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What is high-beam assist?

  • How does high-beam assist work?
  • Do I need automatically dipping lights?
  • Parkers explains the tech

Written by James Dennison Published: 21 February 2021

High-beam assist recognises oncoming vehicles at night, switching headlights between main and dipped beam automatically. It’s a very clever bit of kit and is claimed to make nocturnal driving less stressful.

How does high-beam assist work?

A sensor usually mounted on the rear-view mirror detects headlights and rear lights of other vehicles ahead. If the road in front is clear, high-beam headlights are activated, automatically dipping when another vehicle comes into sight. All without your fingers leaving the steering wheel.

>> The Parkers guide to headlight bulbs

Do I need it?

If you frequently drive down poorly lit country roads at nighttime, then it could be a valuable piece of kit, removing the need to manually activate and deactivate full beam. Drive mostly in the day, on motorways or in town and it may become less relevant.

Found on

A range of cars including the Seat Leon, Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo.

Looking for more jargon-busting motoring meanings? Head over to our Parkers Car Glossary page and take a look at our other definitions