Why are some headlights blindingly bright?

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Why are some headlights blindingly bright?

Why is it that some brands like BMW and Audi appear to have much brighter headlights? Also, don't you think that the many people who leave fog lights on constantly are often responsible for dazzling oncoming drivers?

Asked on 24 March 2012 by DB, via email

Answered by Honest John

You are confusing foglights with daytime running lights. Mercedes, Porsche, Citroen, Renault and Peugeot all now fit below-bumper DRLs and these are LEDs so are not blinding in the manner HID Xenons are. You are correct that HID Xenons fitted as standard kit are often blinding because the compulsory automatic beam height adjustment either works too slowly or fails completely, and costs up to £1200 a side to replace.

Tags: daytime running lights fog lights headlights

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