Extra bright headlamps, why?
Discussion
I mean why fit lamps that are not correct for the car. Bright with a hint blue seems to be the latest fad and it's getting worse. I have just driven along a few country lane type roads taking a scenic route from Daventry back to brum and have been unnecessarily dazzled by three different cars. They had turned off thier high beam yet were still so bright I found it hard to face forward to watch the road and I have tinted specs.
It used to happen every now and then but is becoming far too common for my liking. What cretins think lamps that are too bright are a good idea? are they confused by the wide range halfrauds and other outlets offer and buy the ones that cost the most because they are more cool?
Crap rant I know but had to get it off my chest.
It used to happen every now and then but is becoming far too common for my liking. What cretins think lamps that are too bright are a good idea? are they confused by the wide range halfrauds and other outlets offer and buy the ones that cost the most because they are more cool?
Crap rant I know but had to get it off my chest.
You mean aftermarket bulbs?
I find superbright xenons are more of a hinderance, 2 cars that stood out on my Manchester to London run this weekend were both Porsches, 1 a new Boxter and the other a newish Cayenne, both had really blinding lights in the rear view mirror.
I don't understand how car manufacturers think this is improved safety, although it increases visibility for the driver, it does so at everyone else's expense.
I find superbright xenons are more of a hinderance, 2 cars that stood out on my Manchester to London run this weekend were both Porsches, 1 a new Boxter and the other a newish Cayenne, both had really blinding lights in the rear view mirror.
I don't understand how car manufacturers think this is improved safety, although it increases visibility for the driver, it does so at everyone else's expense.
It's about time the Construction&Use regulations were amended to take into account the massive improvement in lamp efficiency/brightness that has occurred in the last 3 decades. While 55w was adequate in 1960s/70s/80s quartz halogen, with fancy schmancy computer optimised reflectors and whizzbang discharge lamps the light output has grown to the point of absurdity; the maximum light output needs to be restricted, and the colour temperature needs restricting also to get rid of these w
ky blue tints. Have the TRL not got anything to say on the matter?
ky blue tints. Have the TRL not got anything to say on the matter?The brighter the lamp the better you see simple as that.
However the problem IS poorly aligned/unsuitable reflectors.
I have after-market lamps and 4 6 inch driving lamps on my
4X4 and projectors on the jag which i take regular care to keep correct aim.
Why because where i live has sparse lighting and is bouncing with wildlife
deer, fox's, badgers etc
And i have no wish to make one a hood ornament and i like to see as well as
possible.
But i do not cause problems to on coming traffic i know how to use my
dip switch unlike many i come across.
OP you state you have tinted glasses if that is the case do you REALLY think it is
such a good idea to be driving at night with (by your own admission) impaired vision!
not looking to start an argument but you "may" be committing an offence.
do you not have clear lenses for night driving?
I mention it as i also use (very) tinted specs in daylight which are fine
but i would NEVER consider wearing them to drive at night
i have a clear pair for that.
However the problem IS poorly aligned/unsuitable reflectors.
I have after-market lamps and 4 6 inch driving lamps on my
4X4 and projectors on the jag which i take regular care to keep correct aim.
Why because where i live has sparse lighting and is bouncing with wildlife
deer, fox's, badgers etc
And i have no wish to make one a hood ornament and i like to see as well as
possible.
But i do not cause problems to on coming traffic i know how to use my
dip switch unlike many i come across.
OP you state you have tinted glasses if that is the case do you REALLY think it is
such a good idea to be driving at night with (by your own admission) impaired vision!
not looking to start an argument but you "may" be committing an offence.
do you not have clear lenses for night driving?
I mention it as i also use (very) tinted specs in daylight which are fine
but i would NEVER consider wearing them to drive at night
i have a clear pair for that.
Edited by ShayneJ on Monday 14th November 03:21
ShayneJ said:
possible.
OP you state you have tinted glasses if that is the case do you REALLY think it is
such a good idea to be driving at night with (by your own admission) impaired vision!
not looking to start an argument but you "may" be committing an offence.
do you not have clear lenses for night driving?
I mention it as i also use (very) tinted specs in daylight which are fine
but i would NEVER consider wearing them to drive at night
i have a clear pair for that.
I do have clear glasses in the car but lately have stopped changing into them for the reason I state above. I did actually purchase some with transitions lenses at great extra cost for this reason but sadly discovered to late that they only react to sunlight (which is great for daytime driving). I am due (december) for a new pair and when chosing night driving will be discussed.
Until then can you turn your lights down please
OP you state you have tinted glasses if that is the case do you REALLY think it is
such a good idea to be driving at night with (by your own admission) impaired vision!
not looking to start an argument but you "may" be committing an offence.
do you not have clear lenses for night driving?
I mention it as i also use (very) tinted specs in daylight which are fine
but i would NEVER consider wearing them to drive at night
i have a clear pair for that.
I do have clear glasses in the car but lately have stopped changing into them for the reason I state above. I did actually purchase some with transitions lenses at great extra cost for this reason but sadly discovered to late that they only react to sunlight (which is great for daytime driving). I am due (december) for a new pair and when chosing night driving will be discussed.
Until then can you turn your lights down please
Edited by ShayneJ on Monday 14th November 03:21
new MOT regs state that aftermarket HID bulbs need self leveling motors and washer jets.
Self leveling suspension is adequate means.
However, it isn't the poor reflector plates that are the issue in the newer HID kits, as the new aftermarket bulbs are shielded to stop glare.
What is worse are high 4x4's or trucks with a headlamp 5ft from the floor which is in your face no matter how dipped they are.
The only time i get dazzled is when i'm driving up a hill and there is on coming traffic, there is not much you can do about that but aftermarket HID bulbs have never bothered me.
Self leveling suspension is adequate means.
However, it isn't the poor reflector plates that are the issue in the newer HID kits, as the new aftermarket bulbs are shielded to stop glare.
What is worse are high 4x4's or trucks with a headlamp 5ft from the floor which is in your face no matter how dipped they are.
The only time i get dazzled is when i'm driving up a hill and there is on coming traffic, there is not much you can do about that but aftermarket HID bulbs have never bothered me.
ShayneJ said:
I mention it as i also use (very) tinted specs in daylight which are fine
but i would NEVER consider wearing them to drive at night
i have a clear pair for that.
Try getting your night driving glassess polarised!!! It reduces significantly the glare that is encountered. but i would NEVER consider wearing them to drive at night
i have a clear pair for that.
Edited by ShayneJ on Monday 14th November 03:21
I had one behind me driving home from work the other day. It wasn't even dark, but of course when Barryboys buy xenons they switch them on all the time (in the same way that the ones with blue sidelight bulbs won't switch their headlamps on in the dark, just sidelights). s
tty scruffy black Corsa, slammed, meathead with big-hoopy-earringed chavette in passenger seat - never seen such bright lights in my life. It was as if a nuclear weapon had gone off behind me such was the shadow my car was casting. Utter, utter cock of the highest order. I can't see him driving it like that for long as I'd imagine plod would take one look, and (if he didn't need retinal surgery) issuing a rectification order or something.Edited by GlenMH on Monday 14th November 08:28
The 50/65W ones that were fitted to my Rover were useless. Rovers have a dim/dip setting so an HID conversion wouldn't work. I got the brightest "E" mark bulbs available and it has made the world of difference.
As already suggested the bulbs aren't the problem, it's poorly aimed, maintained and clueless drivers that are.
As already suggested the bulbs aren't the problem, it's poorly aimed, maintained and clueless drivers that are.
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