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IrresponsibleScience t1_j0gpf7k wrote

Most modern cars have automatic lights that activate when the light is low enough, or when the wipers are on.

So if they aren’t on, either it’s an older vehicle, or the driver isn’t using the automatic function for some reason.

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Donotaskmedontellme t1_j0gqjtb wrote

Mine is a 2019 and yesterday the headlights didn't come on even though it was cloudy as fuck with the rain.

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[deleted] OP t1_j0grple wrote

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thesonofdarwin t1_j0gwsks wrote

My cheap AF Honda Fit has automatic head lights and tail lights (not just DRLs) as a base feature. I'm going to start holding my pinky out as I drive around in my luxury car.

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[deleted] OP t1_j0gwwru wrote

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thesonofdarwin t1_j0gxqc8 wrote

Then they've turned off their lights. With the light selector turned to OFF the DRLs still turn on (super frustrating as there is no option to actually turn your lights off completely). With it on AUTO they definitely both turn on.

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[deleted] OP t1_j0gygud wrote

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thesonofdarwin t1_j0h48sj wrote

The handbrake does not turn off the DRLs, unfortunately. The only way they actually fully turn off is if it's bright enough for the sensor to be satisfied. But I've moved out to the NW now and that rarely happens! I can't really park in front of glass front stores/restaurants anymore and let my car running without being an AH since they're always on and bright enough to be annoying.

Here's a video showing OFF (with dimmer DRL no taillights) and AUTO (with brighter headlights and also tail lights).

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[deleted] OP t1_j0h8awf wrote

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thesonofdarwin t1_j0h9edz wrote

No problem with the video. I needed to start the car anyway to make sure the cold hasn't killed my battery before an appointment since I haven't driven in a few weeks.

I 100% agree, there needs to be standardization. I'm not surprised people drive with no tail lights because the only way to know they aren't on is to get out and walk back and look, or if it's dark enough check your rearview mirror for reflections on the car behind you. There's an indicator for headlights on the dash, but that still doesn't indicate anything related to tail lights. It should just be 1:1. Are any front lights on? If yes, tail lights should be on.

Since it's always cloudy and rainy out in my new home, this is pretty much a daily thread in our subreddit. But it's more people driving with no head lights at all even though they drive cars that support automatic.

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nowordsleft t1_j0h0rry wrote

There is no car in the country that turns the headlights on and doesn't also turn the tail lights on. It's federal law for car makers that the two are linked. When you turn your headlights on, either manually or they come on at dark, the tail lights also come on. DRLs and headlights are two different things, but DRLs may use the headlight bulbs.

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heili t1_j0gu288 wrote

TIL my Jeep Wrangler is a "luxury brand".

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[deleted] OP t1_j0gu97v wrote

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heili t1_j0gv4px wrote

They do.

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[deleted] OP t1_j0gvpqg wrote

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heili t1_j0gzgex wrote

Here's a handy instructional video for how to use the automatic headlights on a Jeep Wrangler:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9clXnSLcCeI

There is no separate control for taillights, and these are not DRLs.

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[deleted] OP t1_j0h2nfc wrote

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heili t1_j0h56a9 wrote

You are actually an idiot.

Taillights do not come on with DRLs. The DRLs are activated when the ignition is on, the parking brake is off, and the headlights are off.

Taillights do come on any time the headlights do regardless of whether those headlights are automatically or manually switched on.

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ancrm114d t1_j0gwbnh wrote

My Subaru Crosstrek has auto headlights that turn on either when it gets dark or the wipers are turned on.

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worthless-humanoid t1_j0gwijb wrote

It’s one of those things I didn’t think to check when getting my current car. My previous one had the auto lights but my 2016 civic doesn’t. Was really hard retraining myself to turn them on manually. Dumb that it’s not a standard for all cars to have auto lights.

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