I have used a valet exactly twice in my life But to answer more directly the auto headlights I am referring to are auto off only. In other words, if you leave the headlights on, shut off the car and open the drivers door they turn off so you do not run down the battery. They are not fully automated headlights. So if a valet turned them off, my headlights would just be off when I next drove the car.

The Tacoma is the same. Auto off headlights and switchable DRLs. First click on the headlight stalk is DRL which are actually the orange "parking" lights beside the headlights. The auto part of the headlights is just auto off when you shut it off and get out of the truck.

The 4runner also has the auto off feature if you leave the headlights on. None of my cars have fully automated headlights.

 

I have no clue why anyone would not want DRLs and despite the claim "a lot of newer cars were (sic) the owner decides to switch off the daytime running lights" I've not seen any either although I don't doubt someone has gone to the trouble. What I have seen is the addition of DRLs. Several S2000s noted here and my Ford Expedition didn't come with DRLs (an omission I consider near criminal) but they were easy to activate the fog lights to DRLs via a simple change to one of the electronic modules I did at home via a laptop PC. They're real DRLs and go off when the headlights come on unless, of course. I have the fogs on with the headlights then they're magically fog lights. Flashing lights are more noticeable but possibly too distracting if everyone had them -- leave them to emergencies.

-- Chuck

 

^ Modern cars with the digital instrument cluster displays no longer go dark when headlights are turned off. So people don't notice it as much as they still see their instrument clusters fully bright, in a modern city with bright LED streetlights some drivers don't really notice headlights off as much, the DRL's are enough to keep them from noticing.

 

yep. echo that as well. my semi modern cars both have an ambient light sensor for interior lights.

I have an autopilot habit to turn my headlights ON whenever I drive. Day, night...doesn't matter. Its a habit I formed because I was always driving small cars and felt that the lights being on would help people see me.

One day my autopilot will malfunction and you will all be there to laugh at me and call me names like "Night Rider".

 

Yeah the digital dashes are more confusing on this as they typically dim when the headlights are on vs the dash lights turning on when the headlights are on. On the S2k, this dimming is triggered by the same circuit that runs the tail lights. So I figured out my tail lights were out once because the dash seemed way too bright when I was driving one night, then realized they stayed the same regardless of the headlight switch position

 

I have (had) a number of cars (Thunderbirds, MDXs, TLs, and GLEs) that have auto lights. I like them a lot especially the 2020 MB GLE 450. I got the super LED adaptive high beams with that as well and it lights up the rural roads where I live like a UFO landing from Alpha Centauri. Those maniacal deer and suicidal skunks don't have a prayer; I can see them miles away. Auto high beams were even installed on my Dad's 1956 Cadillac. Had a light beam detector mounted on the dash that looked a bit like a timing light. Works great no matter how brain dead you are. Then my 2002 Tacoma and 1999 Jeep are old school with no DRLs but the Tacoma will kill the headlights (in normal on) when the engine shuts down. The Jeep's lights will automatically go off when the battery dies.

The only issue is recalling how to kill the auto lights when approaching (military) security gates and guards. (required)

As a side note, I really like the S2000 lights in urban settings and on the freeway. Hilly rural roads limit vision unless you have the high beams on and with traffic it is impossible. That sharp line of light and dark is severe with the S. I made sure they were properly aimed and they are.

 

Auto headlights have been standard in all my cars (other than the S2000) since 2002. Switching the headlights Off in my plebeian cars doesn't require any special skill or knowledge. Just turn the dial to On or Parking. Patterns are Off, Parking, On, Auto. The switch rarely moves from Auto. Not sure if all do this but my '17 Expedition turns the headlights on with the wipers if the switch is in Auto.

-- Chuck

 

I’ve also seen a large number of cars driving at night with no lights on at all. I have a feeling these are related! As if you have automatic DRL’s‘s that come on when you release the parking brake, you can’t turn all of your lights off at night. Some of these are ricer racer cars but the majority I’ve seen were large black trucks with everything blacked out. Are these people trying to commit a crime? I really want to buy a junker car and turn in front of them so I can make them buy me a new one, and maybe sue them for a lot of money! Who in the world would want to drive at night with no lights on at all?

 

Drunks commonly drive with no head lights especially when leaving bright parking lots. Better have a good dash camera that show's you're on your side of the road.

All 5 of my family cars have DRLs. All but the Honda turn the headlights on automatically at night. Folks must be turning this feature off -- just so hard to read the owner's manual. This is all 1980s technology at best. Headlights are required by law by US code. 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. (I'm sure there are exceptions.)

-- Chuck

 

Yes I know, but I think people are doing it on purpose. I flash lights at them and honked at them and waved at them and followed them and they still keep their lights off. I’m not sure what they’re trying to prove but some of them don’t even have reflectors! One of these days I’m gonna rent a big SUV and turn in front of one and see why he was doing that.