By: Otaiba Ahsan
The headlights on Tesla vehicles are powerful and provide great visibility for safe driving in dark conditions. The leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has done an adequate job automating as much as possible, creating a seamless experience. One of these features is called Headlights After Exit which helps manage your headlights once you exit the car. Continue for steps on how to turn Headlights After Exit on or off in a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.
Normal Headlights
All the exterior lights are set to Auto each time you start your Model 3 or Model Y. This includes headlights, tail lights, side marker lights and more. The Auto feature examines the environment and determines what combination of lights is best to engage during that time. To adjust any headlight settings, tap Controls > Lights when in your Tesla. You can then choose from a few different options:
- Off: This will turn all the exterior lights off. However, depending on the region you’re in, daytime running lights may remain on due to regulations.
- Parking: By toggling this setting, parking lights, side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights will turn on, if they’re not already.
- On: Low beam headlights, side marker lights, parking lights, tail lights and the license plate lights will all turn on, if they’re not already.
If you change to a different setting, the lights will always revert to Auto on your next drive.
NOTE: Both the Model 3 and Model Y have a series of LED lights along the rim of the headlights, also known as signature lights. They automatically turn on when in a drive mode such as Reverse or Drive.
TIP: The rear tail lights are off when daytime running lights are on. However, it’s vital that they remain on during low rear visibility conditions. These include dark, foggy, snowy, or wet environments. If they’re not on, it can result in dangerous situations.
Learn how to manage the different settings for the Tesla Model 3 and Y high-beam headlights.
Headlights After Exit
When the Headlights After Exit feature is enabled, the exterior headlights remain on when you stop driving, and park your Tesla in low lighting conditions. They automatically turn off after one minute or when the Model 3 or Y locks.
On the flip side, if you have the feature disabled, the headlights will turn off when the car is in Park and a door is opened.
To turn this feature on or off, tap Controls > Lights > Headlights After Exit. It can be a useful feature to have if you’re frequently getting back home after dark and would like your headlights to stay engaged while you enter your home.
NOTE: If you lock your Tesla using the mobile app or key card, the headlights will immediately turn off regardless of whether this feature is enabled or not. However, if the vehicle locks because of the Walk-Away Door Lock, then they will remain on for one minute and then turn off.
The Bottom Line
The steps on how to turn Headlights After Exit on or off in a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y are simple. When in your car, touch Controls > Lights > Headlights After Exit and toggle it on or off.