Auto Lights when it rains

[Davcas]

On my previous Ford, when it started raining and the wipers went to full (auto) the lights would also switch on when on auto, but this does not seem to happen on the UK model CX-5 and I have to switch the lights on using the stick?

 

[brandini]

I had a 99 Chrysler that would turn the headlights on after using the wipers for a full minute, was great since a VA law states headlights are required to be on when using wipers. Wonder if Mazda just forgot this feature?

 

[jvbw0527]

I was going to ask the same question...........my grand cherokee has rain sensing wipers and when the lights are set to auto, they automatically come on when its raining after the wipers make a few swipes.

The mazda doesn't seem to do this. it's kind of annoying that i have to switch the lights on then put them back to auto whats the point of using auto then. (uhm) unless there's a setting i don't know about or something.

If i have my lights set to auto i don't want to have to think about it, thats how my jeep is....my lights and wipes come on automatically whenever they need too, i never have to touch anything

 

[xtrailman]

I don't see it as a problem, you can have the lights on manual or auto so you have a choice, same with the wipers.

While I find the daylight running lights come on whether I want then too or not, but strangely turn off with the handbrake applied.

 

[speedbegone]

I feel the auto light system on the CX5 is actually a step back in efficiency compared to my previous Mazda, They added a sensitivity setting that is seemingly more placebo than actually changing anything, but now I get this delay before they turn on that my previous car did not, in the same situation (going in a tunnel).

It takes up to 25 seconds sometimes to turn on the lights (no matter the sensitivity setting) this means I'm almost halfway thou the tunnel... kind of useless in this situation.

I think modern cars should turn them on as soon as wipers are working for more than one minute or so (or at the very least.. turn on the tail lights and keep th RDL's on for better visibility.
In fact, ideally, all cars should have rear rdl's running at all time. They could be different than the "night tail lights" in the same way the headlights function with the rdls and headlights. This, to me should be the next "big" safety measure taken by all car manufacturers.

 

[brandini]

Why use different lights than the rear running lights?