I started driving before the auto-off headlights came on the market and I always heard that a car should be started with the headlights off. I assume this is to reduce battery load. Since I got my TL, I always start my car with the lights on. After a thorough search here, Car Talk & Google, I believe I must be the first to ask online if this this a bad practice.

 

I've wondered the same thing...especially with the xenon lights that require so much voltage. I think I remember reading somewhere that any fluctuation in voltage might kill the ballasts in short order. I could be mistaken, and I start my car all the time with the lights on.

I know my previous car (Audi, also xenon) would momentarily turn the lights off when starting. I guess Acura would have designed the same type of feature into the ignition system of our cars if they thought it was necessary.

 

i don't think anything will happen. i did it for over 2 years on my CL and nothing ever happened

 

Mine are ALWAYS on and so far they are ok.............

 

I have yet to turn mine off ...

 

Light life aside, headlights use a lot of power.
In winter with shorter trips, you may drain the battery.

I dont think there is any problem leaving stuff on, headlights, climate control,
as the car wont start most stuff till after the engine is running.

Modern cars use a lot of power though, in winter, you may run the seat heaters,
the ac system (defrost) window and mirror deicers, lights, power windows, etc.

That is an incredible amount of electrical load.
head lights, tail lights, brake lights, radiator fans and ac compressor clutch, inside blower, seat heaters, window and mirror heaters, thats what, about 100 amps?

The alternator likely puts out 90 amps at peak...much lower at idle.

Brett

 

It is better to start with them off, whether or not it makes a practical difference is beyond me. I think xenons are more efficient then incandecent bulbs, as more power goes to light, not heat, but I could be wrong.