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. Most roadster's with autolights have this feature as standard. Some other roadsters do but unless you have expressly asked for it when you ordered the car, you probably won't have it.

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.

Note: If you have autolights, daytime running lights will take over and autolights will be disabled. If you start the car in the dark, the lights will not illuminate until you pull away.

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.

Note: If you have autolights, this feature will re-activate as soon as you hear the beep. If it is dark, you headlights will come on as instructed by the light sensor.