I've noticed recently that when I take the headlights off auto and use just the sidelights that my dash dials don't light up. The main screen goes dark and the needles still light up but not the dials themselves. Is that normal? 

Yes, it’s telling you that you need your headlights on. 

Gone are the days when it was acceptable to drive around on sidelights in reduced visibility (despite the outdated Highway Code).

 

DRL's, sidelights or dipped headlights during the day if preferred, but as soon as visibility is compromised i.e. reduced sunlight, rain, road spray, fog, low sun then it should be dipped headlights.

 

Skoda should be commended for the way their dash lights prompt proper use of the exterior lighting, unlike a lot of other mainstream manufacturers, Ford for example.

 

Edited 1 February, 20197 yr by silver1011

As the others said, it’s an intentional warning.  Once it’s getting dark, “sidelights” are for parking, and of course you don't need your dials lit up for that.

Well that's me told then. I must point out I don't tend to drive with sidelights on but was just wondering why the dials didn't light up but the needles did. Noticed that the sidelights are also the same brightness as the drls but with the addition of the 'lashes'

Edited 1 February, 20197 yr by jamesdevon

Lol, don't consider yourself told, for what its worth I tend to drive later than I should on sidelights, knowing the DRL's and lashes are plenty bright enough. Only when I feel they're getting close to dazzling others, or the dash gets difficult to read do I turn on dipped headlights.

I wonder if the virtual cockpit benefits from the same dimmed illumination when it's dark and without any exterior lights on?

When I swap mine for a vrs I'll let you know... Only 2 years to wait 

I have only 3 weeks to wait.

Will see, but hardly it will do any dimming for notification purposes.

On side lights the dash will light up fully when the ambient light is pretty bright. Then black out when things dull down a bit, leaving white needles only.

 

I love 'em.

 

At least one Simply Clever thing works well.