HID Install

[Mtrhd0024]

There is a misunderstanding about projectors being the solution to HID issues (glare, etc.) Yes, there is a "sharp cut off", but that's created by an internal metal plate in the housing. The reflector is still calibrated for a halogen bulb. Here's a little-observed point about HIDs (no matter the headlight type):
"But what about all the rave reviews you read in magazines and on Usenet about how marvelous HID headlamps are? Well, here's the double whammy of high levels of foreground light: When you can see every last pebble in the road, all the way across, it's very comforting. You don't have to strain to see what's immediately in front of the vehicle. And the most recent research seems to be suggesting that this, to an extent, improves driver performance at night, possibly because with the foreground adequately illuminated, we tend to trust our peripheral vision to handle the foreground, and keep focussed out in the distance where we should be looking. (See above comments regarding too-low levels of foreground light in many US headlamps...). BUT, foreground illumination is *only one* performance aspect of a headlamp, and it's very, very easy to judge a headlamp "good" because of very strong foreground light, when in fact the distance vision isn't so grand. In short (finally!) an HID headlamp has a strong tendency to create a false sense of security."

I agree that projectors aren't the magic answer to HID problems, HOWEVER, the majority of Projector housings (whether they were designed for HID or not) tend to do a much better job of reducing glare that is commonly associated with aftermarket HID kits. You don't actually need to have projectors to properly focus HID light, you just need to have a reflector that is properly focused for the HID bulb. This is why Hella gets away with having HID driving lights which simply use reflectors.

I also believe the statement you posted about HID's creating a false sense of security is true. When people can see better directly in front of them, they do gain a false sense of security. This is why installing brighter bulbs in your headlights is not necessarily going to make you see perfectly at night.

This is where auxiliary light comes into play. You need driving lights or similar long distance lighting to illuminate the road way out in front of you. Your headlights can only do so much. This is why I'll soon have HID driving lights mounted to the front of my truck. Yes I've upgraded my headlight housings and bulbs, but they still only illuminate so far in front of me. My driving lights illuminate where my headlights leave off, clearing the road hundreds of feet in front of me.

This applies, projector housings or otherwise. It has been compared to putting someone else's prescription glasses - you might be able to see, but not properly.

Good analogy!

Yep, you got it! I too like the LED lighting technology. But LEDs are not quite "there" yet to use in certain applications, such as automotive.

LED lighting is definitely the future, however its certainly only just coming onto the scene with regards to automotive applications. The advantages of low power consumption, bright white light, and low heat are all significant, but LED's are still new to the automotive world. The only car I can think of that offers LED lighting as an option is the new Prius. Its a start, but there's still a ways to go with regards to that technology! For now anyway, HID is the "low heat, low power consumption, extremely bright" solution that everybody wants in their car.

 

[STingray1300]

I agree that projectors aren't the magic answer to HID problems, HOWEVER, the majority of Projector housings (whether they were designed for HID or not) tend to do a much better job of reducing glare that is commonly associated with aftermarket HID kits.

But, unfortunately, they are still illegal. And, any capsule that fits any housing other than OEM is a morphed component that has been "made" by who-knows-who. Hella, Phillips, Osram (the only producers of HID capsules)does not make their HID capsules to fit anything but OEM applications. Thereby, a great possibility of issues exists. I agree with you that much of the glare is reduced with projectors. But, as I learned, they still don't focus the light very well for distance. Reverting back to a +50 halogen bulb actually gave me better night vision. (yeah, I was surprised too, at the time)

This is where auxiliary light comes into play. You need driving lights or similar long distance lighting to illuminate the road way out in front of you. Your headlights can only do so much. This is why I'll soon have HID driving lights mounted to the front of my truck. Yes I've upgraded my headlight housings and bulbs, but they still only illuminate so far in front of me. My driving lights illuminate where my headlights leave off, clearing the road hundreds of feet in front of me.

Absolutely! Many people think "more power = better night vision". Not necessarily the case. But a carefully engineered array of lights will add great visual advantages.

LED lighting is definitely the future, For now anyway, HID is the "low heat, low power consumption, extremely bright" solution that everybody wants in their car.

If you have a look at the links I included above, you'll note some interesting aspects about HIDs. A couple worthy of note are, the fact that while yes, HIDs are closer in Kelvin tempurature to "sunlight", that is NOT a good thing at night for the human eye. When everything is bathed in sunlight, it's a good thing; but when everything else is dark, "sunlight" in a localized use application such a headlight, it's not a good thing. The human eye "sees" better with light in the more warm (yellow) light spectrum. Whiter light does not create better vision. It creates better contrast. Which contributes to increased reflected glare (to the driver -namely us). Which diminishes distance vision. Also, due to the whiter light, HIDs reduce color rendition, which diminishes depth perception.

Seeing well at night is a priority with me. I ride long distance motorcycle rallies, and often find myself in the inky black of a desert. It's scary if you can't see VERY well. But even with my older bike with a 40 amp alternator, I didn't worry a bit when I ran a set of PIAA 910s with 110watt bulbs (x2). So power consumption on a car or truck with much larger alternators shouldn't be a concern. White light shouldn't be a goal. Low heat, not a concern for properly designed, well built lights (read: good <or better> quality) Extremely bright? Absolutely! HIDs, even in OEM applications have their shortcomings that can be dangerous (which is why I specifically demanded HIDs NOT be included with our new 2010 Taurus LTD)

Here's to seeing better!