lähivalot

Lähivalot, a Finnish term for low-beam headlights, are the primary forward-facing lights on motor vehicles designed to illuminate the road ahead without producing excessive glare for oncoming drivers. They are intended for use in conditions with limited visibility, such as after dark, during dawn and dusk, or in rain, fog, or snow.

Low beams provide illumination with a defined cutoff to prevent glare. They use halogen, xenon (HID), or LED sources and can employ reflector or projector optics. Many modern vehicles feature adaptive or automatic headlights that adjust intensity and/or aim in response to speed, steering, or road curvature, and some offer cornering illumination or pedestrian-detection functions.

Regulations vary by jurisdiction. Generally, drivers must use low beams when visibility is reduced or when high beams would dazzle others; daytime running lights may be required in some regions but are not the same as low beams. Regular checks of alignment, lens cleanliness, and bulb condition are important for ensuring adequate illumination.

Low beams are a key element of road safety, complementing other lighting and marking systems. Ongoing developments include more efficient LEDs, more precise optics, and smarter automatic systems that improve visibility while minimizing glare. Kaukovalot, the high-beam counterpart, are used for long-distance illumination when traffic is clear.