Shine On

My recent response to a reader asking if headlights were getting much brighter (I quoted a federal expert who said there are national standards that can’t be breached) prompted much email. Most said that rules notwithstanding, they’re convinced headlights are getting blindingly brighter. Here are comments from three readers: “In addition to the points you made, I can offer others. First, as the light source inside headlamps has gotten smaller, with HID, LED and now laser, the ability to place the light pattern closer to the limits of regulation has increased. In the old days, halogen, with its larger source size, carmakers had to stay far from the limit to keep light from spilling outside the regulation. In new designs they can be extremely close to the limit; sometimes it even appears the car behind you is flashing its lights when actually the beam pattern is affected by moving-car height changes caused by road surface variations. Second, as we age the lens in our eyes gets cloudy. This causes light to scatter … which is at least annoying and in severe cases causes white-out.” Another reader’s comment: “The HID lights on the smaller cars, up to and including many sedans, are annoying but ‘doable’ for the oncoming driver. Where a two-lane road at night becomes a frightening ordeal is when an SUV or pickup truck, or vehicle with extra large tires, is coming the other way at night. Then the higher off-the-ground illumination points so directly at me it is impossible to see the road ahead - I have to use their light to keep my eyes on the right edge of the road. Also, I find the white/blue headlights harder to adjust to quickly than the softer yellow/white of earlier headlights. The headlight issue causes great concern, especially when one throws in the distracted drivers who are talking on their cell phone and not paying attention to the oncoming guy (me).” And finally: “With regard to headlight glare, it must be noted that with the sharp cutoff of light at the upper portion of the beam of HID systems, when the incoming car hits an irregularity in the pavement, the light momentarily shines higher than normal, resulting in increased perceived glare.” Thanks, readers, as always. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.