night vision BUICK RAINIER 2007 Owner's Manual

There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp
systems, so that driving under bridges or bright
overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp system are only
affected when the light sensor sees a change in
lighting lasting longer than the delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on after the
transmission is shifted out of PARK (P). Once you
leave the garage, it will take about one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to
DRL if it is light outside. During that delay, the
instrument panel cluster might not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position.
If the vehicle is running and the automatic
headlamp system is already on, it can be turned
off by turning and releasing the headlamp
control at the off position. The automatic headlamp
system stays off until you turn and release the
headlamp control at the off position again.
SeeHeadlamps on page 162.Fog Lamps
Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or
misty conditions. The ignition must be in RUN for
the fog lamps to work.
The fog lamp button
is located on the
instrument panel to
the right of the exterior
lamps knob.
Press the button to turn the fog lamps on.
Press the button again to turn them off. A light
glows near the button while the fog lamps are on.
Fog lamps turn off whenever the high-beam
headlamps are on.
Some localities have laws that require the
headlamps to be on along with the fog lamps.
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After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected
on the underbody, chassis, or under the hood.
These accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake
linings cleaned and checked. These substances
can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the
body structure, steering, suspension, wheels,
tires, and exhaust system for damage. Also, check
the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service
due to off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to
be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night
vision problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot see as well, you may need
to slow down and keep more space between
you and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only so
much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe
place and rest.
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No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But as we get older these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as
much light to see the same thing at night as a
20-year-old.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your
night vision. For example, if you spend the
day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear
sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble
adjusting to night. But if you are driving, do not
wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on
glare from headlamps, but they also make a
lot of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or
even several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust
to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare,
as from a driver who does not lower the high
beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps,
slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into
the approaching headlamps.Keep the windshield and all the glass on your
vehicle clean — inside and out. Glare at night is
made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the
inside of the glass can build up a lm caused
by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and ash
more than clean glass would, making the pupils
of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that the headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it is easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as the headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should your
eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer
from night blindness — the inability to see in dim
light — and are not even aware of it.
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