Brightness of headlights might be due to ‘high’ setting
QPlease let drivers know that a new car can have the high-intensity headlights set too high, adding to the irritation of other drivers.
After I purchased a new Kia SUV, I experienced many drivers showing anger at me while driving at night. I started to hate driving my car after dark.
It appeared that the headlights might be set too high, and not just too bright from the high-intensity bulbs. But when I went in for service at 7,500 miles, a Kia service manager refused to have it checked, saying that he hears many complaints about the brightness of the headlights and that there is never a problem with how they are set. I went to another Kia dealer, and they found one of the headlights was set way too high.
— Roger Stephens,
Los Gatos
AFord is also having problems. Last week Ford announced the recall of certain 2018-2020 F-150s that have LED headlamps and autolamp functionality. The problem occurs when the driver manually turns on the headlights rather than using the automatic setting. In some cases, the daytime running lights also remain activated, so the lights are brighter than intended.
The recall will begin on March 9. Ford will reprogram the control module for no charge. For more information, you can reach Ford customer service at 866-4367332, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar. gov.
QWhen driving at night, I often see vehicles with their headlights on but no taillights or any other lighting on the rear of the vehicle. No one has really been able to explain this phenomenon. Any thoughts?
— Linda Michener,
Santa Clara
ASome drivers don’t seem aware that daytime running lights mean tailights are not on.
QMy mom got her renewal for her California state ID. One question asked if she wanted to be registered to vote or not. It did not ask if she was registered already. So, she said “yes” and filled it out (she didn’t want to leave it blank). Now she has two ballots for this upcoming election.
— Dennis and Geri Nichols, San Jose
AContact the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters officials, who can be very helpful in getting this straightened out.
QI am registered to vote under my regular name and my full passport name, and have received double ballots. I have advised the registrar and voided the full passport name ballot and also advised my local assemblyman and state senator. No one seems to be concerned about this.
— Marilyn Zelaya,
San Jose
AYou were right to contact the registrar. Let them straighten this out.