Why are Tesla headlights often blinding? Here’s how to check and adjust on Model 3 & Y!

[@ytdood]

Tesla aside, I'm genuinely fed up with how many cars have poorly adjusted beams. At least 1 out of 5 cars will literally shine their beams onto my rear view mirror, and 3 out 10 times it's not an SUV! Makes you wonder how they even pass their MOTs...

[@brandonaron8212]

Thank you for this video! I always get flashed by other cars at night bc I’m blinding them. Didn’t know you could adjust them yourself.

[@bitmanev4331]

You hit the nail on the head; Tesla is more busy doing childish things then making sure the lights are safe. Our UK 2019 model 3 has the same issues and everytime after a software update put it back to more or less feft hand drive vehicle. So everytime we have to ajust the lights but he we can let our cars dance or write the word Tesla on the wall wow cool

[@markdawson4625]

Good video Richard. Always being flashed in our Model Y.

[@unrealsuperfly]

In my MY2023, i'm using the highest block as the main level, so pointed down to keep that raised block from blinding others. Probably means i'm running my lights too low, but rather that than getting flashed all the time. Would be great to see all light put out at the same level, so adjusting will be easier.

[@flemmingsortkjaer6897]

Most annoying thing about the headlights, is that it seems like random software updates tends to bring them out off alignment. Happens 2-3 times every year.

[@Rabs73]

Very timely Richard. Only driving to work last night and noticed my left hand headlight was shining into the rear window of an SUV. Will adjust tonight. Thanks for the video.

[@jamiewickett7989]

Very helpful thanks, yes uk of being flashed by other drivers at night, more so to ensure it doesn’t cause an accident by blinding others. Will give it a try later!

[@stevengarrad3364]

I live in a country area with a lot of long curves in the road and I am acutely aware that with every left hand curve I am blinding oncoming traffic due to that L shape beam pattern in my 2021 model 3. My lights are aimed lower than ideal due to this. This should be a priority for tesla as a significant safety issue.

[@matthewmallett4718]

Did my model Y with the matrix lights at an MOT testing station using their headlight beam checking equipment when i first got it. The beams before checking were way out and were only correct and at the max allowed height after the adjustments. Since this they have been fine and have had no issues with getting flashed by blinding anyone. Personally i would recommend speaking to an MOT garage and then you can be sure the lights are at the correct height and without any guess work.

[@timwilkinson8023]

Excellent vid Richard & a good service to other road users.

[@nissang10]

Thanks for the video. Every Tesla owner should adjust their dipped beam.

[@denischick2519]

When they’re adjusted properly they’re fine. My issue is the tardy way that they dip when on auto. Seems like they are thinking about it for too long. If you want to be impressed, take a test drive in the latest Vauxhall Astra, stunning response and effectively like driving in daylight!

[@Yachtzeee]

Here in Canada it’s a lot of lifted pickup trucks with led:xenon bulbs in reflector non projection housing blinding everyone.

[@Daniel-jm5hd]

Thanks Richard. Another informative video. I will check my headlights when it stops raining.

[@worldtrav72]

Good video. Will calibrate ours. Once good matrix headlights become a 5 star safety rated feature and Tesla gets dinged for them, they will surely get some attention. I hope it doesn’t take that long though. Matrix headlights have amazing capability to improve safety by moving the high beams around other drivers while maintaining high beams everywhere else. This problem has been solved. Tesla and others need to get on board.

[@paulgrimsey4743]

Super video Richard. It's a real bugbear of mine that Tesla haven't enabled active matrix yet. I have a 2023 Model Y Performance and drove it to France this summer, I was constantly getting flashed by oncoming cars as I was dazzling them and there was nothing I could do about it.

[@bernhardleopold6702]

I made the experience that software updates sometimes cause the car to loose the headlight positions. In this case the sole auto calibration process corrects the problem.

[@connclissmann6514]

Useful advice, thanks. Disappointing that the lights can't be adjusted when traveling on continental Europe to accommodate driving on the right, given they are matrix headlights. Come on, Tesla! A couple of days in the lab with engineers and software developers and this could likely be fixed. Would also help continental Europeans visiting UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.

[@paulfisher5501]

Great, informative work as usual Richard. Keep them coming please.

[@tauzN]

You need the short drive for the leveling sensor to know the base level. That way the car knows to lower your beams, if you fill heavy cargo in the trunk, and the car dips in the back.

[@ezpoppy55]

Thanks for an excellent tutorial. I’ve had my US ‘21 M3 SR+ for over two years, done a lot of night driving, rural and urban, and never had any flash their high beams at me. But I’m definitely going to check my headlights now!

[@goclunker]

M3 are the worst. Blinding af

[@goranstewart4726]

Thank you Richard. My 2022 Model Y has very high lights and I am flashed all the time. I’ll try your suggested method to lower them but the lack of lighting control from Tesla is surprising.

[@SeahawkMoments]

What an excellent video. I always hated manufacturers with super bright headlights or not properly height adjusted and was worried Inwould become one of those offenders after picking up my Y P yesterday. And of course last night I got a polite quick high beam oncoming driver and I knew they were saying my lights are too bright! I’m going to try what you suggested here and thank you for such an informational video!

[@vakostyle]

Very helpful video (as always). Cars in oncoming traffic flash their beam lights at me all the time even after having my 2022 M3 headlights adjusted. I really hope the updated Model 3 (Highland) has actual matrix headlights.

[@Sp_75-76]

Only with Tesla do you need to buy a new car to sort out your lights on your existing one

[@HollowGTX]

@@Sp_75-76This is what Tesla owners do buy a whole new car for headlights 🤣

[@alandrumo]

Thank you for the great video explaining the differences in both headlights. I have matrix lights on my 20 plate M3 and now the fancy software. How are you getting on with your lights set all the way to the left? My car keeps catching the right side of the car in front and I'm having to set them further to the right. Might need another video on how to optimise this 😅

[@EVExplorerJourneys]

Thank you for the clarification! Did I mis some warning or advice to do this after pickup? I don't understand why this isn't a standard step at the pickup of the vehicle or why software this can't do.

[@ManuManu-rl6pl]

Thank you Richard for this one, so useful ! I will optimise ! 😃 And please Elon, send us a real Matrix headlights update !!

[@djtaylorutube]

Especially one that adapts as we change from left to right on European road trips

[@keithdenton8386]

I had to adjust my headlights when I got my Y as my first drive was to France. I was gobsmacked that there was no facility to switch the headlights, to be driven on the right and it took a few attempts, and a few annoyed French lorry drivers to get right. My 6 year old Ford Mondeo switched automatically, and had turning beams so you could see around bends. When I got back to the UK I had to reset, and adjust the lights. I set them lower and they work well and I don't get flashed.

[@colinnich]

I find my 2020 M3LR needs the automatic adjustment every few months - they rise over time until they are way too high and I get flashed. I do the calibration and it's ok for a while and then repeat.

[@danpadure768]

me too!

[@mtristepin]

Alright so I'm not completely crazy. Every time I see a car with poor headlight adjustment, it's either a van or a Tesla. And I was wondering if I'm the only one noticing that. Now, why the hell does Tesla not make the effort of performing a factory adjustment...

[@bloodstockvip2176]

Something worth noting, if you've parked on a slope and you do one of the monthly updates, the car sets the headlights based on flat ground afterwards so if your Tesla is on my sloped drive (mine is a matrix model 3), the beam is way too high so I've learned to do a quick recalibrate on flat ground or else they will be blinding to other cars. Interesting, my Dec 2021 car won't do that without a short drive around the block either, the menu is grey'd out in park until after that

[@grahamleiper1538]

My driveway is flat, only do updates at home, headlights still go way off line.

[@bloodstockvip2176]

@grahamleiper1538 just something the service tech told me, I don't know if it's still true

[@roryyeadon1702]

Thanks for this, very interesting. My Model Y LR seems to be well adjusted but I find the auto high-beams extremely annoying. Sometimes it's fine but other times it's quite laggy and I get other drivers flash me. Recently, sitting at a red light for roadworks it decided to put the beams up right in the face of a car coming through the other way. I enjoy driving the car and after a couple of ipaces it's super efficient but don't get me started on the auto wipers (which seem to start wiping if a fly hits the screen) and the Tesla vision parking aid which is usually not working. If they remove the stalks on the new models that's me finished with them altogether.

[@PaulJoy]

Thanks for the video, very useful. One question, when you go in to the setting to adjust the headlights does it reset them to default each time? I notice for example that if you set them al the way to the left as you did in your video and then come out and go back in they lights are not still all the way to the left, they seem to be back to a central position again.

[@lazyade]

I’ve just returned from a weekend trip to France with my 2022 Model Y, I was constantly getting flashed on the motorway, now I know why (even though the manual says no adjustment is needed)

[@alancobbin]

Great video,hopefully new model 3 highland will have adaptive Matrix that actually work as they should,nice one fella 👍😉💪

[@markl3893]

That's a lot of work to get them adjusted. I wasn't happy with the aiming of the headlights on my 21 M3LR. Tesla sent a tech to my home who showed me how to use the onboard aiming system. He said to get 50' from a wall and adjust them vertically until the top edge of the beam was 29" above the floor. (I think that was the number, I think I have it written down somewhere in my garage)

[@imjusthere5225]

What are you thoughs about the new Tesla model 3, without gear and indicator stalks? For me in Norway its a deal breaker since i fear it is gonna be a nightmare in roundabouts with indicator buttons on the steering wheel.

[@lharris828]

I could really do with your advice about my pondering selling my Kona 64 and getting a Tesla!

[@marcsroberts]

The old ones in the 3 creep out of alignment which is the reason they're often dazzling, I try and remember to tap the "Adjust Headlights" button when I drive at night for the first time in a while and it resets them to their saved position.

[@Gochsener]

with other cars, it's "screws" in the front basically. If obviously too high, just adjust it yourself. Or in the fall for example, many service shops offer free light tests

[@grahamleiper1538]

They seem to need adjusting after software updates. Never had to adjust headlights so much on any other car.

[@Sp_75-76]

Ah, but could your other cars Fart?

[@Chris-mh3vf]

After adjustment I have to supply the farts myself

[@victoriapawlicki3341]

@@Sp_75-76who gives a fuck if a car can make a silly noise lmfao

[@Sp_75-76]

@@victoriapawlicki3341 exactly what I was saying, I just want a short beep to let me know the car is by locked

[@philcord4812]

Great video Richard, thanks. The dipped beam pattern on the Matrix lights is so awful i can't believe it's legal in the UK, like you say the raised block part on the left is just too high. I have the lights set lower to avoid shining into cars mirrors when passing and also blinding oncoming cars on left hand bends, trouble is now the right hand part of the beam is too low and left side still too high. Wish they were flatter without the step or better still like you say, enable the Matrix to work as they should.

[@martinweston8147]

+1 I'm sure when I collected my 2022 M3 in December the lights would have failed an MOT, that first week I must have been flashed by every on coming vehicle, I soon learned how to adjust the lights for height, but the pattern is still terrible, come on @Tesla

[@MrGMawson2438]

Cheers Richard

[@Rkuuyam]

I never noticed Tesla headlights is blinded, I have noticed a lot of other cars with blinding headlights.

[@mho0]

Good for you. Around here most 3 and Y lights blind you. Which is totally annoying.

[@dabulls1g]

@@mho0here? Where is here? And what does your location have to do with anything?

[@mho0]

@@dabulls1g I was driving this week in Sweden and Finland. To my understanding regulation is different in US as maybe (I do not know) Tesla lights work better there.

[@IMon503]

How does the 2022 model 3 head lamps compare to bmw led lamps and also compare to bmw laser lamps. Thanks

[@gavlarp257]

Thanks for the info. Question, can I adjust the lights for driving abroad or do I still need to buy one of those headlamp kits ??

[@asdandy148]

Top vid, thanks for info, very useful

[@Peter-oh3pm]

I am an old man from Europe. I have adjusted the headlights of all my cars since 1960's. The rules here are much more strike. The light beams are here asymmetric. The angle of the light beam dipping is strictly regulated. Top is very flat, but the right side (in right side driving countries) is slightly angled upwards to light the road side better. That gives us lights that usually do not dazzle oncoming traffic. That may happen in a road that is turning sharply to the right. European car lights have been very good since the "new" halogen H4 and H7 were introduced 1971 and after. Those American light beams look still not even satisfied.

[@hmsq82]

Just what i needed! Thanks

[@bobuk5722]

Hi Richard, thanks for this. I seem to remember that some manufacturers used to give 'centre of spot' height settings at a specific distance. Is there anything similar published for Teslas?

[@insanityideas]

You can calculate this yourself. Manufacturers actually have a sticker on the car saying what the downwards angle of the headlights should be, expressed as a % Most cars are between 0.5 and 2% depending on how far off the ground the lights are. If you have flat ground and a wall you can drive right up to the wall, mark the beam pattern on the wall then drive away from the wall by a measured distance and the beam should be lower by a calculable amount. So for example at 10meters distant the beam cutoff line will have moved 10cm lower.

[@tedantares2751]

the question is: why are the headlight are not adjusted in many Teslas? Poor quality control at factory?

[@wonderboy75]

I don't think they have quality control.

[@doaudi1720]

Easy explanation they are cheap ,usually have a taillight burnt out also

[@grahamdeed2368]

Absolute legends thank you 💡

[@Tom-fe9bu]

Interesting video, I have a 2022 model 3 Rwd but going to collect a 2023 model 3 long range-RWD today! Very interested to see the range compared to a long range AWD and my previous standard range RWD.

[@joedu7320]

Interesting, my 2022 model Y has the matrix light with L shape which in the video said only the old car before 2021 got this light, I am confused, I thought matrix should be the newer one .

[@KKandEV]

I’ve found the Matrix lights and the Auto high beam amazing. Best I’ve driven.

[@davidc-l9174]

Does the UK not have standards that dictate exactly where the beam height and center should be? In the US we can actually measure the distance from the ground to find the proper height. Also, that stepped beam pattern is intentional and found in many vehicles (particularly those with projector-type headlights). In fact, over here in the US many people have spent a lot of money importing European headlights for the better beam patterns (because the US beam patterns are awful, crippled by extremely outdated headlight standards until very recently).

[@djtaylorutube]

Yes we do

[@edci9370]

Thx for showing. Just got blinded by a m3 drives me nuts

[@davidc-l9174]

Also, did you say that newer Model Y’s have auto-leveling??? That’s one feature missing from the 3 and Y I wish they had.

[@wonderboy75]

After replacing the left headlight on warranty on my 2 year old model 3 the new light was pointing up in the air, and everyone was flashing at me. I did go into the service menu and lower it as a temporary measure, but I took it back to the Service Center to get it properly calibrated. My experience with Tesla and its Service Center has not been great.

[@assassin3131]

I drove across Europe this summer and I changed the region format to Austrian as I was around that area and I didn’t get flashed once and I was driving down some very rural roads?! Not sure if it changed the headlights probably didn’t however, I’ve been flashed before in non matrix lights cars. My last two cars have had matrix and wasn’t worried. I knew this year I didn’t have them active and was worried but didn’t get flashed. I’ve been driving out that way for over 20yrs so I know the roads I normally get flashed on if I am going to get flashed! I’ve got a 2023 MYLR

[@Gabri3lRocha]

As a Tesla owner is it that hard to have 1 button that says restore to factory calibration? Why do they move in the first place?

[@doctorzimzimmer2996]

The Tesla Model Y UK manual says the headlights don’t need adjusting when driving in countries that drive on the right. My understanding is the beam correcting stickers aren’t appropriate for Teslas. What do you suggest for travelling in the EU?

[@hmsq82]

I can tell as I've recently went to France with my MY 23 and driving during the night was was flashed many times by other cars either motorway or country roads, I had to adjust them down and right.

[@djtaylorutube]

Stick to driving during daylight, that works fine. Ridiculous that there's no left right switch over.

[@MrTanahmed]

Can you please do a video for Model S?

[@BHBeckenbauer]

I often notice the right hand headlight of M3’s dazzles you on the road

[@iansilvester1290]

2019 M3. Constantly being flashed.Tesla checked and said they were ok. Now passed MOT. ???

[@Youtubedotcomma]

I wonder if the matrix function ever get switched on for UK/EU

[@djtaylorutube]

Nope!

[@tauzN]

We really need the option to adjust the lights while driving. Just like you can with any other dumb car from the last 20 years.

[@jjonkie]

my drive way is'nt level were i park my model 3, so at random moment the headlights are way off even when i adjusted manual . So annoying.

[@no-oneman.4140]

As a new Model Y owner I am always getting flashed so found this very interesting, I will try and follow your instructions though it may be easier for me to take it to a garage who have the equipment. Sorry if this is a daft question but what is the car calibrating then ?

[@bobuk5722]

Hi, well, I don't know for sure but I'd have thought that the camera system could well be involved. My Audi waggles it's lights up and down every time I turn it on at night, I believe it is levelling them against the load distribution. With today's more powerful headlamps not dazzling oncoming drivers is vital - not only for their safety but also ours. I once asked my Dad why he did not flash drivers with oncoming blinding headlights - "Because then there are two of us who can't see what we are doing son".

[@BrokenNinja]

From my experience when I did this, it's based on what the car thinks is level likely based on a g meter, I did it once on unflat ground and it pointed the lights very far up, then did it on flat ground and it was a lot more flat. Flat ground and a flat wall is very important for this. But also just make sure they're not pointing up at all, you should not see any light going above the same hight as the cars headlamps. Video is very true that often tesla headlights aren't adjusted correctly from the factory. I do suggest just taking it to tesla if possible and getting them to do it. I also found each time I would enter the setup the lights would reset a bit and not be quite where I last had set them to.

[@SantaridesaKTM]

Great Video.

[@MaseratiRick-ok5oj]

I literally could not see at all right now at a traffic light. My eyes still hurt minutes later. This car had its brights on at the light. I kept flashing it with even brighter Lighters to say cut that out and they didn’t. Light turns green, I get a better look at the car and it’s a damn model with its headlights on. I wonder how many other people give that car the high beams thinking he’s driving with his beams on.

[@Notlib]

Bonkers that the cars can spell “TESLA” on a wall, but nothing else. VW have had a fabulous system for over 10 years now…

[@MrGMawson2438]

Evening mate

[@benkenny3220]

My problem seems to be Model 3s are just driving with their brights on all the time. A little bit of rain and theyre on. The full headlight is illuminated and extremely bright from 500ft away. Not just that little marker on the top. I'll hold my brights for these guys and they never do anything.

[@SteveLoughran]

I have the suspicion that because driver assistance only has cameras to rely on -not radar- they are aggressive about lighting (when to dip etc) as they need it

[@viccao8431]

For some reason the highest tech car can't even align headlights lol. Tesla and Toyotas always blind me in low beam mode

[@i3d3]

they should just have the self-leveling sensors cars with xenon headlights need... But surely the tesla already has sufficient sensors all over the car to not need those arms at the suspension, instead relying on these other accelerometers and such to do this function without any extra hardware

[@welfiblablabla]

When I do this on my Y with projector headlights I only get 2 small strips, not that L shape you get 🤔

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

Like you, Richard, I cover quite a lot of miles. I’ve had my Y since 01/12/23 and have driven 25,000 miles to date. I’ve only once been flashed by an oncoming vehicle and I keep an eye on my lights on vehicles in front of me as you described in the video, as I’m aware of this potential issue. Why would some cars appear to go out of calibration while others don’t? Re the lack of Matrix functionality - I wonder if it’s not in place yet because it plays havoc with the cameras and might hinder the development and operation of FSD?

[@insanityideas]

I think matrix isn't active because Tesla is an American company and until very recently adaptive headlights were not legal in America. So they couldn't sell that tech in their home market and therefore didn't put the effort into developing it and calibrating it to each vehicle. European cars sold in America have this feature software disabled even if the hardware exists on vehicle.

[@TeslaElonSpaceXFan]

👍

[@ramblerandy2397]

Clearly, Tesla have the light technology. I guess that it's a bit of a blind spot (ouch) for the engineers at present.

[@dazzassti]

Dude I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. How on earth do they move up and down if the car is level for a start, light travels in straight lines doesn't it... it may blead a little as it moves back but that's not it moving. .The flick on the lift is standard on all headlights and illuminates the curb with the side dependant on the county, that's why older reflex lamps need beam deflectors!! In cars with HIDs then the car will change the side with the curb illumination. That tesla 21 onward looks spot on, and should be if you have an MOT and the headlight alignment rig. If it's too high lower it, if they're not left right aligned then they should be adjusted to the left so the flick is more toward the curb....

[@grahamdeed2368]

Everyone get down to your nearest Tesla supercharger, they’re all free today until midnight!!!!

[@jonathan5354]

These pre face lift Headlights cutoff line looks better than on the so called matrix lights. I would say ore facelift is less blinding.

[@stevenrotherham6443]

The output of those matrix lights looks absolutely useless for the user let alone oncoming drivers

[@texastriguy]

Gonna be honest-I think the guy or gal adjusting panel gaps in the factory is the same one adjusting headlights. And no - I'm not joking. Tesla assembly needs improvement.

[@tedantares2751]

9:30 : "At least, these should point to the left of the car" - in Britain, I guess. So, you think blinding pedestrians is OK?

[@goclunker]

The S and X are NOT the blinding ones. The 3 and Y are horrible. Everytime I am blinded its a 3 or Y

[@tauzN]

The asymmetrical part is way too steep. I am blinding every car on the road, if the road bends slightly to the left. So fucking annoying. I adjusted the lights all way to the left; that's better, but I still blind cars in a left curve.

[@tedantares2751]

Most Tesla drivers (notoriously, Model Why Would Anyone Buy It) drive with high beams in the city, even on residential streets - I guess, this is because their cars have autoamtic high beams, and they do not acre about pedestrians. And the car automatically switches to high beams in the dark, no matter whether it's in the city or on a highway, so the car (that does not haev a radar or a lidar) "sees" better. Tesla engineers and designers are assholes, and Teslas are evil and they should be banned from public roads.

[@AdamC66]

Does anyone think Tesla won't bother sorting the current gen, and just leave it to the next one?

[@connclissmann6514]

That hasn't been the case to date.

[@BossAlbatross]

needed to 2times speed this cause the vod has so many mumbo jumbo

[@TrickyTree84]

Honestly. Every time im blinded, its a model 3. How is it legal and not recalled. Its downright dangerous

[@wesshank3546]

Accept nine of thos auto lights work. Every tesla I flash my high beams at flashes me the low beams and puts the high beams back on! Tesla drivers... No one said they were smart.

[@gossipandgrigio7200]

I should sue Tesla, for how much of my cornea say burned off

[@peterad1529]

No one should have to adjust their headlights from the factory thats insane

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Typical Tesla every simple car feature is needed to do manually. Those "matrix" lights looked even worse than lights in first car. Can't be bright because in EU lights over 2000 lumen requires washer and Tesla doesn't have any.

[@Chris-mh3vf]

Not correctly adjusted and auto function is pants