Procedure for controlling vehicle headlights

The method involves determining an energy reserve value of vehicle, and evaluating a critical energy autonomy threshold by an evaluation unit (5). The energy reserve value is compared with critical autonomy threshold by a comparator (6) so as to deduce a set point signal for controlling a component e.g. speed regulator (10) of vehicle. Energy stored in an electrical battery is measured, and volume of fuel is measured and converted into amount of energy. The set point signal generated by a higher priority level comparison is delivered to the component of the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for a device for controlling a component of a motor vehicle, comprising a processing unit.