It seems like every winter this issue pops up—drivers complaining about the glare from LED headlights. Yet, nothing ever changes. Are the lights too bright, or are we just noticing them more as cars get taller and the nights get longer?
This comes up every year, and nothing is ever done about it. It’s so hard to tell if someone’s on full beams or just has blindingly bright LEDs. Lower cars with properly adjusted lights aren’t usually a problem, though.
@Corbin
It’s the bigger vehicles that are the problem now. The headlights are practically eye-level when you’re in a regular car.
Remy said:
@Corbin
It’s the bigger vehicles that are the problem now. The headlights are practically eye-level when you’re in a regular car.
That’s why headlight height should be regulated, just like bumper height. SUVs and trucks are the real issue. If everyone drove regular cars, this wouldn’t be a problem. Also, people need to get their headlights properly aligned, and let’s not forget that aging eyesight can play a role. Younger drivers tend to prefer white light, while older folks prefer softer, yellow light.
@Cody
Some of us need SUVs, though. I have three kids and a wife to fit in the car!
Rafe said:
@Cody
Some of us need SUVs, though. I have three kids and a wife to fit in the car!
What did people do before SUVs? They bought estates. Estates have more luggage space, better handling, and better fuel economy. The only thing SUVs have over estates is height, and that’s the issue here.
@Cody
Try fitting three car seats in the back of a car. Let me know how that goes.
Rafe said:
@Cody
Try fitting three car seats in the back of a car. Let me know how that goes.
You just… put them in? I’ve done it. Estates can fit them just fine.
Rafe said:
@Cody
Try fitting three car seats in the back of a car. Let me know how that goes.
You just… put them in? I’ve done it. Estates can fit them just fine.
Most cars can’t fit three car seats in a row. We had to shop around for our SUV. I love the height, the space, and the view of the road. I’ll never go back to a regular car.
@Corbin
It’s crazy how many new Ford Rangers I see around town. They’re spotless, so they’re obviously not work trucks. And they just tailgate you with those blinding lights.
Corbin said:
@Corbin
It’s crazy how many new Ford Rangers I see around town. They’re spotless, so they’re obviously not work trucks. And they just tailgate you with those blinding lights.
Why are American-style pickups even becoming popular here? They’re massive, hard to park, and, honestly, not that great-looking.
@Remy
It’s ridiculous. There’s one near me that’s always pristine, and the guy drives an Audi for his daily commute. Clearly just a flex.
@Remy
I think there was a tax incentive for pickups at some point. Not sure if it’s still a thing, though.
Blake said:
@Remy
I think there was a tax incentive for pickups at some point. Not sure if it’s still a thing, though.
I think it’s being phased out, but yeah, you could lease one for something like £300 a month.
Our lighting laws are such a mess. I’m stuck using dim halogen bulbs in my older car, which makes driving at night nearly impossible. Meanwhile, new cars have these blinding LED cannons. Can’t we just set a standard that works for everyone?
@Milan
The law regulates wattage, not lumens. That’s why 55 watts halogen and 55 watts LED are so different. Retrofitting older cars with proper LED setups is expensive but doable.
Nothing will change until there’s a fatal crash where LED glare is named as a key factor.
A big part of the issue is poorly adjusted headlights. Most drivers don’t know how to use the leveling dial in their car. Combine that with SUVs, and it’s a recipe for disaster.
Not to be that guy, but maybe the UK could invest in better streetlights? A lot of roads are pitch black at night.
It’s not the cars; it’s the drivers. Properly adjusted LEDs aren’t a problem. The issue is with people who use halogens incorrectly, retrofit LEDs poorly, or just leave their high beams on.