Ajovaloja

Ajovaloja, or headlights, are the front lighting fixtures of motor vehicles, designed to illuminate the road ahead and to make the vehicle visible to other road users in low visibility conditions such as night, rain, or fog. They are a core element of driving safety, helping drivers detect hazards and pedestrians at a suitable distance.

There are two primary lighting functions. Low beams (lähivalo) provide adequate illumination for regular nighttime driving and are aimed to minimize glare for oncoming traffic. High beams (kaukovalo) offer greater forward illumination on dark, deserted roads but should be dimmed when meeting or following other vehicles. Many vehicles allow automatic or manual switching between these modes.

In addition to headlights, daytime running lights (päiväajovalot) are designed to increase daytime visibility. DRLs are common on new cars in many regions and may operate independently of the main headlights. Regulations in Europe and many other markets increasingly standardize DRLs as part of overall vehicle lighting.

Technology and design have evolved from early incandescent bulbs to halogen, high-intensity discharge (HID or xenon), and modern LED headlights, with some models incorporating adaptive or matrix systems that adjust intensity and direction in response to traffic and road geometry. Some vehicles also include fog lights as supplementary front lighting for low-visibility conditions, typically used in fog or heavy precipitation.

Regulatory and safety considerations generally cover mandatory use conditions, mounting position, brightness, color temperature, and the proper use of low/high beams. Regular maintenance—alignment, lens cleaning, and timely bulb replacement—ensures performance and safety.