Rivian headlights at night in snowstorm = zero visibility

[willowshollow]

This was a problem with my model Y and I also felt like I was in a snow globe, but at some point there must have been an update because in the last storm I was in, I was able to turn on just the fogs without also having the main headlights come on.

That said, they also take stuff away in updates so I’ll confirm this again and see if it’s still possible.

So I finally had the chance to check, and I can confirm that it's possible to drive with just the fog lights without also turning on the main headlights in a Tesla Model Y.

To enable just the fog lights:

1. Switch the lights to "parking lights"
2. Tap on the fog light icon to turn on just the fog lights.

Hopefully Rivian will offer something similar in a future update.

Sponsored

 

[CharonPDX]

So I finally had the chance to check, and I can confirm that it's possible to drive with just the fog lights without also turning on the main headlights in a Tesla Model Y.

To enable just the fog lights:

1. Switch the lights to "parking lights"
2. Tap on the fog light icon to turn on just the fog lights.

Hopefully Rivian will offer something similar in a future update.

I always found it silly vehicles that forced you to have the primary lights on to use fog lights - especially when the primary lights were brighter than the fogs. (My Toyota Prius, for example. The fog lights were fairly dim halogens compared to bright HID primaries.)

The advantage of fog lights is twofold:

1. They're aimed higher (which is why in most areas, they're counted the same as high beams, and it's illegal to just drive around town with them on - they're not "accessory style lights.")

2. By being further from the direct eyeline of the driver, retroflection isn't as severe - something fog does.

They are really only useful compared to primary headlights (and especially high beams) if they can be activated separately.

And yes, certain shades of yellow do penetrate fog better than "bright white". Not a massive difference, but hey, any help is help.

 

[jblachance]

So this winter in Maine we have had a lot of snow. My Gen 1 R1T stays home any day that there is any snow in the forecast. My wife and I have experienced multiple situations where after dark, it is impossible to see the road with the headlights the way they illuminate and reflect the snow. We live in an area of Maine that has no street lights or other lights that illuminate the roads. We love our Rivian, but disappointed that it is dangerous to drive after dark on snowy nights. We would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Cycliste]

it is dangerous to drive after dark on snowy nights.

It is what it is. Driving after dark in snow is dangerous. My approach is to watch the forecast, and just not drive in snowy weather after dark, or heavy snow during the day. I don’t need to take chances on getting hurt or crashing the vehicle. It is least troublesome overall to not drive in bad conditions.

 

[jblachance]

It gets dark about 3:30- 4:00 in the afternoon for a few months in Maine. Most people are driving home from work after this and have no choice but to drive our vehicles home. I'm not talking about driving in snowstorms. I'm talking about driving in normal snowy conditions after dark. I have 365,000 miles on my F150 and I'm not afraid to take it anywhere, in any weather at any time of day!

 

[Cycliste]

Bummer. Could try yellow tinted glasses to see if that helps. Surely someone has tried dark tape on the light bar. I wonder if folks have tried 3D printing ’awning’ like devices placed above the headlights to help direct light down. Too bad we don’t have steerable headlight beams.

 

[Thedude]

It is what it is. Driving after dark in snow is dangerous. My approach is to watch the forecast, and just not drive in snowy weather after dark, or heavy snow during the day. I don’t need to take chances on getting hurt or crashing the vehicle. It is least troublesome overall to not drive in bad conditions.

That’s just not realistic in many parts of the country or world unless you’re retired. This isn’t an issue unique to Rivian but manufacturers need to recognize it’s a legitimate concern. The downside to having lights you can see at night with compared to the crappy halogens most of us probably grew up with.

 

[mkhuffman]

Bummer. Could try yellow tinted glasses to see if that helps. Surely someone has tried dark tape on the light bar. I wonder if folks have tried 3D printing ’awning’ like devices placed above the headlights to help direct light down. Too bad we don’t have steerable headlight beams.

I would give these a shot.

 

[jblachance]

Interesting... I'll do a little research on them. Thanks

Sponsored