Headlights Too Bright

[bad company]

Sounds like we’re getting new laws. I have to say that I haven’t experienced a major problem with oncoming headlights.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn71xyjpdl2o

[kambites]

Some people do, some don't. Not sure why, it doesn't seem to correlate directly to any other element of good or bad sight (although things like cataracts apparently make it worse).

[RedLightGreenLight]

I am sure it will be another new LED light tax from our government, the higher the Lumen the more you pay. Rises with inflation each year

[Randy Winkman]

I think modern headlights can be a too bright but dont feel strongly about a new law. People who leave their parked car on the "wrong side" of the road with the headlights on are more of a problem.

[ben5575]

There are certain stories that BBC obsess about and this is one of them. See also Brew Dog.

[Anoetic]

I have a problem with headlight glare…it’s always the bigger new SUVs where the headlights are higher up from the road, LEDs so a much brighter white light, and on unlit narrower roads with lower speed limits so you’re facing the glare for longer.
Never had a problem with the light from older headlights…

[Castrol for a knave]

I get flashed fairly regularly in my i4 - people thinking I have full beam on (I don't).

You can't adjust the beam in the cabin, so unless they weren't set up prop0erly at factory, I assume they just sear the retinas of oncoming traffic for st and giggles. Surprised BMW haven't charged me a subscription for "Headlamp Dazzle bd Mode".

[John D.]

Castrol for a knave said:

I get flashed fairly regularly in my i4 - people thinking I have full beam on (I don't).

You can't adjust the beam in the cabin, so unless they weren't set up prop0erly at factory, I assume they just sear the retinas of oncoming traffic for st and giggles. Surprised BMW haven't charged me a subscription for "Headlamp Dazzle bd Mode".

Tesla offer that option as well.

[ferret50]

I suffer from this.

Intend to try an anti-glare coating on my next set of specs.

[5s Alive]

John D. said:

Castrol for a knave said:

I get flashed fairly regularly in my i4 - people thinking I have full beam on (I don't).

You can't adjust the beam in the cabin, so unless they weren't set up prop0erly at factory, I assume they just sear the retinas of oncoming traffic for st and giggles. Surprised BMW haven't charged me a subscription for "Headlamp Dazzle bd Mode".

Tesla offer that option as well.

It was immediately obvious that my car hadn't had any PDI before collection. Can't be certain how bad it was for oncoming cars but low flying aircraft must have been having a hard time.

[Triumph Man]

Slightly dodgy auto main beam software is to blame (and the operator to be honest as well)

Driving my wife's mercedes last night which usually has very good automatic main beam - so much so I can usually, with confidence, allow to do its thing, but last night it left main beam on too long on one occasion and would have dazzled the person coming the other way. I did override it, but there will be people who don't and will merrily carry on.

I switched it off in my Discovery (although cleverly called "high beam assist" - presumably to avoid litigation) as the system was so awful!

[Red9zero]

I have to do a regular journey on Sunday after dark of about 25 miles, along a winding A road, and I guarantee I will be flashed at least ten times by oncoming cars thinking I am on main beam. It was so bad one time, I put my sidelights and fog lights on, which stopped the flashing, but wasn't the best for my vision. There is no option to alter the beam from inside the car and the level has been checked by the main dealer a couple of times, and if anything, is a bit low. Luckily, the roads I normally use are a lot more level and I only get the occasional flash.

[mcpoot]

Have to commend Audi. The Matrix lights on my S4 are superb and I've never been flashed at once in the 8 months I've owned it.

[Slow.Patrol]

I've had cataracts and wear glasses.

Headlight glare is a problem and I tend to avoid driving at night.

[Castrol for a knave]

John D. said:

Castrol for a knave said:

I get flashed fairly regularly in my i4 - people thinking I have full beam on (I don't).

You can't adjust the beam in the cabin, so unless they weren't set up prop0erly at factory, I assume they just sear the retinas of oncoming traffic for st and giggles. Surprised BMW haven't charged me a subscription for "Headlamp Dazzle bd Mode".

Tesla offer that option as well.

They do - I had a M3LR and it had adaptive lighting - adaptive meaning once it knew the corneas of the oncoming driver had been vapourised, it switched itself back to dipped.

[Hoofy]

Castrol for a knave said:

I get flashed fairly regularly in my i4 - people thinking I have full beam on (I don't).

You can't adjust the beam in the cabin, so unless they weren't set up prop0erly at factory, I assume they just sear the retinas of oncoming traffic for st and giggles. Surprised BMW haven't charged me a subscription for "Headlamp Dazzle bd Mode".

The only solution if you're dazzling everyone is to turn them off unless you need them (country roads etc). Or fk everyone.

[John D.]

Triumph Man said:

Slightly dodgy auto main beam software is to blame (and the operator to be honest as well)

Driving my wife's mercedes last night which usually has very good automatic main beam - so much so I can usually, with confidence, allow to do its thing, but last night it left main beam on too long on one occasion and would have dazzled the person coming the other way. I did override it, but there will be people who don't and will merrily carry on.

I switched it off in my Discovery (although cleverly called "high beam assist" - presumably to avoid litigation) as the system was so awful!

Really don't think it is just that. Bumps / rises in the road don't help at all even when on dipped beam.

[Triumph Man]

John D. said:

Triumph Man said:

Slightly dodgy auto main beam software is to blame (and the operator to be honest as well)

Driving my wife's mercedes last night which usually has very good automatic main beam - so much so I can usually, with confidence, allow to do its thing, but last night it left main beam on too long on one occasion and would have dazzled the person coming the other way. I did override it, but there will be people who don't and will merrily carry on.

I switched it off in my Discovery (although cleverly called "high beam assist" - presumably to avoid litigation) as the system was so awful!

Really don't think it is just that. Bumps / rises in the road don't help at all even when on dipped beam.

Oh I completely agree - and I'd be lying if I'd never been driving along and thought headlights were too bright on occasion. I was just suggesting another potential facet of the issue.

[Discendo Discimus]

My new Superb has those matrix headlights with the full beam that is on all the time, but turns a section off when a car is coming the other way.
Unfortunately, people behind me can't see that a section has been blocked out and assume I've left my full beams on and flash me aggressively.

Also, they don't recognise pedestrians / people pulling out of side roads so you have to manually override them in those situations.

[dave7108]

Are laser lights still a thing or have BMW/Audi stopped making these?