‘Why are low beams not compulsory in the car during the day?’ † Question answer

Car editor Niek Schenk answers: ‘In fact, that’s how it all started. Long before daytime running lights were made mandatory in the European Union, Scandinavian brands such as Volvo and Saab had already taken the initiative to always switch on the dipped beam automatically at the start. Later this was replaced by the extra, smaller headlamps now known as daytime running lights. I’m afraid car manufacturers are not interested in your idea, because low beam consumes more energy than daytime running lights. And it is precisely in these times that we want cars to use energy as economically as possible. This is beneficial for both the environment (with fuel cars) and costs. And with electric cars for the largest possible driving range.’

Our auto editors answer reader questions every week. Mail your question to Niek Schenk.

More questions and answers can be found in our file.

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