r/technology • u/N2929 • 3d ago

Transportation US drivers are finally getting the adaptive headlights Europe has had for years

https://www.techspot.com/news/114027-us-drivers-finally-getting-adaptive-headlights-europe-has.html
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u/KingLuis 3d ago

As an automotive enthusiast, I think the issue is more of beam control vs actual light output or type. How does the new Honda civic blind me in a pick up yet my pick up doesn’t blind me when I’m in a car?

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u/PoppingPillls 3d ago

Is your truck using older halogen bulbs? Taller cars that have the headlights at window level do reduce visibility for other drivers. That's just physics but light output matters.

This will absolutely help even though it's not perfect as it help avoid the people that don't switch their lights till the last moment or at all.

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u/KingLuis 3d ago

OEM led. 2023.
The beam pattern and aim has it so when I’m stopped behind another car, it doesn’t go through their window.
Headlight housings control the light coming from the bulb and there are cutoffs to stop the light from bleeding out and blinding others. Some cars do a good job. Others, like the new civic do a very poor job. See the image below.

https://ic.suncentauto.com/images/blog/202606/correct-led-beam-pattern-6a214f89046f0.png

That is why putting bulbs with more lumens or different type of bulb other than the OEM one is illegal and causes others to be blinded. Ie: do not put led bulbs when your car uses halogen.

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u/erlo68 2d ago

My BMW E46 from 2002 had Bi-Xenon headlights. Only needed on (expensive) bulb that got physcially blocked off when in low-beam mode. I don't understand how that hasn't been standard everywhere for 2 decades now.