What are Toyota Automatic High Beams (AHB)?
Today, you will learn how Toyota makes driving safer for you and other motorists at night.
Automatic High Beams detect oncoming vehicle headlights and preceding vehicle taillights. The system automatically toggles between low and high beams at night. This new feature is a game changer for nighttime driving, especially for those with vision problems operating a motor vehicle at night.
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How Does Toyota's Automatic High Beams Work?
Simplicity of the Automatic High Beams: a feature you activate once and enjoy daily. When driving at night or in low light conditions, the AHB can automatically activate at speeds above 21 miles per hour.
The system is designed to detect oncoming vehicle headlights and preceding vehicle taillights. Next, depending on the situation, the high beam automatically toggles between low and high beams.
Keep in mind some factors may interfere with AHB. A dirty windshield, lighting, and terrain can limit the system’s effectiveness. The weather may also not allow the system to work as intended.
How to use the Automatic High Beams
For most Toyota vehicles, engaging the Automatic High Beams is simple. And the nice thing is, once you have it set up, you do not need to reengage the feature with every vehicle start-up. Set it and forget it!
Ensure the headlights are set to auto-on position by rotating the turn signal’s end selector to the auto on/off setting. Next, push the turn signal toward the dashboard to engage the High Beams.
Now, on the driver side of the dashboard, locate the Automatic High Beam switch. It looks like a headlight with an (A) inside of it. A green light above the logo will illuminate when the feature is activated.
Press this button, and now, when in low light or nighttime driving, you will have your Automatic High Beams on.
What are the Benefits of the AHB feature?
Enhanced Nighttime Visibility: The AHB system automatically switches between high and low beams, ensuring optimal illumination of the road ahead during nighttime driving.
Reduced Driver Fatigue: With the system automatically managing the high beam function, drivers can focus on the road without continuously adjusting the beam switch.
Safety for Oncoming Vehicles: The system detects oncoming vehicles and switches off the high beams to prevent blinding other drivers.
Improved Awareness: By ensuring the road is well-lit, the AHB system can help drivers identify pedestrians, animals, or obstacles more easily.
Convenience: Drivers no longer need to adjust their headlights manually every time there’s an oncoming vehicle or when the road conditions change.
Reduces Risk of Accidents: By improving visibility and reducing the need for driver intervention, the AHB system can contribute to a safer driving experience.
Cost Savings: While not a direct benefit of the AHB system itself, using high beams more efficiently can extend the life of the bulbs, leading to potential cost savings in replacements.
Ease of Use: The system is intuitive and requires minimal driver input once activated.
Enhanced Road Confidence: Knowing that the vehicle is equipped with a feature that adjusts to real-time road conditions can give drivers an added layer of confidence during nighttime driving.
Integration with Other Safety Systems: As part of the Toyota Safety Sense program, the AHB system works in conjunction with other safety features like Road Sign Assist, which can read road signs.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Now standard across the lineup are Blind Spot Monitors (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) for a safer, more convenient driving experience. New Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) facilitates stop-and-go driving on congested roads by controlling acceleration, braking, and steering within a speed range of 0 to 25 mph. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is an advanced suite of safety features designed to keep drivers and passengers safer on the road. These innovative technologies help avoid accidents altogether. Here is a list of components within the suite:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS): Detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, providing warnings and emergency braking if needed.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): Warns drivers of unintentional lane departure and may provide corrective steering.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed accordingly.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane using lane markers and preceding vehicles.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Automatically switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): Detects and displays road signs to enhance driver awareness.
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): Provides braking or steering support to maintain distance and stay in lane.
Recap of Toyota AHB
With AHB on, you are helping protect other drivers from being temporarily blinded by your high beams at night. But more importantly, you’ll have a better nighttime driving experience with the convenience of not switching back and forth with selecting high beams.
Remember, while the AHB system is helpful, drivers should always remain alert and attentive to their surroundings and not solely rely on automated features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toyota AHB uses a camera mounted behind the rearview mirror housing to detect preceding vehicle taillights and oncoming vehicles headlights. The system then switches betweem low and high beams as needed.
- Locate the AUTO headlight switch on the end of the turn signal stalk.
- Turn the headlight switch to AUTO.
- Push the turn signal stalk away from you and towards the dash.
- Locate the Automatic High Beam Switch and press it; a green light should illuminate, showing it’s activated.
- Pull the turn signal lever back toward you to turn the AHB system off.
To the best of my knowledge, and I have done the research, all Toyota vehicles 2019 and newer have Automatic High Beams, a part of the Toyota Safety Sense. Other features of TSS may vary depending upon the model, but the AHB is standard on all.
Note: Always refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for more detailed information about your specific vehicle. Safe driving practices should always be followed. For more details, contact your local Toyota Dealer or visit Toyota.com.
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
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