How to Set Up Your Automatic Headlights When Driving in Winter

What are Automatic Headlights?

Automatic headlights are a feature used in our cars that enables our vehicle to detect brightness from the outdoors, and activate our headlights when the light level drops.

Using sensors which are typically mounted on the dashboard or near the rear view mirror, the system detects the level of external light and activates or deactivates the headlights accordingly.

According to the Highway Code, you must use your headlights when your visibility is ‘seriously reduced’, such as in different light conditions, rain or fog, and when you can’t see for more than 100 metres. Failure to illuminate your headlights properly can lead to a £1,000 fine if spotted by the police, so be sure to obey the law in every circumstance.

And as useful as our automatic headlights are for many reasons, it’s important for road users to take precautions in extreme weather conditions, especially when driving in winter, as frost, fog, and snow can directly impact the effectiveness of this sensor, and cause it to work incorrectly. 

The Different Types of Automatic Headlights

Most cars on the road have varying functions and features, and there are a few different types of automatic headlights that you can have in your car. These include:

Adaptive headlight systems: These use a combination of sensors and motors to adjust the direction and brightness of the headlights based on the car's movement. For example, the headlights will turn in the same direction as the car when steering around a corner, which will improve the visibility of the road ahead.

Light-sensitive sensor systems: These systems use light sensors to detect the amount of light in your surroundings. So when driving in darkness, such as at night or in a tunnel, the headlights will turn on automatically. Similarly, they will then turn off when it becomes bright again. 

Rain-sensitive sensor systems: Equipped with sensors that detect rain or moisture on the windscreen, the headlights automatically switch on to improve visibility in wet weather conditions. 

Typically, you can check your car dashboard to see which type of automatic headlights you have, and if they are enabled, or you can read your vehicle manual for more information. If your automatic headlights aren't working, the symbol won't light up on the dashboard, and it’s important to visit your local car garage to get this checked out.

As such, the Dick Lovett team have shared ways you can ensure your automatic headlights are working properly to improve safety on the roads.

How to Ensure Your Automatic Headlights Work Correctly

It’s useful to check whether your headlights are automatically turning on before every journey, as this can increase road safety, particularly in changing light conditions. Whilst many vehicles are equipped with automatic headlight systems, these systems might not always activate when visibility is reduced, such as during heavy rain, fog, snow, and other elements.

As such, it’s always best to stay alert and use your headlights manually, turning them on when you see fit. This can then improve visibility on the road for yourself, and other road users, so familiarise yourself with the manual system so you can take control when needed. 

It’s important to stay vigilant, as besides the weather, automatic headlights can change depending on many different factors, including driving through wooded areas, and well lit streets.

Another tip would be to check your automatic headlight sensors before every journey. If they are covered in dirt, snow, or frost, clean this off before driving. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle during the winter, with tools such as de-icer, cloths, and snow scrapers/brushes - in case you come across any weather related issues.

However, another feature to consider when driving is the use of your dipped headlights.

Why Should You Use Dipped Headlights?

Ensuring the proper use of dipped headlights is essential, particularly when it comes to potentially dazzling other road users in difficult driving conditions. Overly bright headlights can create visibility challenges for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of accidents, and this is particularly critical in winter, when the longer, darker nights and adverse weather conditions increase the need for the correct lighting.

In October 2024, the DfT (Department for Transport) conducted research into why drivers are being dazzled by headlights, and found that 91% of drivers said they DO get dazzled when driving, with a further 74% saying this happens often.

So, when should you use dipped headlights? You should use these when visibility is poor, such as at night or in bad weather, and you can activate and deactivate these in most cars by interacting with the dashboard or indicator stalk.

The Highway Code also states that you should use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced to less than 100 meters. This ensures better general visibility for everyone on the road and promotes a safer shared driving experience for everyone.

When Should I Use Full Beam Headlights?

There are also full beam headlights, which are the brightest type of headlight available on our vehicles. But when should you use full beam headlights?

These headlights should be used responsibly to ensure safety for all road users. Full beam headlights are ideal to use when driving on unlit stretches of road at night, as they provide enhanced visibility. However, it is crucial to switch to your dipped headlights when getting close to oncoming traffic, and this includes cyclists and pedestrians. 

By switching to your dipped headlights when there are other cars on the road, you can avoid dazzling them and causing any potential accidents. This also applies when following another vehicle or navigating any turns or roundabouts

While automatic headlights should detect whether or not there is sufficient light for full beam or dipped headlights, it’s important to not depend on any automatic system because of the points above, so familiarising yourself with the manual systems is crucial.