Many countries now insist that dipped headlights must be illuminated at all times when driving. Although the UK doesn't currently require this, countries such as France and Italy do. It is something to bear in mind when driving abroad.

smart have responded to this by introducing the 'daytime running lights' feature. With this activated, the headlights will automatically switch on as you pull away without having to twist the stalk. There are few fortwos that are equipped with this as standard so it is likely that you will need to have it activated by your local dealer. If you don't have the 'coming home' lights feature, then you won't have daytime running lights. If you do have the 'coming home' lights feature then you may have daytime running lights. However, it is not a given!

To activate daytime running lights, follow this procedure:

• Unlock the car and sit in the driver's seat.
• Lock the car with the key fob (whilst sitting in the car).
• Wait for a few seconds.
• Whilst pulling the headlight stalk towards you (i.e. to 'flash' someone) press the lock button on the key fob as follows:

You should hear a beep. If not, try the above procedure again. If all you hear are the doors trying to lock then you don't have daytime running lights.

If you did hear a beep, then daytime running lights are activated. To test out this feature, start the car with the light stalk in the 'off' position. As you pull away, the lights will switch on.

To turn off daytime running lights, follow this procedure:

• Unlock the car and sit in the driver's seat.
• Do not lock the car.
• Wait for a few seconds.
• Whilst pulling the headlight stalk towards you press the unlock button on the key fob as follows:

For some reason, switching off seems to be a bit more problematic than activating. However, be patient and keep following the above procedure until you hear the beep.