Why is America stuck with bad headlights? • Hacker News Board

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#11

Post by TheSpiceIsLife » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:12 PM UTC

coding123 wrote: post #4

Even more idiotic is my truck. I put a camper on it. I can't drive it at night because the weight of the camper tilts the entire truck back just a bit so that the head lights are aimed right at driver's eyes even on the lowbeams. Everyone flashes me and gets pissed off. Hopefully Adaptive headlights account for things like this.

They’re adjustable.

Mechanic should be able to adjust them for you or search for a guide online or the device manual.

May need heavier duty springs in the rear suspension to accommodate the weight.

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#12

Post by TheSpiceIsLife » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:13 PM UTC

Reason077 wrote: post #2

Lack of matrix headlights is a glaring omission on Teslas sold in Europe, too. Pretty much any other high-end car in Europe has them, at least as an option.

What are matrix headlights?

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#13

Post by rightbyte » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:13 PM UTC

coding123 wrote: post #4

Even more idiotic is my truck. I put a camper on it. I can't drive it at night because the weight of the camper tilts the entire truck back just a bit so that the head lights are aimed right at driver's eyes even on the lowbeams. Everyone flashes me and gets pissed off. Hopefully Adaptive headlights account for things like this.

Surely there is leveling on it? Check the dash board or drivers manual. What model?

Automatic beam cutoff is overrated since it too ofent just is a bit too late.

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#14

Post by serf » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:13 PM UTC

groups like Audi/Porsche/BMW have trouble bringing their fancy LED setups to America due to laws pertaining to high / low beams -- meanwhile every Jack and Jill on the road has glaringly illegal aftermarket Xenon bulb setups in refractor headlight housings rather than proper projectors, blinding the hell out of everyone on the road, and the police seem to do nothing about it.

I mean, hey -- i'm usually happy about automotive modifications that the police leave me alone about, but this aftermarket headlight trend is many times worse than a nuisance loud exhaust -- it can literally blind you for seconds during night driving.

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#15

Post by cbg0 » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:13 PM UTC

A friend of mine has this type of headlights on his BMW, and while they are very cool at night with the adaptive beams that light the road without blinding other drivers, I can't say that I find them to be a must-have, and I'd be hard-pressed to pay the premium to get them on my car compared to my current xenon lights that can only corner as I turn the wheel.

Unless you're frequently driving at night, you'll be just fine with halogen or xenon lights.

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#16

Post by ejz » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:13 PM UTC

Ah, it's our good old friend, regulation!

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#17

Post by cecja » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:14 PM UTC

coding123 wrote: post #4

Even more idiotic is my truck. I put a camper on it. I can't drive it at night because the weight of the camper tilts the entire truck back just a bit so that the head lights are aimed right at driver's eyes even on the lowbeams. Everyone flashes me and gets pissed off. Hopefully Adaptive headlights account for things like this.

You adjust it.

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#18

Post by projektfu » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:14 PM UTC

How well do they work for pedestrians and cyclists?

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#19

Post by bri3d » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:15 PM UTC

anchpop wrote: post #10

boring_twenties wrote: post #3

I installed the (OEM) European headlights on my car. It's, well, a night and day difference. It's been 8 years and no one has noticed.

I didn't know this was possible! Something to keep in mind if I ever buy a nice car.

depending on the vehicle model, the differences may only be in coding / software, as well, so research that as well before investing money in expensive headlight units.

one disadvantage of all of this cool headlight technology is that the modules often cost over $1000 each - painful repair cost for even minor accidents!

Re: Why is America stuck with bad headlights?

#20

Post by dominotw » Mon, Aug 03, 2020, 8:15 PM UTC

I really hate led headlights here in USA, They are too bright and need to be banned. People using these should be jailed for endangering lives. I don't know why but This seems to be particularly common here on big pickup trucks, which is even worse because they hit you right in your eyes if you are driving a regular car due to height difference.

Also, I've had adaptive headlights on my subaru forever.