instantly turn on next to me at a light under an overpass or something.

EL_ULY > RazoE
06/17/2014 at 10:39

lol yup, those also. Every chuntaro in Houston has a Tahoe/Silverado with not only 6000K HID fog lights (aimed up on purpose) but 6000K HID on all day blasting blue ghetto-ness all day and night.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:42

Also, i know that some manufactures will illuminate the interior lights but not the headlights when it gets dark enough so the driver will really have no idea his/her headlights aren't on because everything else will look like they are on.

>Correct identification of a problem

it magically just turns all my head lights and tail lights on for me no questions asked! I don't understand why this isn't standard on every car now a days

>Probably not the correct solution, at least not legislated. Common sense solutions often aren't: it's a neat option, and might do to be standard on more cars, but manufacturer implementation and consumer use patterns are always the Better Idiot demanded by idiot-proofing.

Potentially created by the previous, which in itself is a "fix" to a problem that doesn't exist. "Let's turn on the dash lights when it's too dark, durr hurr". Whoever came up with that should be beaten with a wet towel, as that is *one of the clearest indications* that one's lights are on or not on. Compounded by the DRL issue you mentioned. You're right that turning on the dash lights automatically might make sense coupled with the main beams, but since fully automatic headlights aren't a panacea, why would one have either, unless attempting dangerous amounts of swag?

I think rather than legislating that headlights are automatic, idiots should drive cars that need you to turn on the headlights at night. Too many people already think their cars work by magic, and the two nannies you mention are ripe for all kinds of disaster. At least when they get pulled over with all lights off at night they don't have an excuse, and people short of total idiots won't get confused.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:42

It's similar in Hong Kong too - so many people forget to turn on their lights when it gets dark. Yes, Hong Kong's streets may be well lit and there are streetlights everywhere, but it's not so bright that it sufficiently removes the need for the usage of headlights. You still need to turn them on when night falls - otherwise I won't see you emerging underneath that canopy of trees, almost running me over.

I think one major reason is because lots of dashboards these days are already lit. Compared to the past, the gauges and dials of many cars couldn't be seen in the dark unless you turned the headlights on, which then also switched on the dashboard lights. Now, so many cars have screens and digital readouts, one might forget they have to turn the lights on outside as well...

Enginerrrrrrrrr > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:42

I try flashing my lights at people as well. Only one time has it actually worked. Everyone else just gets a dumb look on their face.

This reminds me that I have wanted to put one of those changeable LED signs in my car so I can post messages to the cars around me. Have it set up so I push a button for a certain message such as: "Move into the right lane", "Turn on your lights you moron", "This is my lane you dumbfuck", etc.

Rock Bottom > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:45

Lot's of this.

Annoys the hell out of me too, though I actually think the solution is to try making people stop being dumb. By making everything automatic, we are creating dependence. If you buy a new car, chances are the thing will park itself, adjust speed when the cruise is on, and brake for you when you're too busy to be bothered with paying attention to stuff. Hell, the Government (in it's infinite wisdom) is even mandating backup cameras on cars because we can't trust people to look out their windows anymore. Maybe they'd prefer to watch TV on the dashboard while they backup instead.

Perhaps the solution is for simple things like " I forgot to turn on my lights " or " I missed that no-turn-on-red sign " to carry super heavy fines. Seems the only way to affect a change in behavior in this culture is to hit people in their wallet.

shop-teacher > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:46

Hell, my '89 Oldsmobile had automatic headlights. So did my cheap ass '98 S-10. It's such a cheap and easy technology, I can't wrap my head around why it isn't standard across the industry.

TJDMAX > EL_ULY
06/17/2014 at 10:49

I would understand a burnt out bulb on an older vehicle....but not a 2014 brand new with dealer plats bmw....

TJDMAX > RazoE
06/17/2014 at 10:50

My truck has a longer delay on its automatic headlights than my audi does. Literally just going under a bridge and the audi will turn on. Doesn't really bother me because as soon as i'm back in the light they turn off again.

ColoradoTaco > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:51

Did you swap out the chrome side mirrors? Never seen a B8 S without them

BJ > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:51

When it gets dark out, some cars will turn on the dash lighting automatically, even if they are not equipped with automatic headlamps. This fools people into thinking their lights are on, and they continue to drive around like clueless idiots putting everybody in danger. My wife had a 1991 Tercel, base model, and it did this.

This is perhaps the most dangerous automotive engineering decision ever.

Here in Canada, it's only slightly less problematic because we have mandatory daytime running lights, so at least some light is coming out of the front of the car at all times.

mazda616 > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:54

Import cars tend to not have automatic lights for some reason. My 1999 Pontiac turned the headlights on for me when it got dark outside. But my wife's 2013 Mazda doesn't.

BigBlock440 > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:58

I like being able to turn my headlights on or off by myself thank you. I don't like shining my headlights into the neighbors windows when I leave early in the morning or come home late at night.

TJDMAX > Rock Bottom
06/17/2014 at 10:58

I agree on the whole that the more "things" our car's start doing for us the less focused drivers will become. But as nice as it would be to get rid of all dumb ass drivers that isn't really a cure unfortunately. As much as i wish it was. It would be nice if we just had more ways of catching and ticketing or punishing shitty dumb drivers.

Takuro Spirit > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 10:59

People is just dumb. Electroluminescent gauges are all the rage so people THINK because the inside of the car is lit up, they have headlights on too. Because that's how it was back whenever.

OR, they think because they drive a "new" car, it has auto headlights. Or the DRL thing.

I dunno, it's become an epidemic, so much so I see them every day. Even today in the dark and the rain driving with no headlights on.

TJDMAX > BigBlock440
06/17/2014 at 11:01

That is fine. I have never seen a car that doesn't have a way to turn off the headlights even if they are automatic ones. I agree there are times it is convenient to be able to turn your lights off but driving on the highway at night isn't one of those times.

OPPOsaurus WRX > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 11:06

My WRX does not have automatic headlights but my previous explorer did. It took me a while to remember I had to turn them on myself. It has running lights so sometimes I would see those against my fence when I started up the car and would again forget to turn them on.

TJDMAX > mazda616
06/17/2014 at 11:11

I think you are right. My girlfriends 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 doesn't have automatic headlights either come to think of it. Not sure why imports don't have this as a feature.

Vicente Esteve > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 11:13

My friend had a similar situation with the headlights.

It was about 1 AM and we were leaving from playing GTA 5 in another friends house. This was the day it was released, and we did go for it at 12PM to the store. In the city where I live (Tampico, In Mexico), it is better to stay away from the streets after 1AM, really better, so our parents were desperate for us to go home. A friend gave a ride to another friend in his 2006 Jetta, and I left home. The other day, my friend told me when they were getting to his house (the house of the friend who asked for a ride) a policeman stopped them to say the headlights were turned off. My friend told me our other friend driving said to the policeman: "No sir, look, they are turned on. Yo just have to turn this dia..." The healights turned on... My friend in the passenger seat was peeing of laughter, and since this was a Mexican police man, he wouldnt leave both of them without a hefty fine. It was going to be around 70 Dollars, which obviously he didnt have after buying GTA. He had to call his father to pick him up, pay the damn fine, and return home after something dangerous happened. And all was thanks to the other friend who asked for a ride, since in my way home which is the same route as my fined friend, there wasnt a single cop.

Maddox Kay > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 11:25

Whenever I take my car in for service, the porter or someone turns the switch from "auto" to "off." EVERY. DAMN. TIME. While I'm very attentive to my car and immediately notice that and correct it each time, many people are in a rush and don't pay attention so I could see how they might not notice at first. You'd think they'd notice when they were driving at night and couldn't see anything, though. Nice S4 by the way!

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 11:29

Preach brother! Preach!

I have seen a number of people driving gray cars in a downpour with no headlights. I almost got t-boned last week on the passenger side with my wife in the car in those conditions. Never saw the car till I was already out in the lane.

All of this BS about lane departure, backup cameras, radar/adaptive cruise control. Screw that. A simple and cheap sensor that will turn on headlights at dusk or adverse weather is needed more than the other stuff.

I swear I see this more with Camry's than I do with other makes. Maybe it's cause I dislike those cars so much?

Rock Bottom > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 11:56

... if I were king...

and 100 more > EL_ULY
06/17/2014 at 12:26

Oh mah goo'ness, its like you took the thoughts from my head...

I give some slack to the folks who drive with one headlight; so many cars lately require the bumper fascia to be removed to access the headlight housing. But turning on the brights to compensate for the loss of one lower-wattage bulb is just horrible.

and 100 more > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 12:28

But have you noticed how many newer vehicles you see with burned out lights (head or tail)? It's like the quality of bulbs has gone down in the past 5 years or something.

NaturallyAspirated > mazda616
06/17/2014 at 12:29

My Subaru turns the headlights off when I turn the engine off, while I've never had a domestic car do this. Perhaps with the import it's assumed that you'll just leave the headlights on all the time?

EL_ULY > and 100 more
06/17/2014 at 12:29

oh yes sir, or that the bulb is $150. But when it's a Tahoe on 28 inch wheels (worn Chinese tires of course), TV's, and custom paint...that $10 bulb is no excuse

and 100 more > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 12:33

I owned a 2004 Chevy Classic (a Malibu w/ an Ecotec), and you could not turn off the headlights, except to turn on the parking lamps. The switch had no "off" setting, only auto (which would let the DRLs light without the taillamps), parking lamps, and full on. The only time the lights would shut off is after one minute of the car being turned off AND the driver's door opened AND closed.

and 100 more > EL_ULY
06/17/2014 at 12:34

Agreed, whole-heartedly.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 13:26

ha, when I had a long highway commute to work this would drive me up the wall as well. I'd flash my lights at people, turn them on and off like you, and once even pulled up next to some lady at a light and honked my horn trying to get her attention - completely oblivious.

it's worst at daybreak or sunset - a dark coloured car with no lights on is really hard to see. Significantly worse when it is rainy and/or foggy (which happens a lot in the SF area). Add to this the sheer number of people texting, on the phone, swerving across lanes, not using blinkers, or a whole list of other stupid things while driving - I was just constantly exhausted and frustrated while commuting. So glad I take the train now.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger
06/17/2014 at 13:29

Gray car + rain + no lights is by far the worst combination for this situation. Experienced the same several times, so infuriating - and yet the culprits are absolutely oblivious.

Rico > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 15:23

Flashing lights just makes people either confused or think you want to race. What I do is pull along side them, honk and when they look over I do this gesture that looks like I'm casting a spell on them or throwing powder at them.

Basically close my hand and "flick" it open a few times, that's usually enough for people to turn on their lights. I've done this on at least 4 or 5 occasions and it works really well.

Rico > Enginerrrrrrrrr
06/17/2014 at 15:24

I want one of those police loud speakers in my car so I can say those things!

Saloon_Hoon > TJDMAX
06/17/2014 at 19:55

didn't read if this was mentioned but it happens all too often - my solution so far (that has worked w/o too many misconceptions) is I drive up beside them, and between the gaps of street lights, i turn my headlights off —— wait for it—- then they realize their lights are off too and hopefully they turn theirs on. if not, mine return on and i'm gone.

Alex B > RazoE
06/20/2014 at 21:36

And if you go under trees for a second, someone could interpert it as if you we're brighting them.