3 ms·

I suspect that there is another issue beyond those given here. Today's beams seem much more tightly focused with a sharp cutoff, able to fill the allowed geomet

I suspect that there is another issue beyond those given here. Today's beams seem much more tightly focused with a sharp cutoff, able to fill the allowed geometry at full intensity. As a result, it seems that cars on any sort of convex slope can project a beam with full intensity into the eyes of an oncoming driver, especially if there is also even a slight bend in the road.

smachiz 4y ago
The adaptive headlights can solve that by altering the projected shape in real time. It's neat to see what some of the EU cars do, I think they're standard on newer Teslas, and just require the right software in the US.
- hd95489 4y ago
  And that’s how we end up with 5000$ headlights
  - smachiz 4y ago
    I think that's already what they cost on a Porsche or BMW...
  - generaltsos 4y ago
    My 2015 Ford has $1200 HID headlight assemblies, I am certain BMW/Porsche/Audi/MB are approaching or over 5 digits now.
    - technothrasher 4y ago
      Just looked up the price of a headlight assembly for my Porsche Macan. $4K MSRP, ~$3.1 Street price. But it is pretty cool to see it adjust in real time when going around turns or up and down hills.
      - robohoe 4y ago
        It doesn’t help that on a lot of Porsches from hot climates headlights’ protective coating deliminates/cracks. Repairs are in hundreds, but at least it’s a known and fixable problem. Still a pain considering how much these cars cost -_-
      - saltcured 4y ago
        Is that for one side or for a complete set? I can't help thinking repair parts should be (morally speaking) offered at a regulated cost+plus price. I really can't imagine that headlights are 5-10% of the value in a new car, and so this seems abusive. I think I'd enjoy a world where the manufacturer needs to provide an accounting of new product value and justify the cost of replacement parts. The total cost of all parts of a complete product should not be more than 100% of the material value of the new car, as offered. And by material value, I mean a value less than the total sale price, after already subtracting logistics/labor value adds. And, in my perfect world, I would mandate an open logistics chain. If Amazon can provide better worldwide logistics to deliver a genuine part from the OEM to me, then I should have that choice rather than being captive to some manufacturer/dealer network.
        hd95489 4y ago
        Spares are a primary profit center. If you remove the mark up there the base price of the vehicle will go even higher
vanilla_nut 4y ago
It gets very nasty when potholes and uneven surfaces interact with these lights. Some roads produce an effect not entirely unlike a strobelight.
- MonkeyMalarky 4y ago
  For a while I thought people were flashing their highbeams at me on a particular stretch of road. Turns out there's this nice and smooth bump from a patch job that's causing it when people drive over.
jasone 4y ago
Agreed. I was a bit disappointed the article didn't address this point.

smachiz 4y ago

The adaptive headlights can solve that by altering the projected shape in real time. It's neat to see what some of the EU cars do, I think they're standard on newer Teslas, and just require the right software in the US.

hd95489 4y ago
And that’s how we end up with 5000$ headlights
- smachiz 4y ago
  I think that's already what they cost on a Porsche or BMW...
- generaltsos 4y ago
  My 2015 Ford has $1200 HID headlight assemblies, I am certain BMW/Porsche/Audi/MB are approaching or over 5 digits now.
  - technothrasher 4y ago
    Just looked up the price of a headlight assembly for my Porsche Macan. $4K MSRP, ~$3.1 Street price. But it is pretty cool to see it adjust in real time when going around turns or up and down hills.
    - robohoe 4y ago
      It doesn’t help that on a lot of Porsches from hot climates headlights’ protective coating deliminates/cracks. Repairs are in hundreds, but at least it’s a known and fixable problem. Still a pain considering how much these cars cost -_-
    - saltcured 4y ago
      Is that for one side or for a complete set? I can't help thinking repair parts should be (morally speaking) offered at a regulated cost+plus price. I really can't imagine that headlights are 5-10% of the value in a new car, and so this seems abusive. I think I'd enjoy a world where the manufacturer needs to provide an accounting of new product value and justify the cost of replacement parts. The total cost of all parts of a complete product should not be more than 100% of the material value of the new car, as offered. And by material value, I mean a value less than the total sale price, after already subtracting logistics/labor value adds. And, in my perfect world, I would mandate an open logistics chain. If Amazon can provide better worldwide logistics to deliver a genuine part from the OEM to me, then I should have that choice rather than being captive to some manufacturer/dealer network.
      - hd95489 4y ago
        Spares are a primary profit center. If you remove the mark up there the base price of the vehicle will go even higher

vanilla_nut 4y ago

It gets very nasty when potholes and uneven surfaces interact with these lights. Some roads produce an effect not entirely unlike a strobelight.

MonkeyMalarky 4y ago
For a while I thought people were flashing their highbeams at me on a particular stretch of road. Turns out there's this nice and smooth bump from a patch job that's causing it when people drive over.

jasone 4y ago

Agreed. I was a bit disappointed the article didn't address this point.