lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

For one I like LEDs for all lighting because they use less energy and last so much longer than ancient Incandescent and Quartz or Quartz-Halogen as headlights. Daytime lights (of whatever type) are so others can see you, not so you can see the street or others. Clear weather would be a bit different than in heavy fog. There are two types of systems on currently manufactured cars? I had not noticed since I went from a 2006 to 2020 vehicle.

terryMc Loc: Arizona's White Mountains

I know some cars have this feature, but it is certainly not a new thing. GM first introduced the Autronic Eye on the 1952 Oldsmobile (and I believe, the Cadillac.) It didn't work very well, but they continued to use and refine it until the late 80s. I knew people who had these and they said they would just quit working and the "eye" would sit there useless. In any case, this was long before cars became mobile computers. I'm sure modern systems work much better.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The key to using HIDs or LEDs without blinding oncoming cars is to either have self leveling lights or European style headlights with a sharp vertical cutoff with an “ear” on the far right to light the roadside. Our 15 year old Lexus came with HID projectors that are self leveling and self steering - the point down as you crest a hill and point in the direction you’re turning the car. Great lights, never had a failure, and no complaints from other drivers.

I converted my other car to HIDs maybe 8 years ago and have had one aftermarket bulb fail (~$20). That car has European style lights with a sharp cutoff and the right “ear”. Excellent visibility and no complaints from other drivers. Here’s an image taken when I was changing showing the standard halogen vs HID - note the sharp cutoff pattern. Measured with a lightmeter, they are ~3x the brightness for the same power consumed. After driving with HIDs, I can’t image driving at night with older Halogens.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

In the 60’s Cadillacs had an “eye” mounted on the top of the dash that automatically dimmed or brightened the headlights when meeting on’coming cars. Didn’t work very well. Every time you approached something reflective they would change. Of course, that was 50-60 years ago, so maybe they have improved.

Dave H2

Hi,
Another youngster here I see. My first car was in 1958.
Have a great week.
Dave

terryMc Loc: Arizona's White Mountains

Yup. In 1958 I got a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook 4 dr sedan. I was NOT the envy of my friends who had hartops and convertibles. But my car was a gift from a relative, so...