Q: I noticed the headlights and taillights on my co-workers 2008 Saturn Aura were on this morning. I chucked and called him on my cell. He said it wasn't a problem because they are a delay shut-off. I asked him how long ago he parked the car. He said about "20 minutes". I said delay headlights are "typically a few seconds to a couple of minutes at most. And in addition, with those automatic type of headlights, only the headlights are on a delay. The taillights/sidelights should shut off with the car.". He didn't seem too concerned about it. Sooo. Is he going to come out to a dead battery?
A: no. they are on a delay. if you leave the switch in the 'ON' position, in that car they will shut themselves off in a little while. this is the norm on most new cars. for example... the van i drive for work has automatic light sensors and will turn the headlights on for you if you don't. they shut down within a few minutes of turnign off the van. if i turn the lights on myself and forget to turn them off, the lights will still turn off, but it takes 10-20 minutes for them to do it. but they will shut off faster if the battery is low... the computer is designed to know those things.