As soon as Tesla started shipping new Model Y cars with Matrix headlights, Tesla has been generating quite a buzz for all the good reasons.
Quick Glance:
- The Matrix headlights on the Tesla Model Y can save 16% of the car’s energy use.
- These headlights allow the driver to clearly see up to the +30 meter range without blinding others.
- These Matrix bulbs can raise the ordinance rate increases to 34%.
- The Matrix headlights can increase the Tesla Model Y car’s lighting quality by 12%.
If you’re also curious and want to know more about Matrix headlights on Tesla Model Y to find out what makes them stand out so much, keep reading the article
What Is the Matrix Headlight and What’re the Features of It?
The Matrix headlights on its Model Y are also commonly referred to as “Adaptive Headlights” and “Smart or Intelligent headlights.” This Matrix lighting system creates a highly customizable and dynamic lighting pattern.
These advanced headlights are programmed to automatically adjust the intensity and direction of the headlight beam based on various driving conditions and surroundings.
This allows the Tesla driver to see up to +30 meters ahead without blinding other ongoing drivers and motorists.
Features of Tesla Model Y Matrix Headlights:
Adaptive Lighting or Dynamic Headlights:
The Matrix headlights detect the surrounding environment and adjust the intensity and direction of the light beam accordingly.
Whether you are driving on highways, city streets, rural roads, or particularly in challenging weather conditions or at night, this ensures optimal lighting conditions.
Dynamic LED Technology & Control:
Tesla Matrix Headlights utilize LED lights and control the individual LED modules independently for precise and adaptive light distribution.
Signature Lights:
The Model Y also has a line of “Signature” LED lights along the rim of the headlights. These lights are also known as “signature LED daytime running lights.” They turn on automatically once the Model Y is turned on to increase visibility and give the car a distinct appearance.
Cornering Light Function:
These Matrix Headlights are equipped with a cornering light function that illuminates the direction of the upcoming turn or corner.
High Beam Assist Concentration:
The Matrix Headlights have a high-beam assist feature that focuses their light beams and auto shifts to high or low beams based on the presence of impending or preceding vehicles. You can even manually adjust the feature.
Enhanced Safety:
Tesla Y Matrix headlights reduce blind spots and ensure that all areas are appropriately and optimally lighted thanks to their dynamic beam control and precise light distribution.
Light Show Feature:
A unique and eye-catching feature of the Matrix headlights is their ability to project a light show, including the Tesla logo, onto a nearby surface. You can activate this feature on your Model Y by going to the toolbox and running the light show.
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How Do Model Y Matrix Headlights Work?
The Matrix headlight system on Tesla has utilized multiple individual Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs, sensors, and intelligent software algorithms. Then the system grouped all of them to form each cluster.
These clusters are set up in such a way that they can be controlled independently and adjusted to create specific lighting patterns based on ongoing driving situations on the road.
This allows the built-in LED headlights on Model Y cars to provide exceptional visibility while minimizing glare for surrounding vehicles or pedestrians.
These headlights contain round circular lenses to direct light in a more precise line. These lights also can adjust to ongoing traffic patterns, intersections or crossroads, and curves.
For example, when driving on a straight highway, the Matrix LED headlights on your Tesla will provide a high beam pattern to maximize visibility.
However, when the Auto High Beam option is activated on your Model Y, high beam headlights will by default automatically switch to light or low beam as soon as your car detects oncoming traffic.
Similarly, when you are approaching an intersection or a curve, these smart headlights can guide the beam in that direction. This will give you more precise illumination where it is needed most.
Tesla Matrix Headlight vs Traditional Headlights
| Factors | Matrix | Traditional (Regular) |
| Also Known As: | Dynamic or Adaptive Headlights. | Reflector Headlights |
| Nature or Consist Of: | Consists of multiple individual LED lights, sensors, and intelligent software algorithms. | Reflector light emitting diode technology. |
| Used In: | As of September 2023, they are available in all versions of Model 3 and only the Model Y Long-range version. | Most older Models have these headlights. Even new Model S and X cars have reflector LED lights. |
| Control & Visibility: | These can be individually controlled and dimmed for More precise control of the beam pattern and direction of light. They provide clearer visibility on the road. | These have a fixed beam pattern and lack adaptive features. Typically, provide standard visibility and can’t adjust their beam direction or intensity based on driving conditions. |
| Glaring & Blinding Issue: | Does not blind other passerby drivers and motorists. Protects against glare issues. | May potentially blind other users or may produce glare in certain situations. |
| Available Color: | These are customizable RGBW lights such as white, red, green, blue, and more. | Mostly lighter and silvery. |
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How to Tell If Your Tesla Model Y Matrix Has LED Headlights?
If you own a Tesla Model Y and are curious to find out whether your particular Model has Matrix LED headlights or standard LED lights, follow the below instructions:
Step_1: You can simply verify that by checking your specific Model Y car’s “VIN” or Vehicle Identification Number.
Step_2: Another way to confirm this is to look at your Model Y’s headlights and see if they have a circular bulb on the outer side of each one. If they have, it’s clear you’ve Matrix headlights.
Or check the front bottom area inside of your car’s headlight. If it seems a little darker or blacker than reflector headlights, your Model Y most probably has matrix headlights.
Step_3: If you’re still not confirmed, go to your Tesla’s light settings and set it to high beam. Then, drive your car at nighttime to see if the coverage is bigger and roads look wider with the light. If it seems like that to you, they are Matrix headlights.
Are Matrix Headlights on the Tesla Model Y Worth It?
Tesla Model Y headlights have been praised for their superior quality and performance compared to the standard ones.
During tests, it was discovered that the Model Y Matrix headlights especially those built in China (MIC) are great and have significant improvements compared to the early Tesla EVs.
Even without full software integration, these headlights are technically far superior to traditional reflector lights. That indicates that Tesla’s Matrix LED Headlights can enhance the driving experience with improved visibility.
Since most vehicles’ poor lighting systems cause up to 22 to 30% of accidents on the road, these matrix headlights do an excellent job of averting mishaps.
Even though the specific value may vary according to individual needs and tastes, it still seems that the Matrix Headlights are a worthwhile upgrade for the Tesla Model Y.
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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Are Tesla Model Y Matrix Headlights customizable?
Yes, they are customizable. You can adjust the brightness and color temperature. Even you can create personalized lighting profiles based on your preferences.
Are Tesla Model Y matrix headlights an option?
No, they are not. The Matrix lights are currently the standard and integral part of the Model Y car’s lighting system.
Do all 2023 Tesla Models come with Matrix Headlights?
No. As of September 2023, the matrix headlights are only available as standard on all versions of Model 3 and Model Y LR version. But recently, Tesla has announced to ship its Model X car with Matrix headlights.
