If you’re a new Model 3 or Model Y Performance owner, you may need to adjust your headlights. However, if you have the new and improved projector headlights, you won’t have to worry about adjusting them. In fact, the new matrix projector headlights are soon to arrive in all Model S and X vehicles.
The new projector headlights are an improvement from the current reflector headlights. The projector provides a more focused beam with less glare, which means you can light up an area better without blinding oncoming traffic. Additionally, the new matrix LEDs inside the projectors allow your car to turn on the high beams to increase visibility further.
The new matrix LEDs can also turn off certain segments to prevent blinding oncoming traffic or pedestrians. This feature also allows for cool easter eggs, such as the Tesla logo while using things like the car light show. The US has finally passed a new law to allow these matrix headlights to use these cool functions, making it easier for Tesla to push a software update to allow these awesome new features.
On the IIHS website, which rates car safety, the new and improved matrix projector headlights found on all new Model 3s and Model Y Performance received a G for good rating, which is the best rating possible. Due to the projector housing, the low end high beams are much more focused at longer distances and on curves, easily surpassing 200 feet and the optimal low beam illumination rating.
With the older style reflector headlights, the rating is slightly worse, but Tesla always had one of the best headlights for night time driving, so the rating is still good. However, the light output at the distance decreases a bit before 200 feet. If you have the reflector style headlights and notice the driver’s side beams seem a little low, you can slightly adjust your headlights higher.
When adjusting your headlights, you never want to raise your driver’s side headlight too high as this is what blinds drivers on the oncoming side of the road. If you ever have to, you always want to raise the passenger side higher than the driver’s side. With Teslas, adjusting the headlights is done on the screen, and it’s all reversible.
To adjust your headlights, make sure the car is on a level surface and at least 20 feet away from a plane wall. Cover one side with a towel and adjust one headlight at a time. Under service, you can adjust the headlights, and every time you adjust them, note how many ticks you’ve gone up so you can easily reverse the change.
A good range for adjusting your headlights is about five ticks on the left and then six or seven ticks on the right. After adjusting your headlights, quickly go on a drive to test them. If you see glare coming from your headlights on the street signs, your headlights are adjusted too high.
In conclusion, adjusting your Tesla’s headlight brightness is easy and reversible. Don’t be afraid to adjust anything, and always test your car’s headlights after any adjustments.