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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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Something I admit I've hardly bothered to think about.

When you're driving at night with low beam, just how far can you actually "see"? When in doubt, I usually switch to high beam, but ...

https://www.autonews.com/article/20...y-finds-just-2-of-37-suv-headlights-rate-good

Also saw a brief report on CBS news this morning, on IIHS evaluation of SUV headlight effectiveness. Also here:

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/b...arn-poor-marginal-headlight-grades/102796578/

I didn't realize how different the low-beam "throw" can be. Some are not exactly confidence building.
 
I was going to put Halogens in the TF, but since I don't drive it at night I left it original. I don't like the headlights on our Jeep Liberty, not as bright as I think they should be, my new truck lights aren't the greatest either. They keep changing the shape of the headlights for the modern look and some loose their effectiveness in the process. PJ
 
PAUL161 said:
some loose their effectiveness in the process. PJ
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It would be interesting to see how they compare to the old sealed beam headlights that we are (in some places) required by law to use on our Triumphs. I recall reading a report back when round headlights were required that said, in effect, that anything over 40 mph was too fast at night; meaning by the time you could see an obstacle in the road only by headlights (no help from moon or street lights), you didn't have time to stop from 50 mph. I promptly bought some (illegal) H4 halogen conversions, reasoning that I would rather pay a ticket than hit a deer or something.

While we're on the topic, has anyone found a 7" round true HID conversion that they like? I've about given up on LED headlights; as the conversions just don't focus the light properly.

PS, I've only been visiting rural Indiana for a week, and I've already seen three deer that were killed by cars. It's a real problem around here. Brighter headlights won't always help, as they have a habit of jumping out in front of you; but a good headlight will also light the area to the side of the road where they are typically standing before they jump out. Back when I was in high school here, I remember seeing a car being towed in where the body had come over the hood and through the windshield. Blood everywhere, and some of it probably didn't belong to the deer.
 
TR3driver said:
It would be interesting to see how they compare to the old sealed beam headlights that we are (in some places) required by law to use on our Triumphs. I recall reading a report back when round headlights were required that said, in effect, that anything over 40 mph was too fast at night; meaning by the time you could see an obstacle in the road only by headlights (no help from moon or street lights), you didn't have time to stop from 50 mph. I promptly bought some (illegal) H4 halogen conversions, reasoning that I would rather pay a ticket than hit a deer or something.
Click to expand...

I read that as well and did the same thing; H-4's in Cibie lenses in the MGB along with H-1's in the SLR/SFT lamps on the bumper. Now it's Hella envelopes for all our 7" round lights. Haven't looked for a suitable HID conversion.
 
US headlights stink. period. Too many years ago, I drove a Renault 16 through the French countryside and those yellow Marchal headlights really lit up the road. My 2002 Accord headlights were terrible and several years ago, I put in upgraded lights from Auto Zone that were marginally better. My 2015 Legacy lights are much better but still bad when I turn a corner. There should be a third light that turns with the wheels, ala Tucker 48. This weekend I was a passenger in a new Maserati Ghibli sedan that has 3 headlight settings. The lowest one sucks. Worthless. The best headlights on any car I've driven were on a 2015 Toyota Avalon. They lit up the whole road and both margins - a real swath of bright light. And - deer are a real problem around here as well. I've had one near miss and one glancing blow. Problem is the deer's defense is to jump - right through your windshield. Two of my friends cars were demolished by deer. Thank God we have no moose around here - yet. Hit a moose and you both die.
 
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