damn right its alllll about me
But equally just because a few of you on here are effected by badly fitted ones it doesnt mean that they are all bad as the majority of people have no problem with them.
A quick search via Google shows that many other people are also affected by by HID's (more than just 'a few'), though as I've always said it's the badly and illegally fitted types that cause the most problems. Take a look at these Google searches:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB273GB274&q=hids+blinding&start=10&sa=N
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB273GB274&q=ban+hids&start=0&sa=N
No older cars shouldnt have them as they do mess up the beam pattern.
So you DO actually agree that most older cars (particularly those with halogen headlight units) should NOT be retro fitted with HID's? This is why people get criticized in threads when they want to fit HID's to their headlights because a lot of the time their headlights are not suitable for HID fitment and can cause glare to others. Yet you come into the threads and proclaim that there's nothing wrong with HID's and that you don't get blinded by them. Plus you put down anyone who says they do get blinded?
Concerned about them? Im not concerned in the slightest by them or how efficient they are. All i know is compared to standard i can see alot more with HIDs fitted.
I could fit Hella rally lights or Nightbreaker spots to my car and see a lot better with them too. Shame that all the other drivers will get fried retinas
If I were to fit anything to my car that was supposedly a performance upgrade (HID's are to upgrade the performance of the headlights are they not?) then I would normally want to see evidence that they are worth the money and do indeed do what they claim. Yet in most "I want to fit HIDs" threads hardly ever do you see someone state they want to fit them to improve visibility. You are one of the few exceptions who DOES claim that they do indeed do that. Most people want to fit them because "My mate's have them and it looks wicked" and because it's the latest must have accessory for a boy racer crap mobile. It's these people that are doing most of the damage to the image of HIDs, as a lot of people now see the stereotypical chavved up shed blinding everyone and put the blame on HIDs.
No i cant link to anything and as i have already said. I dont need official tests to tell me if technically they do or dont provide better light as from my own experience i know they do. Also if they didnt then manufacturers would not bother to use them due to how much extra they cost over normal bulbs.
Original equipment HIDs are fitted to cars that are DESIGNED to have them, with projector headlights, self levelling systems and headlamp washers. Retro fitted HIDs are NOT.
Tell you what, you show me some official tests that prove that HIDs are no better than halogen bulbs and then i will take my HID kit out
Matt, the above is an example when I say that you treat these threads as if they're all about you and that we're only talking about your car. I'm not saying you should take your kit out if it's fitted to a car with suitable headlights. I'm also not denying that HID's give more light than halogens, though I have asked for HID supporters to tell me HOW much more light they are getting over halogens but have yet to have anyone give me an answer...
However, me and 'a few others' know that retrofitting HIDs to most older cars is a hazard and causes glare because of the design of the lenses. Therefore if people start threads about fitting HID kits into an older car then it's right that they should be dissuaded, because by doing so they are breaking the law AND causing problems for other motorists.
Also, there seems to be NO official tests comparing HIDs with halogens (thus it cannot yet be proved that one is officially better than the other). It's all down to personal opinion and experience. However, there is an interesting article about converting to HIDs from this chap:
Daniel Stern Lighting
"Daniel Stern Lighting is North America's premier automotive lighting consultancy and supply house. Mr. Stern is an experienced consultant in the field of automotive lighting science and technology, setup, regulation, development, history and modification."
Thinking of converting to HID?
So you've read about HID headlamps and have it in mind to convert your car. A few mouse clicks on the web, and you've found a couple of outfits offering to sell you a "conversion" that will fit any car with a given type of halogen bulb. STOP! Put away that credit card. (Click link below to read more)
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/Hid/conversions/conversions.html
Have a read as it gives food for thought :chin: