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How do I know if my car has adaptive headlights?

Adaptive headlights are a feature in some modern vehicles that automatically adjust the direction and intensity of the headlight beams to improve visibility and safety while driving. If you're unsure whether your car has this technology, there are a few key signs to look for.


What Are Adaptive Headlights?


Adaptive headlights are an advanced lighting system that uses sensors and electronic controls to dynamically adjust the headlight beams in response to driving conditions. This can include adjusting the angle of the headlights when cornering, raising or lowering the beam height based on vehicle speed, and even selectively dimming or brightening individual LEDs within the headlight assembly.


The goal of adaptive headlights is to provide the driver with optimal illumination at all times, improving visibility and safety, especially in challenging driving situations like winding roads, heavy traffic, or poor weather.


Signs Your Car Has Adaptive Headlights



  • Automatic Leveling: Adaptive headlights will automatically adjust the vertical aim of the headlights to compensate for changes in vehicle pitch, such as when accelerating, braking, or carrying a heavy load.

  • Cornering Lights: As you turn the steering wheel, the headlights will swivel slightly to illuminate the road in the direction you're turning.

  • Adaptive Beam Control: The headlight beams will automatically adjust their intensity and shape to provide the optimal illumination without blinding oncoming drivers.

  • Headlight Sensors: Your car may have sensors that detect ambient light conditions, vehicle speed, steering angle, and other factors to determine how to adjust the headlights.


If you notice any of these features in your vehicle, it's a good indication that you have adaptive headlights. Consult your owner's manual or speak with your dealer for more details on the specific adaptive lighting capabilities of your car.


Benefits of Adaptive Headlights


Adaptive headlights offer several key benefits compared to traditional fixed headlights:



  • Improved Visibility: The dynamic adjustment of the headlight beams helps illuminate the road ahead more effectively, especially in curves, hills, and other challenging driving situations.

  • Enhanced Safety: By providing better visibility, adaptive headlights can help drivers detect potential hazards sooner and react more quickly, reducing the risk of accidents.

  • Reduced Glare: The selective dimming of individual LEDs helps minimize the amount of glare experienced by oncoming drivers, improving road safety for everyone.

  • Increased Efficiency: Adaptive headlights can use energy more efficiently than traditional headlights, potentially improving a vehicle's overall fuel economy.


As automotive technology continues to advance, adaptive headlights are becoming increasingly common on new vehicles. If your car is equipped with this feature, be sure to take advantage of its capabilities to enhance your driving experience and safety.

How do I find out what type of headlights my car has?


Application. So right off the bat let's start with the beam pattern the beam pattern colors tend to vary from different. Options turn on your headlights. Pull up to a garage door and just check it out



How do you activate adaptive headlights?


Or just turn the headlamp control switch to the headlamps. On position any questions go to owner.for.com.



How to know if headlights are adaptive?


And show you a Model Y that just has regular headlights without the matrix. LED. There so you can see the difference.



Which car models have adaptive headlights?


Many recent car models, including luxury and mainstream vehicles, now offer adaptive driving beam headlights, a system that automatically adjusts the high beams to avoid dazzling other drivers while maximizing illumination. Examples include the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Tesla Model 3, and newer models like the Rivian R1S and R1T. Automakers such as Porsche, Volvo, Ford, and Subaru also feature adaptive lighting on many of their cars, often as an available option or standard on higher trims.
 
You can watch this video to see how adaptive driving beam headlights work on a Tesla Model Y: 56sGo Green AutosYouTube · Apr 1, 2024
Examples of cars with adaptive driving beam headlights

  • Audi: Many models, including the Audi A6, feature adaptive lighting, sometimes called Audi Matrix LED headlights. 
  • BMW: The BMW 5 Series has standard adaptive headlights, and the technology is available on other models in the lineup. 
  • Ford: Adaptive headlights are available on various models, even some entry-level ones. 
  • Hyundai: Features this technology on both mainstream and some hybrid models. 
  • Jaguar: Models like the 2018 Jaguar E-PACE are listed as having adaptive headlights. 
  • Lexus: The Lexus LS is an example of a vehicle that offers this feature. 
  • Mazda: Includes this technology on models such as the Mazda CX-5 and CX-30. 
  • Mercedes-Benz: The E-Class is one example of a Mercedes model with adaptive headlights. 
  • Rivian: The Rivian R1S and R1T are among the newer vehicles to offer adaptive driving beams. 
  • Subaru: Adaptive headlights are included in various models, sometimes called Subaru Steering Responsive Headlights. 
  • Tesla: The Tesla Model 3 and the updated Model Y are equipped with adaptive driving beam headlights. 
  • Toyota: The Toyota Camry is an example of a model that offers adaptive headlights. 
  • Volkswagen: Certain models have this feature, sometimes called Dynamic Light Assist. 
  • Volvo: Volvo is a manufacturer that includes adaptive headlights, known as Volvo's Adaptive LED headlights, on many of its vehicles. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.