MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: autoelecau on March 11, 2014, 12:53:04 PM
-
Okay, I'm driving down the road with my HID driving lights on at night, and spot a car in the distance. I dip my lights, because I don't want him to get flash burns when he comes around the corner or over the rise. He comes into sight, and for my thanks he greets me with flashing his high beams as if for me to turn off my lights all together? My Hilux SR5 has some weight in the back at times, and it doesn't take much for the low beam to "creep up" and blind other people. Also, being a raised 4by it's lights are even harder to sort being higher than most car's bonnets...
I drive a lot at night and often come across utes that have the same problem that I do, and I never flash them.
The camel's back nearly broke the other night when I was flashed by a guy towing a caravan in a 100 series who's rear wheels were reshaping the rear mudguards and the front wheels were practically in the air!
How do people deal with this? Any advice?
-
Doesnt arise for me, as low beams are either OEM or legal up-grades, and I keep them properly adjusted. This has been sufficient for me to avoid the 'flash
response.
Are HID low beams OEM on your vehicle?
-
couple years ago i upgraded the headlights to HID, took them out after couple months due to 'flashing' even when on low beam. put out a great light & vision was awesome but wasnt worth hassle. just kept HID in the spotlights.
-
Halogen blue lights, so I guess that they are "brighter". I do a lot of country driving. Also the reflectors in the Toyota Hilux for 2004 doesn't seem to be well designed, it spreads very nicely, but I think that might be part of the problem... they do look good though!
I guess my option is to go for cheap orange lights...
-
Yeah I get that too...
even with my standard ones towing.
luckily I have the adjusting ones so I can tweak it down
-
If you are getting oncoming traffic flashing their high beams at you constantly it suggests your lights are posing a hazard to them.
I would start looking at the source of the problem for a solution
-
If you are getting oncoming traffic flashing their high beams at you constantly it suggests your lights are posing a hazard to them.
I would start looking at the source of the problem for a solution
I'd agree with that, but occasionally when towing (my car has air bags and sits nearly level) I get flashed. I have the Narva plus120 globes so they are pretty bright, but out of the thousands of on coming cars it has only been a couple of times so I just flash them back to let them know it could have been much worse. The Plus globes are white without being blue like yours. May be worth a change.
Dave
-
When I was young I would flash them back and then leave mine on. (juvenile)
Now I just l flash them once and if they don't drop them simply look to the left of the road to keep a bearing until they pass.
Those very bright HID's are pretty bloody annoying on low and it kind of makes sense. If you fit them so that your lights are 'brighter' then they will be 'brighter' and sometimes more dazzling.
Maybe pay more attention than normal to adjustments.
cheers
-
No, I am not getting flashing constantly. It's rare for how much night driving I do, but occasional.
What I think I might do is get a mate to see what he reckons I pass him in the dark. I have a feeling it's mostly an adjustment issue.
I personally don't like to blind people, so I'll investigate the problem, and go back to stock globes.
-
Took the HIDS out of mine, not because I was being flashed but because my reflectors were being damaged. However I adjusted mine when I was flashed and that put a stop to it.
-
Maybe I am old but I find that after passing a vehicle with blue headlights I find I have difficulty seeing (the road) for a while as opposed to the standard white-yellow lights of old as they seem to have a longer "dazzle" effect (for want of a better word).
I must admit they do annoy me.
I followed this up with a friend who had them in his car (and was adjusted correctly) and they were heaps brighter to oncoming traffic than standard yellow bulbs and did "dazzle" my eyes more.
But then maybe I am just too old. :o
-
Maybe I am old but I find that after passing a vehicle with blue headlights I find I have difficulty seeing (the road) for a while as opposed to the standard white-yellow lights of old as they seem to have a longer "dazzle" effect (for want of a better word).
I must admit they do annoy me.
I followed this up with a friend who had them in his car (and was adjusted correctly) and they were heaps brighter to oncoming traffic than standard yellow bulbs and did "dazzle" my eyes more.
But then maybe I am just too old. :o
Thanks Noel - you said what I was trying to say. Cheers
-
Thanks Noel - you said what I was trying to say. Cheers
No problem, it's not often people understand what I am saying. :laugh: :laugh:
-
Maybe I am old but I find that after passing a vehicle with blue headlights I find I have difficulty seeing (the road) for a while as opposed to the standard white-yellow lights of old as they seem to have a longer "dazzle" effect (for want of a better word).
I must admit they do annoy me.
I followed this up with a friend who had them in his car (and was adjusted correctly) and they were heaps brighter to oncoming traffic than standard yellow bulbs and did "dazzle" my eyes more.
But then maybe I am just too old. :o
That's a good point, Noel.
The problem with buying bulbs is that you go into the shops to buy them and you get all the "pros" and none of the cons. (which clearly exist) Brands like Narva kinda force you to buy better bulbs like they are a silver bullet, but they don't mention that you will be hated forever after... also, they are recommended for four wheel drives by some groups, which makes it harder. I like decent mods, but not awful ones! I guess I was conned this time. Still learning!
-
I have also found with the 'brighter' conventional bulbs that they also burn out quicker.
-
Personally I find them a real pain in the a$$ when a car is coming the other way, especially when yuppies don't adjust them properly >:(
BD
-
The prado has an adjuster on the dash, which at first I thought was fantastic............
Then I kept getting blinded by knobs who have them set too high.
Guess I shouldn't complain, after all I have learnt by now that "rules" are only for "other" people......
It appears you just do whatever the hell you like as long as no one does it to you, cos then - watch out.............
Damn humans!!!
(Not my swaggers of course, they're all perfect!)
-
I thought HIDS are required to be self leveling to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles. On new vehicles with HID/Xenon lights self leveling is incorporated - and hence there expense if they are an optional upgrade.
The other thing that gets me going is when people drive around, illegally apparently, with headlights and foglights on during clear weather or during daytime. Low beam headlights during the day is sufficient.
-
Airbags , used to get flashed all the time, annoyed when it was by trucks lit up like Christmas trees and very destracting.
Renno :cheers:
-
Travelling a lot in CQ on the long flat roads at night, I used to get this a lot when I dipped my lights early for the same reason, then I started dipping them just slightly later so that they still didn't get flashburn but they could see the difference in high and low.
That really reduced the amount of flickers from oncoming traffic.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
-
Travelling a lot in CQ on the long flat roads at night, I used to get this a lot when I dipped my lights early for the same reason, then I started dipping them just slightly later so that they still didn't get flashburn but they could see the difference in high and low.
That really reduced the amount of flickers from oncoming traffic.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
That there could be the key. I do that more lately and haven't been flashed (not by a vehicle :angel:) in a long time
Dave
-
No law against driving with your headlights on, perfectly legal. But fog lights are only legal (in Qld) in fog.
Now I commute 150km each day, most often in darkness or semi darkness. If a vehicle is coming towards me with "bright" lights, without a doubt, and I mean 99% of the time, it will be a tradie ute or somebody towing a trailer. I just look to the left and try not to focus on their lights. I learnt long ago not to flash them because they will just flash back and most likely use their oversized spotties as well.
KB
-
I just look to the left and try not to focus on their lights. I learnt long ago not to flash them because they will just flash back and most likely use their oversized spotties as well.
KB
Good point up KB,
Forgot that one, my number two rule of thumb, just look down and left.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
-
Now I commute 150km each day, most often in darkness or semi darkness. If a vehicle is coming towards me with "bright" lights, without a doubt, and I mean 99% of the time, it will be a tradie ute or somebody towing a trailer. I just look to the left and try not to focus on their lights. I learnt long ago not to flash them because they will just flash back and most likely use their oversized spotties as well.
KB
Yes, that's exactly right as far as I'm concerned also. Sometimes I tend to "take a hit" these days when people forget to dip their lights, but also, if the lights are bight, but not super bright, I reckon that it it more likely to be a tradie.
As the story goes with my vehicle, I swapped out the bulbs, and adjusted the lights. As it turns out, I probably didn't have to swap out the bulbs (but I don't much care at this stage) but adjusting the lights was what I believe was desperately required.
I adjusted them "by eye" in the daytime. (I'm used to doing this with the driving lights, as when we work "under the hood" they get pushed out of alignment every time... too much MacDonalds...) I was very generous with "pointing them down". I have adjusted lights using a wall and tape, but I thought that I would do something quicker this time by adjusting in the light (if you have ever done it, you know that light can be a problem) and then actually drive past it myself in the dark. This is better than guessing, I thought.
I got a mate to drive the Hilux to a nice straight and quiet bit of road that night. (we played about for 30 minutes, and no other cars showed up) and got him to "park" in the road while I drove past him in my other car to see myself how bearable the lights were. My vehicles have CB radios in them, so we could chit chat without doing more walking than driving. I didn't check them this way before I adjusted them. I found that driving past them, they were were now more than acceptable, and looked "normal". After that, I pulled up along side the Hilux, and we switched the lights of the car off, and checked the distance of the low beam on the Hilux, and it matched the car's lights. About 20 metres. Then we saw which car hat the better driving lights just for fun as we were side by side. I guess I won seeing as I owned both vehicles :cheers:
What I really want to point out here that others might find useful is that if you adjust your low beams correctly, you have better high beams. The lights are way more effective on my Hilux now than they were before when they were out of adjustment (they were complete rubbish before). I highly recommend that you adjust your lights properly not only for oncoming traffic, but also you are doing yourself a huge favour by making your high beams much more effective. I couldn't recommend it more.
(Apologies for spelling and grammatical errors if any, this was written very quickly)
-
Just my 2c worth.
They repealed the section that allowed White coloured Fog lights to be used at the drivers discretion. Here in Victoria anyway, not sure about the rest of the country. They replaced it with one that reads, "May be used when during adverse weather conditions where visibility is reduced." May not be accurate copy of wording, but close.
To my mind, adverse weather conditions, doesn't mean the sun went down and it got dark, or the suns too bright and I need to see because I put my sunglasses on.
And you have never been allowed to use Yellow fog lights with white headlights. If you want yellow fog lights on, you must turn off your low beam headlights. Parkers and tail-lights should be going anyway. Whether its low beam or yellow fogs that have been chosen.
It's just looking for trouble and gives the boys a reason to stop you and have a chat.
If they've had a really bad day. You could even drive away with a Bill ($255.00) for your Trouble.
Especially if you arc 'em up.
-
Another one.
Why is it when your driving along minding your own beezwax, lights fully employed. People come from behind a blind bend or a crest with their lights on low beam and get cranky. Are you supposed to have xray vision? Why can't they flash their lights up to let you know they exist, before they come into view. Then you could do the right thing and all would be happy.
I mean 260W(Driving lights)+110W (low beam)+110W(high beam) all going, means I like to see where I'm going.
Also means I won't see someone's pair of candles in tin cans at all, untill my lights pick 'em out.
On the Cruiser the Low beam stays on with high beam. That's just how it is.
Trucks are safe, with marker lights you can see and they usually flash, problems fixed. It's just cretins in cars.
-
110W (low beam)
Are they legal?
KB
-
I find this thread a bit odd. If your non standard / poorly adjusted lights are blinding others, it's their fault for getting pi$$ed off?
-
Are they legal?
KB
I didn't know there was a maximum wattage of bulb that is now part of legislation. Just had to meet relevant ADR I thought? In QLD anyhow.
Shane.
-
One has to be careful when annoying other people on the road on a regular basis, I have heard of cases of people going to the police with a description of the vehicle and licence plate information. At the end of the day, I wouldn't personally like the police to check my vehicle out and they end up finding something that they don't like... can be a big headache and very costly... (though it hasn't happened to me personally, as I said, I do try to make the average Joe happy) Several times I have heard the police say, "If it doesn't look right, then it probably isn't."
-
Another one.
Why is it when your driving along minding your own beezwax, lights fully employed. People come from behind a blind bend or a crest with their lights on low beam and get cranky. Are you supposed to have xray vision? Why can't they flash their lights up to let you know they exist, before they come into view. Then you could do the right thing and all would be happy.
I mean 260W(Driving lights)+110W (low beam)+110W(high beam) all going, means I like to see where I'm going.
Also means I won't see someone's pair of candles in tin cans at all, untill my lights pick 'em out.
On the Cruiser the Low beam stays on with high beam. That's just how it is.
Trucks are safe, with marker lights you can see and they usually flash, problems fixed. It's just cretins in cars.
What Cruiser are you driving for low beam to stay on, or have you changed something. Also Low beam should be 55W
I agree your scenario is a common on but even so you should still dip your lights as soon as you see the other vehicle instead of waiting for them to flash you.
I find this thread a bit odd. If your non standard / poorly adjusted lights are blinding others, it's their fault for getting pi$$ed off?
that is the biggest problem with low beam and with a loaded vehicle, poorly adjusted lights, nothing like chasing possums
-
I didn't know there was a maximum wattage of bulb that is now part of legislation. Just had to meet relevant ADR I thought? In QLD anyhow.
Shane.
Yeah I have no idea either but I would have thought the ADR would stipulate a maximum wattage otherwise it would be anything goes. Don't really have the time to research. It was just a simple question I thought someone might know the answer to.
KB
-
Yeah I have no idea either but I would have thought the ADR would stipulate a maximum wattage otherwise it would be anything goes. Don't really have the time to research. It was just a simple question I thought someone might know the answer to.
KB
No such thing as a simple question when it comes to tpt regulations. :D
I'm sure I read a bulletin somewhere, a while ago, that stated something like, the new requirements is to measure the lumens or cd/cp or something of the actual light and wattage is of no relevance, as it is a measurement of power consumption, and not light emitted ???
Sure it was something like that ??? Can't remember exactly.
Shane.
-
No such thing as a simple question when it comes to tpt regulations. :D
I'm sure I read a bulletin somewhere, a while ago, that stated something like, the new requirements is to measure the lumens or cd/cp or something of the actual light and wattage is of no relevance, as it is a measurement of power consumption, and not light emitted ???
Sure it was something like that ??? Can't remember exactly.
Shane.
That makes sense. Thanks :cheers:
KB
-
In all honestly, though I have only been looking for about 30 minutes, I can't find any ADR approved after market HID high/low light kits for on-road use... Just as a personal query, do they actually exist? Has anyone checked?
-
In all honestly, though I have only been looking for about 30 minutes, I can't find any ADR approved after market HID high/low light kits for on-road use... Just as a personal query, do they actually exist? Has anyone checked?
Don't think any do.
-
In all honestly, though I have only been looking for about 30 minutes, I can't find any ADR approved after market HID high/low light kits for on-road use... Just as a personal query, do they actually exist? Has anyone checked?
I could be wrong...
But on another forum I remember reading, that if the vehicle didn't come out with them, then it can't legally be done..
May be possible to have them signed off on by an engineer, but would need lens washers? The ability to adjust...
That's what I remember reading at the time. But I stress.. I could be wrong.
-
Yes, I read that same thread... I know that there are many kits about, but none of them seem ADR approved... you can't just walk into any auto shop and buy them over the counter which leaves me to wonder.
Personally, I have had hi low HIDs in a little car... but I took them out as they definitely do damage the reflectors!
Don't think any do.
Yes, I'm quickly coming to that conclusion...
-
Well, making something out of nothing eh.
There are 2 globes on low beam. One on the left and one on the right. 55W ea. = 110W.
There are two globes each side that stay lit on High beam in my FZJ105r.
And the 2 IPF driving lights have 130W Halogen bulbs. 1 in ea.
Then I could have lit up the 2 Fog lights, another 110W or 55W ea. but I didn't.
All legal and correctly lined up. And that's not counting the parking lights.
The average security light at your homes comes with 2x150W globes thats 300W. No one complains they just say it's well lit.
Look at your own vehicles and work it out. No kits involved.
Besides, If your vehicle didn't come from the factory with HID as an option. Your NOT ALLOWED to fit them as an after market option in Victoria. It's in the Lighting Reg's for Registration Requirements.
-
http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/headlights (http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/car_fact_sheets/headlights)
And this interesting titbit enclosed within.....
A common question from those seeking to improve their vehicle's lights relates to the maximum legal wattage headlight that can be fitted.
Simply, there is no maximum wattage for headlights defined in legislation. A 'Watt' is a measure of electrical power and is not a reliable or appropriate measure of light output, though in the past it has been (quite incorrectly) used as a default standard for light output.
The Australian Design Rules for Road Vehicles use either Lumens or Candela to define light output (different parts of the standard use different units of measurement). For high beam headlights the total light output of all headlights is not permitted to exceed 225,000cd, though you need to read ADR13 to understand how this measurement is applied, as it isn't as straightforward as it appears.
There is no maximum specified for dipped beam headlights, however anything over 2,000 lumens requires a self levelling system and headlight washers, so by default, given that these systems would be impractical to retrofit, this could be regarded as the maximum for normal practical purposes.
However, bulb manufacturers almost without exception use Watts, or other even less useful marketing terms, which cannot be compared to the design rule requirements
-
Another interesting point someone made on another forum (??? I think ???) is that UV/sun damaged polycarbonate senses can also be a bit on the blinding side for oncoming traffic. I don't know if this is true or not, but maybe worth considering. I imagine, your over-all light output would be reduced also.
-
Thanks DOC.
-
The damaged polycarbonate lenses diffuse the light.
Spread it everywhere. The headlights no longer have the cut off designed into the light pattern.
Easily fixed using: Toothpaste, silvo, Brasso, Chrome metal polish. Take your pick.
There was even a video where a panel beater did it with wet and dry and cutters.
Have to be 1500 grit or finer. Not sure what they said they used.
-
About a year ago i did a fair bit of looking into the HID situation in Qld. I can't be bothered looking up the references, so i'll just go off my memory. There were a few things that were required for HIDs;
1. self levelling/auto adjusting lights - means that when you put a load in the back causing the front to point upwards, the headlights automatically adjust down to point in the right direction. This can be achieved by leveling of the bulb within the lamp housing, or auto leveling of the suspension. Manual adjusters are not acceptable.
2. sector limit on illumination - if you shine factory HIDs at a wall you'll notice they have a clearly defined upper limit.
3. lamp housing - you'll notice that factory HIDs are generally fitted in lense style housings. This helps with the sector limit. Aftermarket bulbs often just plug into reflector style housings, and are often the ones that dazzle other drivers. The lamp housing should have a marking on it which indicates that it's approved, as well as what bulb type is approved for use. If it's not approved for use with HID bulbs, then it's not approved. I think this is where most mods fall down. Even if they do everything else, it's still non-compliant if the lamp housing isn't approved for the bulb that's inside.
4. Light washer - I'm a bit iffy on this one, but i think i recall a requirement for HID lights to have headlight washers installed. Not sure if it was required to be included as part of a mod (installing HID lights), or if it was a requirement to keep it when doing other mods (fitting of a bull bar that isn't set up for head light washers).
Most factory fitted HID headlights will look like small but bright points of light from every angle except directly ahead of where they're pointing, but you shouldn't usually see that if they're angled correctly. You may get a quick flash if the car goes over a bump. The aftermarket HIDs are usually fitted into reflector housings and look like a glaring bright light visible from wide angles.
Ultimately, when a car is manufactured, it gets signed off as being compliant with ADR's (or given an exemption). Modifications to the car come two basic forms. That is, those needing approval, and those that don't need approval. Check the National Code of Practice (or whatever version your state is running) section of vehicle modifications for a pretty straight forward guide, then read the ADR's for the nuts and bolts.
My advice to most people is just because you can buy it, doesn't mean it's legal to fit it. Also, show consideration to other road users. There may be a bunch of inconsiderate pricks out there who speed, weave, and piss off everyone, but is that any reason for you to join them?
Also, fog lights are only allowed on (in Qld) when visibility is restricted by fog. In my opinion they're almost as bad as aftermarket HIDs because of how dazzling they can be. Some are so bright that drivers don't realise they don't have their low beams on. Most people have no idea of this rule (or even how to turn them on or off) and drive around with them on all the time. Police just don't usually enforce the rule because there are so many other things to do. There are limits on how intense the lights can be, so fitting HIDs is probably not legal.
I hope this has been helpful. I'm a bit strung out at the moment, and it's been a while so some of it may not be 100%, but like i said, if you're doing a mod then you should be looking up the rules for yourself, not relying of what you read from someone on an internet forum. A copper isn't going to car that "mickmac42 told you it was okay."
Mike
-
So we all know HIDs fitted to vehicles without washers & levellers is not roadworthy.
If you ran a certain Land Rover workshop with a highly modified Disco wrapped in your company logo and URL, why would you fit HIDs?
-
Mike was spot on.
HID needs to be factory original. Self levelling and high pressure washer. Theoretically they could be retrofitted but would cost a fortune to comply.
If the suspension in any way forms part of the self levelling then you can't have a suspension upgrade.
Most states have the Australian road rules, so are all about the same (minor variations)
Vehicle standards are different between states but still similar as they are modelled around the ADRs
The issue with fog lights is in Vic before 1999 (pre road rules) they could only be see in fog. The Road Rules came in and that law wasn't included. 2009 the update of Road Rules came in and fog lights were again regulated. How do you change 10 years of bad habits? During that 10 years a lot of lighting standards were also missing which allowed all sorts of light colours and combinations.
As already said, just because you can buy it doesn't mean you can use it. The example I use is you can buy a bong.......
-
Better hide that bong at work then. Don't want you finding it. ;D