Car Light Sensor

What Is A Car Light Sensor?

Do your headlights turn on & off automatically whenever there’s a change of light outside? Perhaps dawn is fast approaching, or dusk has just set in, and your headlights just seem to think on their own? That’s a good indication you have an auto headlight sensor, and not a technical malfunction.

It works by detecting changes in ambient light, or even illuminance in a zone around your vehicle. When the sensor detects a level of darkness beyond its programmed acceptable threshold, your headlights turn on.

auto headlight sensor

How Does It Help Me?

If you’ve been driving for an extended period of time, your eyes naturally adjust to the gradual change of lightning outside. Have you ever found yourself squinting through your windshield to better see the road, only to then realize that it’s getting pretty dark?

It’s not always as intuitive as you might think to know when it’s time to turn on your headlights, especially if you’re a beginner driver. What’s more, since you’re mainly focused on what’s ahead of you, as well as any signs of potential danger, it can slip your mind  to turn on your headlights.

A car light sensor eliminates this potential safety risk, by automatically handling your lightning system. By leaving your field of vision be assisted by automated technology, the entire driving experience becomes more efficient.

auto headlight sensor

Where’s A Car Light Sensor Placed?

In some cases, it can indeed be true that your headlights are just malfunctioning or straight up not working, but it’s also possible that they’re turning on and off without your input thanks to an auto headlight sensor.

The easiest way to check for this sensor is actually from outside your car. Face your windshield, and have a close look at the back of your rearview mirror. Do you see a camera mounted on it, facing upwards? It could also be near the edge of the windshield. 

This is what’s checking for changes in ambient light.

What Happens If My Windshield Is Cracked?

During a professional windshield repair, experienced technicians will take the utmost care to not affect your car’s sensors. If a full scale windshield replacement is needed though, then any sensors which are attached to the windshield must be replaced as well.

While you can purchase any such system from where you please, going for OEM approved equipment is our recommendation. Only by using technology which was made especially for your vehicle can you assure its full functionality. 

Otherwise, you can find yourself with headlights that are turned on in broad daylight, just draining your battery, or which aren’t turning on properly during the night. 

In A Nutshell

And that’s about it for your car light sensor. Its purpose is to improve your driving experience by removing the need for you to pay attention to an additional thing. The sensor takes in the ambient light, and deduces if your headlights should be on or off.

If you’re facing auto glass issues which are interfering with your light sensor, give our friendly customer care team a call at (480) 525-6554. We offer free mobile service Valley-Wide, and $0 Out-of-Pocket auto glass procedures.