A few people have mentioned they were put off the Elegance spec because they had xenon lights.

The problems with xenons have been known for a long time, particularly with the elderly.

My link

When I googled xenons, there seem to be a lot of people who don't like them! in fact this post might end up here (!!!!!):

My link

Edited 20 February, 201016 yr by CharlieB72

I think I disagree with the majority on this one. During the last two evenings of driving Ive spotted about 12 cars with badly adjusted headlamps. 10 of these were halogen setups and the two zenon setups were on Range Rovers - probably an issue due to their height behind me.

For the visibility advantages Xenons bring over even upgraded halogen lamps, I'd struggle to buy a car without them.

Lee

A few people have mentioned they were put off the Elegance spec because they had xenon lights.

The problems with xenons have been known for a long time, particularly with the elderly.

My link

When I googled xenons, there seem to be a lot of people who don't like them! in fact this post might end up here (!!!!!):

My link

I've had Xenons fitted because they are absolutely fantastic and as factory fitted options with self leveling etc. they do not dazzle at all.

I've had Xenons fitted because they are absolutely fantastic and as factory fitted options with self leveling etc. they do not dazzle at all.

I aggree, will be even better when the find a fix to the auto headlight fault on the Elegence.....

I agree with the majority. Xenons are a menace because of the dazzling effect they have for oncoming drivers. For that reason I won't have them. I am sure that, provided you are sitting behind them, they will seem like the best thing ever to be fitted to a car.

My question is:- Is it necessary to have so much light available? It does not make driving any safer than being behind a good set of halogens. If you need so much light, should you be driving at all?

When the experts remove the dazzle created by (badly adjusted? - maybe) xenons then I along with many others will sign on.

I accept that many cars have badly adjusted headlights, but, as the on coming driver, I can cope with being dazzled by halogens. It is very unpleasant but not as bad as having my vision being wiped out completely due to too powerful lights. For all of you who disagree with me, just go and sit in front of your xenons and have them switched on full in your face.

It's not just adjustment, dirt can cause flare which blinds.

tom

With Skoda's super headlamp washers? Dirt is a common factor with HID or halogen. I found that dirt, mainly in the form of salt spray, just reduces the light output. With the X-Trail, I kept a box of wet wipes in the boot just for that eventuality. Usually two stops in A55 laybys was enough to get back home from Manchester.

The SE headlamp washers work well and do keep the lamps at full brightness.

I wouldn't have another car without Xenons (Fabia vRS had them, too).

With the automatic height adjustment there should be less chance of dazzling other drivers than those with no adjustment or manual adjustment. I do get the occasional flash from other drivers but it may be because the Yeti lights are higher mounted (as per Range Rovers etc), it may be they are set a tad high so they'll be checked when I next go to Allams. No more likely they are mis-set than any other car with lesser lights...!

It isn't just in normal use that I find them excellent but also when trying to see the road, particularly against on coming traffic or in rain. Headlamp washers seem to work very well and the lights seem to stay very clean - may be down to good aerodynamics over the lenses.

Very honourable to care about our fellow motorists but do you really think they care about you - what's the frightening statistic about the numbers of uninsured/un-MOT'd vehicles on the road..?

The only problems I have had with mine were when starting the engine in 'auto', no other problems. Auto dipping mirrors are superb as well - I have yet to be dazzled by any one approaching from behind (mind you haven't seen another Yeti yet from the front or rear...!)

A few people have mentioned they were put off the Elegance spec because they had xenon lights.

The problems with xenons have been known for a long time, particularly with the elderly.

My link

When I googled xenons, there seem to be a lot of people who don't like them! in fact this post might end up here (!!!!!):

My link

One of those people who stated that hey disliked Xenon HID lights on this forum is now looking into buying +100% halogen bulbs, this appears to me a little hypocritical. OEM HID lights have far higher quality optics to ensure minimal light scatter. They have to employ automatic levelling and power wash wipe while halogen lamps do not. Some halogen bulbs are approaching the intensity of HID. Surely legislation should be brought in to deal with these.

Aftermarket HID lights are not legal. It is illegal to sell them for motoring use. I would like to see the outlets that sell them closed down or licensed. Their is one member and only one member on this entire Briskoda site as far as I can see who is fitting after market HID lights the legal way. He is buying the correct optics with appropriate bulbs and also buying the auto levelling equipment and power wash. I have no problem with this approach so long as they are properly adjusted and tested but I guess that he is very much in the minority.

I am sure that illegally fitted HID lights cause a huge problem I have seen them and they do. I hope that MOT tests soon weed these illegal HID sets out and prosecutions are taken against the owners. It is typical of authorities to legislate for HID lights and yet do little on their illegal use.

I am interested in any useful development that aids safety and the polarising shades do seem an interesting possibility. I do not believe that correctly adjusted legal HID lights are a problem. I have been aware of the anti HID web sites for some time now, their is an anti web site on practically anything now. I think that they should concentrate on illegal fitting and use of HID and we would all be better off. One can look at practically any motoring web site and their is loads of people asking for advice on how to fit illegal HID Xenon lights and their are greater numbers of people boasting of fitting them and using increased power HID of 50W instead of the 35W. Why are not the authorities taking these people to task, court they already do this for speeding, and other motoring offences.

It would be interesting to read dispassionate scientific research into HID and any possible ill effects and not just the emotive and subjective comments that litter the internet.

. I do get the occasional flash from other drivers

Very honourable to care about our fellow motorists but do you really think they care about you -

What about if they crash into you or run off the road cause they can't see where they're going? Don't want to be contentious but know the latter has happened to someone greeted by xenons round a corner on a country road (they were on a motorbike - not pleasant).

Edit: Can I just add I've never seen the xenons on a yeti 'in action' so was not implying they are particularly 'bad'. Reason I started this thread was that I know how many people dislike them (particularly on Audis and BMWs) and wanted to see what Yeti people thought.

Edited 20 February, 201016 yr by CharlieB72

The Yeti lights are no brighter than legally allowed and many of the after market uprated bulbs exceed the legal limit if I remember correctly so I can't see how they can be more dangerous to other road users than any other headlight. One can go down the annoying route of one must travel at a speed at which one can always stop in the distance they can see etc etc but where does it all end?

Of course, they do look round corners on the SM which may be even more annoying to other road users. Shame....

for my tuppence worth.....

whilst i await yet more legislation hindering technological progress, i'll exercise my commercial choice by having my xenons up front in the knowledge that my winter drudge commute is eminently better lit, less tiring thus allowing better concentration on my primary task.i.e. getting my backside to my intended destination in one piece and no "moments" en route. Anyone who's hit a deer at +40mph will probably share my sentiment.

I've found that my eyes are less strained and with my usual disregard for other road users....any mr.angry who wishes to flash their annoyance at my well adjusted and entirely legal headlights are welcome to a bit of arc-eye in return.

The Yeti lights are no brighter than legally allowed and many of the after market uprated bulbs exceed the legal limit if I remember correctly so I can't see how they can be more dangerous to other road users than any other headlight. One can go down the annoying route of one must travel at a speed at which one can always stop in the distance they can see etc etc but where does it all end?

Of course, they do look round corners on the SM which may be even more annoying to other road users. Shame....

The reason is that Xenons produce a blue light that eyes (specially old ones) don't deal with so well (as well as being brighter than halogens in the first place).

"The emerging understanding is that there may be not only a split between the glare-sensitive and non-glare-sensitive amongst the populace, but also among those particularly sensitive to blue, violet and/or near-UV light, and those not particularly sensitive to these wavelengths—with these sensitivities NOT necessarily being linked! This helps explain why some find High Intensity Discharge headlamps menacingly painful and consider them hazardous to share the road with, while others consider them no problem at all."

quote from:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/blue/bad/bad.html

Edited 20 February, 201016 yr by CharlieB72

Anyone who's hit a deer at +40mph will probably share my sentiment.

Obviously the deer was glare-sensitive!

Add: Definately 'a moment' I wouldn't want I agree - I've only done that with a pheasant and that was pretty frightening. But I also don't want to dazzle people or drive a vehicle with a bad name for dazzling people. Have you looked at the xenons in the dark? What are they like? Are they better than the old BMW ones?

Edited 20 February, 201016 yr by CharlieB72

As well as being brighter than halogens, the reason is that Xenons produce a blue light that eyes (specially old ones) don't deal with so well.

"The emerging understanding is that there may be not only a split between the glare-sensitive and non-glare-sensitive amongst the populace, but also among those particularly sensitive to blue, violet and/or near-UV light, and those not particularly sensitive to these wavelengths—with these sensitivities NOT necessarily being linked! This helps explain why some find High Intensity Discharge headlamps menacingly painful and consider them hazardous to share the road with, while others consider them no problem at all."

quote from:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/blue/bad/bad.html

You have quoted from an accepted expert in vehicle lighting. Unfortunately it is an American publication and is pertinent to American lighting systems in regards to HID. US vehicle headlamps standards particularly those using HID is known to be inferior to that used in the EU. Also to define the colour it is more helpful to give the temperature of the light so that no ambiguity in claiming what colour is what or what is more blue than another colour, can take place.

Aerofurb,

any bulb sold in this country that is 75 watts or less and is E marked is legal. All these +50% etc bulbs are still below that limit, and are therefore legal. 100watt bulbs that you can buy are probably illegal on 2 counts:

1 they exceed the max wattage

2 they aren't E marked. AFAIK there is only 1 manufacturer of E marked 100watt bulbs and that is PIAA, and they are mega expensive!!

Bulbs with a max wattage higher than 75watts can be legally sold for "off-road use only", but as they are never checked, unless by a VOSA or Police Vehicle examiner there is very little that can be done about it. Bulb "strength" is not checked at MOT time as they are not allowed to take any part off a vehicle, and on some vehicles it is almost impossible to do anyway!

Personally I don't like HID lamps, as I to find them unconfortable, however since I spend most of the winter months going to and from work in the dark I suspect I will end up with them, unless can see a way of fitting the pair of Hella Driving lights I have stored in the shed.

EDIT:

I've bought a set of the yellow "night driving glasses" and find them very good. They were especially useful driving home on several occasions in blizzards, although it was still mesmeric.

Edited 20 February, 201016 yr by Llanigraham

You have quoted from an accepted expert in vehicle lighting. Unfortunately it is an American publication and is pertinent to American lighting systems in regards to HID. US vehicle headlamps standards particularly those using HID is known to be inferior to that used in the EU. Also to define the colour it is more helpful to give the temperature of the light so that no ambiguity in claiming what colour is what or what is more blue than another colour, can take place.

So Xenons don't give off a blue light in the UK?

So Xenons don't give off a blue light in the UK?

I did not say that xenons in GB do not give off any blue light. Many light sources give off blue light or even ultra violet light The standards of bulb design colour rendition technical standards are completly different in the USA to that in the EU. Daniel Sterns coments are not quantified they are generalised and are pertinaent to systems used in the US. I am sure that a compnent of EU HID vehicle Lighting might cause some irritation to eyes. Regulations on Origonal equipment HID is stringent within the EU it is less so with halogen.

"

I did not say that xenons in GB do not give off any blue light. Many light sources give off blue light or even ultra violet light The standards of bulb design colour rendition technical standards are completly different in the USA to that in the EU. Daniel Sterns coments are not quantified they are generalised and are pertinaent to systems used in the US. I am sure that a compnent of EU HID vehicle Lighting might cause some irritation to eyes. Regulations on Origonal equipment HID is stringent within the EU it is less so with halogen.

"

I think the original article is interesting (discussing sensitivity) in that it goes some way to explaining why some people in the UK find xenons annoying and some people find discussions on xenons annoying annoying!

A discussion on HID is not annoying if factual information is brought forward that is pertinent to the topic so that we can have a better understanding.

One of those people who stated that hey disliked Xenon HID lights on this forum is now looking into buying +100% halogen bulbs, this appears to me a little hypocritical.

I think it is a little sad that this argument is being personalised.

The halogen bulbs such as the Ring Xenon Max +100% are still rated at 60/55 Watts so the power output is no greater than the OEM bulbs. Better use is made of the power available.

There is a recognised claim that HID lamps can cause dazzle. Perhaps that point of view should be respected.

There are people who like HID and those who don't. It maybe that I am sensitive to the bluer output of the HID lights but that does not warrant anyone calling me hypocritical just because they don't agree with me.

Hi. My twopenceworth

1 I think they are fantastic

2 I have not noticed a problem from other users

3 MINE IS FIXED

Regards

Mike

Hi. My twopenceworth

1 I think they are fantastic

2 I have not noticed a problem from other users

3 MINE IS FIXED

Regards

Mike

Is it now? Was it the controler?

I agree with the majority. Xenons are a menace because of the dazzling effect they have for oncoming drivers. For that reason I won't have them. I am sure that, provided you are sitting behind them, they will seem like the best thing ever to be fitted to a car.

My question is:- Is it necessary to have so much light available? It does not make driving any safer than being behind a good set of halogens. If you need so much light, should you be driving at all?

In answer to your question(s)...

The more light on the road ahead; the safer the driving experience imo. Im not talking about badly adjusted or faulty/non auto levelling xenonssystems but the ones fitted to most modern cars and that meet all the approval standards.

It doesnt make driving any safer than being behind a good set of halogens? Totally disagree with that statement. From the perspective of someone who has bought a number of new cars over the last few years, owning two at a time, usually one fitted with factory xenons and one with uprated halogen lamps (philips and osram specifically) and having driven the same roads in these vehicles there is no way I agree with your statement. Nothing beats the intensity, clarity and general light spread provided by xenons - even compared to the best of the uprated halogen bulbs Ive used - Osram nightbreakers spring to mind. The aftermarket bulbs also need replacing to regularly for my liking - an effect of trying to burn brighter and therefore hotter.

The only time Ive had a number of flashes back at me from oncoming traffic was not in any of the cars equipped with factory xenons but in the Ocy 4x4 Turbo which I saw fit to install some aftermarket Xenons into. A bad decision but this was supposedly one of the best quality kits available (Hella ballasts etc) but it was just awful in terms of controlling where the light actually pointed! After that experience I dont condone any of the after market HID kits now, needless to say the kit wasnt around for long and I realised that unless it was a factory setup designed to work properly (with the correct type of headlamp lenses/controls) it just wasnt worth having.

I do wonder just how many modern cars with factory xenon setups you have driven, ideally on the roads you are used to with your uprated halogen setups?

The aftermarket bulbs also need replacing to regularly for my liking - an effect of trying to burn brighter and therefore hotter.

Just a small point in reply to the replacement/cost issue.

If xenons cost £600 at the bottom end (probably slightly more), and Phillips X-Tremes cost £30 a pair (probably less).

If the X-Tremes see you through a year, you'd have to own the car at least 20 years to recoup the cost of the xenons.

How many people keep a car 20 years these days ?