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Definition: adaptive headlights


An automotive safety feature that adjusts the headlights based on traffic or road conditions. Curve-adaptive headlights change their angle when the car is turning the corner. Cornering lights are another set of lights that perform this function. On a dark road at night, this can be a life saver.

Self-leveling headlights that tilt up or down is another adaptive feature. For example, standard headlights will momentarily shine toward the sky when the car is riding over a large bump in the road. With auto-leveling, they will tilt down toward the road.

Adaptive High Beams
Most vehicles have an option that turns headlights on at dusk. However, they may also have automatic high beams that switch on when no oncoming cars are detected and then switch back to low beams. However, such systems can be fooled by lights on lamp posts or buildings and dim mistakenly.

Adaptive Brake Lights
Adaptive brake lights shine differently based on how fast the car is moving and how hard the driver is braking. For example, brake lights blinking rapidly indicates an emergency stop (see collision mitigation system). See automotive safety systems.