What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Why do modern cars like the Audi R8 have such bright LED headlights?
Mike Rutherford asks, "Who wouldn't love to own an Audi R8?" I wouldn't. Certainly if it caused a nuisance to other road users. I refer to its LED headlamps. Cars fitted with these eco-friendly lighting units seem to have sidestepped the facility of dipping. Many's the time I've been dazzled by them, dangerously so. My wife suggests I talk to the police. Before I do so, what's your view of LED headlights? Have they been risk-assessed?
Asked on 14 April 2012 by BS, Bristol
Answered by
Honest John
LED DRLs are not headlights, they are Daytime Running Lights to enable cars on country roads to be seen so other cars do not pull out into their path. I agree, on many Audis the DRLs incorporated into the headlights as a bit of jewellery are a bit bright. On 2012 Jaguar XFs the DRLs in the headlights self-dim when the turn indicators are used. The best place for DRLs is separate and not over bright, as on the Fiat 500. Or set down low, as in Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Citroens, Fords and Kias. If you are severely dazzled by LEDs you might have an eye problem, so it's worth consulting a specialist at the risk he may ban you from driving.
Similar questions
After resisting the idea of driving in the daytime using headlights in addition to my cars DRLs, I have now decided to join the pack and leave my headlights switched on all the time. I was just wondering...
Both my Vauxhall Zafira and Hyundai i10 have daytime running lights. On both vehicles, the DLRs switch off when my side lights or headlights are switched on. I've observed that some vehicles have daytime...
I'm buying a Seat Ateca S because I'm not prepared to wait the 20 weeks delivery time or pay the extra £4000 for the SE model. If I wanted to retrofit automatic fog lights, instead of having to turn them...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Refined supercar that can be used everyday, with a forgiving ride. Very quick with secure quattro roadholding. Outstanding V10 engine.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
