Better Headlights without resorting to illegal/dodgy HID kit

[Cherie]

The only true test will be in normal useage. If you can see better when driving, I'd say it's worth it.

 

[XIIVVX]

Certainly makes a lot more sense than mucking around trying to fit foglights.

 

[BOK]

I'm also going to fit these bulbs in main beams tomorrow

The only way you're gonna be able to see them properly is to go in my car at night. Photographs are not a real life way to see how effective headlights are. The camera does lie when it's digital and you have it set to 'auto'.

The photos I took only serve to show any difference/improvement between the bulbs, not absolute readings.
If you save the photos then turn the brightness up (as the camera would have done had I set it on auto) by the same amount (NOT what the camera would have necessarily done) on the before/after pics the effect is much more pronounced.

The there's the differences in monitor settings...I can see a definite difference in hue between the two bulbs on my screen, can you?

 

[VorTeX]

In my opinion not much of an improvement for the money but if your happy then all is well.

I disagree, I think they are noticably brighter than the orginal bulbs. You can see that it is much more wide spread and no way near as dull.

Just have to see how long they stay like that I guess!

 

[missus-lindsay]

i'll be fitting HIDs this month, the Puma has the orb in the headlight that refracts the beam in the manner intended, i know some older cars don't have these and the beam can be dazzling, there is a fella over here with a GSI Cavalier and he has them fitted and whatever way he adjusts them they still dazzle lorry drivers, my boyfriend has them in his GT Four Celica and they are amazing. Puma lights aren't great at the best of times and when i have them fitted i'll do pictures showing the vast improvements, like the difference i seen in Pauls Celica. The goverment legislation isn't being enforced and i can't see it changing either, there is cars being released onto the market today with no headlight washers and self leveling. So that law the legislation will be reviewed when someone points this out to the government.

 

[BOK]

Everyone is entitled to an opinion but here are the FACTS please READ them before commenting.

If you disagree don't tell me, write to [email protected] It's not my rules...:

Fact sheet: Aftermarket HID headlamps
December 2006
In the Department's view it is not legal to sell or use after market HID lighting kits, for converting conventional Halogen headlamps to HID Xenon. If a customer wants to convert his vehicle to Xenon HID he must purchase completely new Xenon HID headlamps. The reason for this is that the existing lens and reflector are designed around a Halogen filament bulb, working to very precise tolerances. If one places a HID "burner" (bulb) in the headlamp, the beam pattern will not be correct, there will be glare in some places and not enough light in other places within the beam pattern.

The following is the legal rationale:

The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 regulate the situation in the UK.
Under these Regulations, HID/Gas Discharge/Xenon headlamps are not mentioned and therefore they are not permitted according to the strict letter of the law.

However new vehicles have HID headlamps. This is because they comply to European type approval Regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with a European type approval. These are to ECE Regulation 98 (for the HID headlamps which are tested on a rig in a laboratory) and ECE Regulation 48 (Lighting Installation on the vehicle).

For the after market, a used vehicle cannot obtain type approval because it is only applicable for new vehicles. However we feel that saying "HID is banned in the after market" would not be reasonable. Instead we should make analogies with new vehicles. It would be reasonable to require HID in the after market to meet the same safety standards as on new vehicles. The same level of safety should apply.

Therefore a HID headlamp unit sold in the after market should:

1. be type approved to ECE Regulation 98 as a component.

2. when fitted to the vehicle should enable ECE Regulation 48 to be complied with (although no government inspection will take place).

3. Comply with RVLR as far as "use" is concerned.

In practice this means:

1. The headlamp unit (outer lens, reflector, bulb) shall be type approved to ECE 98 and be "e-marked" to demonstrate this. That can only be done by the headlamp supplier - Hella, Valeo etc. who must test the headlamp in an independent laboratory.

2. Once fitted to the vehicle it must have headlamp cleaning and self-levelling (which can be for the headlamp or can be in the vehicle suspension - some expensive estate cars have "self-levelling suspension" and that is adequate). Also the dipped beam must stay on with the main beam.

3. The headlamp must be maintained in good working order, kept clean, and aligned/adjusted correctly like any other headlamp.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to supply, fit or use vehicle parts which are not legal.

In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.

If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:

Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR

Telephone: 020 7944 2078
Fax: 020 7944 2196
Email: [email protected]

 

[Dal]

This being the official government web entry on the matter:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[BOK]

I'm just waiting for the first person to moan they've been given a £2500 fine...please don't plead ignorance :bash: