2/3/09
HID Car Lights – What’s Wrong With the Regulations?
I’ve read in a recent search about HID car lights that they can be legal or not legal. It all depends on how you purchased it. According to the article,
“Some car owners ask if installing HID lights is legal. If a car was installed with an HID conversion kit, then it is legal. If a car owner would like to upgrade his old lights with HID, then they have to follow three conditions for the International regulatory board to authorize its use:
1. The headlamps must be correctly aligned according to the regulations.
2. The vehicle must be adapted with an automatic headlamp leveling system.
3. The car should be fitted with an automatic headlight cleaning system.”
Ok, I know I don’t have enough legal jargon to make sense of every constitution, but what the heck is the reason for this? Why can’t they just make it legal whether or not it was pre-installed by a company or upgraded in an old vehicle? Why can’t they just allow all the colors to be used and legally ban the ones that cause a lot of glare? It’s stupid, it’s confusing, and it doesn’t make sense.
I never thought purchasing HID car lights can be so complicated.
HID Car Lights – Cause of Women’s Fury?
There is a study made about gender reaction towards HID Car Lights, and it was observed that although male and female representations in the population of all respondents were the same, the females, in general, were found more glare-disturbed. Distributions of male and female respondents over age groups showed that among all night-driving and glare-disturbed respondents, 35 to 44 year old had the highest representation, with females taking up most of these portions.
I wonder what the reason behind this is. Perhaps, men have been blinded by all these HID car lights that there’s nothing left to complain about. Or is it because women have more hormonal imbalances than men? Perhaps women have more body fat, thus, their constant irritation towards their growing dress size are projected to the unlikely glare coming from the other driver? Or are women more sensitive to the environment, which explains why men need to be told that their rooms need to be cleaned immediately? Maybe that -- I really don’t know. It’s so hard to fathom the depths of a woman’s brain. You just can’t tell whether our PMS’s will succumb to HID car light irritation and annihilate everyone we see.
Maybe.
I wonder what the reason behind this is. Perhaps, men have been blinded by all these HID car lights that there’s nothing left to complain about. Or is it because women have more hormonal imbalances than men? Perhaps women have more body fat, thus, their constant irritation towards their growing dress size are projected to the unlikely glare coming from the other driver? Or are women more sensitive to the environment, which explains why men need to be told that their rooms need to be cleaned immediately? Maybe that -- I really don’t know. It’s so hard to fathom the depths of a woman’s brain. You just can’t tell whether our PMS’s will succumb to HID car light irritation and annihilate everyone we see.
Maybe.
HID Bulbs and Halogen – How Different Are They?
Ever wonder how different HID bulbs and halogen lights are? 1. HID bulbs produce approximately ten times more intense light. If you measure it in its light intensity (candela). HID has 200,000cd compared to 20,000cd for halogen. HID bulbs last eight to ten times longer than halogen bulbs. HID takes 2750 hours compared to 300 hours for halogen 2. HID bulbs make at least four times brighter lights than halogen. If you measure it in its light intensity (lumens), HID has 3200lu compared to 800lu for halogen. 3. HID bulbs use less wattage than halogen bulbs. HID uses up 35w while halogen uses up 55-85w. 4. HID bulbs produce a lesser visual fatigue output than halogen lights because they have less infrared and UV lights. 5. HID bulbs have a higher Kelvin light, making it whiter than the output of a halogen bulb. 6. HID bulbs have a wider range of movement, which helps in distributing light more evenly. 7. HID bulbs produce wider and deeper beam patterns than halogen bulbs. 8. HID bulbs are much more expensive than halogen bulbs. 9. HID systems are very expensive when compared to halogen systems. HID and halogen bulbs have their own advantages and disadvantages in vehicles. Before you decide to choose one, make sure you know a lot about them so you can make the right decision.
Xenon Headlights – Top Ten Cars Who Have It
So, you’re thinking of buying a car with Xenon headlights? Check out these cars:
VW Lupo GTI £13,455
It’s quite surprising that Lupo GTI comes with Xenon headlights. No one’s complaining though. This little car is a powerhouse machine. It will definitely be a good companion for long drives – even during the night. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth it.
Renault Clio Renaultsport 182 £14,700
Before you go out and buy a Clio, make sure that it’s a 182, not the latest Cup model. This is because the Cup model doesn’t include HID headlights. This megawatt, 182bhp, 2.0-litre engine machine performs well under pressure, and even sharp curves and tight spaces are handled without a glitch. What’s more, if you shop around and you’ll get one for significantly cheaper than list price, making the Clio 182 a real bargain too.
Mazda 3 2.0 Sport £15,500
Mazda’s Sport Trim is now available with Xenon lights. With a 150bhp 2.0-litre engine, the Mazda 3 lives up to its name, with its speed reaching 60mph in just 9 seconds. Check its suspension, and you’ll see muscles. What’s more, the Mazda 3 is often overlooked in its class, but if bright lights are a priority it’s worth taking a second good look.
Renault Laguna Dynamique 1.8 £17,315
One of the older cars in this segment, the Laguna remains striking and stylish despite its age. Also, it’s more comfortable compared to its other of its rivals.
Mazda6 2.3 Sport £18,100
This time, we are now talking about the bigger 6, which competes against the other giants like Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. This care has a lot of value, and its spacious and neatl style became a hit when it was launched – increasing Mazda’s profits well. If you want to get it with Xenon lights you’ll have to upgrade to a 2.3-litre version in Sport trim.
Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI Elegance £18,800
It’s often mistaken for the VW saloon, but this shouldn’t turn you off. It has a rear seat space that is enormous, and it has a powerful 130bhp 1.9-litre TDI engine that can rip the roads anytime you want.
Citroen C5 2.0 Auto Exclusive £19,595
Yes, it’s dowdier than the British Royals. But despite its unpopularity with car aficionados, it still has a lot of potential. What’s more, it’s now fully changed, and the smart double chevron grille and neat front and rear ‘boomerang’ lights have transformed it into an elegant and stylish car. Despite the exterior change, the interior remains the same. Xenon headlamps in the C5 range start with the 2.0-litre Exclusive model with the automatic transmission.
Peugeot 407 2.2 Executive £19,950
It seems the French like their cars well equipped, as four out of our top ten here come from across the channel. The newest of the bunch is Peugeot’s 407. This car is proving to be a classy and eclectic – with a look that challenges the conservative cars available in the market right now. Driving is also enjoyable too – it has a tidy handling and a cosseting ride, which is something Peugeot cars are known for. Once again to get Xenon lights as standard you’re looking up the range, but the 2.2-litre Executive model comes fully-loaded with equipment as a result.
Honda Accord 2.4 Executive £21,600
Driving a Honda is an experience, because it combines quality and functionality in one. With the 2.4-litre engine, you get maximum distances while at the same time offering one of the most exceptional manual gearboxes this side of Porsche 911. To get Xenon lights as standard you need to opt for the pricey Executive model, but you’ll also get extras like Sat Nav and leather seats too.
Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 TS Turismo £21,750
This car has been recently revised, and now, the carmakers have focused on sharpening its style more than ever. Today, Alfa can be considered one of the most attractive cars around, although it’s not that distinctive like some others.
VW Lupo GTI £13,455
It’s quite surprising that Lupo GTI comes with Xenon headlights. No one’s complaining though. This little car is a powerhouse machine. It will definitely be a good companion for long drives – even during the night. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth it.
Renault Clio Renaultsport 182 £14,700
Before you go out and buy a Clio, make sure that it’s a 182, not the latest Cup model. This is because the Cup model doesn’t include HID headlights. This megawatt, 182bhp, 2.0-litre engine machine performs well under pressure, and even sharp curves and tight spaces are handled without a glitch. What’s more, if you shop around and you’ll get one for significantly cheaper than list price, making the Clio 182 a real bargain too.
Mazda 3 2.0 Sport £15,500
Mazda’s Sport Trim is now available with Xenon lights. With a 150bhp 2.0-litre engine, the Mazda 3 lives up to its name, with its speed reaching 60mph in just 9 seconds. Check its suspension, and you’ll see muscles. What’s more, the Mazda 3 is often overlooked in its class, but if bright lights are a priority it’s worth taking a second good look.
Renault Laguna Dynamique 1.8 £17,315
One of the older cars in this segment, the Laguna remains striking and stylish despite its age. Also, it’s more comfortable compared to its other of its rivals.
Mazda6 2.3 Sport £18,100
This time, we are now talking about the bigger 6, which competes against the other giants like Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. This care has a lot of value, and its spacious and neatl style became a hit when it was launched – increasing Mazda’s profits well. If you want to get it with Xenon lights you’ll have to upgrade to a 2.3-litre version in Sport trim.
Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI Elegance £18,800
It’s often mistaken for the VW saloon, but this shouldn’t turn you off. It has a rear seat space that is enormous, and it has a powerful 130bhp 1.9-litre TDI engine that can rip the roads anytime you want.
Citroen C5 2.0 Auto Exclusive £19,595
Yes, it’s dowdier than the British Royals. But despite its unpopularity with car aficionados, it still has a lot of potential. What’s more, it’s now fully changed, and the smart double chevron grille and neat front and rear ‘boomerang’ lights have transformed it into an elegant and stylish car. Despite the exterior change, the interior remains the same. Xenon headlamps in the C5 range start with the 2.0-litre Exclusive model with the automatic transmission.
Peugeot 407 2.2 Executive £19,950
It seems the French like their cars well equipped, as four out of our top ten here come from across the channel. The newest of the bunch is Peugeot’s 407. This car is proving to be a classy and eclectic – with a look that challenges the conservative cars available in the market right now. Driving is also enjoyable too – it has a tidy handling and a cosseting ride, which is something Peugeot cars are known for. Once again to get Xenon lights as standard you’re looking up the range, but the 2.2-litre Executive model comes fully-loaded with equipment as a result.
Honda Accord 2.4 Executive £21,600
Driving a Honda is an experience, because it combines quality and functionality in one. With the 2.4-litre engine, you get maximum distances while at the same time offering one of the most exceptional manual gearboxes this side of Porsche 911. To get Xenon lights as standard you need to opt for the pricey Executive model, but you’ll also get extras like Sat Nav and leather seats too.
Alfa Romeo 166 2.0 TS Turismo £21,750
This car has been recently revised, and now, the carmakers have focused on sharpening its style more than ever. Today, Alfa can be considered one of the most attractive cars around, although it’s not that distinctive like some others.
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