Tech
How Headlights Became So High-Tech
Headlights are quietly undergoing a technological revolution, and regulators are trying to catch up.
For much of automotive history, innovation came to headlights gradually. But over the last few decades, the pace has quickened. Now, automakers are using LED technology to create arrays of tiny lights that can cast complex beam patterns. The so-called adaptive driving beams can illuminate an entire road while shutting off any bulbs that would shine in the eyes of oncoming drivers.
Even more sophisticated headlights have such high resolution that they can display graphics or even animations. These could be used to display warnings or other important information in front of the driver. In theory, the technology could enable a car to project an entire movie from its headlamps.
As of now, federal regulators are in the process of making rules that could completely change the way drivers see the road and each other.
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How Headlights Became So High-Tech
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@slick8640
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Im getting older now and i can't even look anywhere in the direction of oncoming traffic due to the new lights. Ive gotten real good at driving without watching where im going these days….and i drive for a living. I figure if i hit something, i just didn't see it. Too bad, so sad.
@richardsimms251
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Great video but very distracting and loud music. Thank you
@gyulamoldvan
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
The problem is most street lamps don't work or the bulb aren't replaced even on the lights that are next to highways and the other problem is people driving without turning on their headlights so you don't even know a car is their
@thewolfe1099
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
It's a headlight arms race.
There go to be so many cheap uncalibrated and not DOT approved LED lamps on the road that I could I no longer see. My eyes get dilated by oncoming traffic with super bright 5k lights to the point my conventional regular factory lights no longer put enough light for me to see.
So, I had no choice but to get on eBay and get the LED after market lights…I have no choice…
This is due to US government corruption in allowing the unrestricted flow of Chinese lighting devices that are not DOT approved. Technically from what I know in most states all of these add-on lights from China are illegal. Most states have requirements that you only use US DOT approved equipment on vehicles. I know for sure that's in the California vehicle code.
But in crooked deals between the US politicians and China are allowing China to ship things in on an individual basis where things are not screened and the Chinese are allowed to sell to and ship directly to the consumer. This is of course the same method the Chinese are using to ship counterfeit goods to American consumers. Part of the trick is on the small packets directly to the consumer (and I forgot the acronym that they are officially called) is that they avoid customs tariffs. A little back door way to avoid our tariffs..But that's another story.
But nonetheless none of these Chinese lights have ever been tested in a lab for output or any other parameters. So it's a wild wild west out there on the road. And you just have to keep increasing the lumens to compete.
@jamesrock9446
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Blinding other drivers with your headlamp is great. Everyone does it.
@swoondrones
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Too much customisation. Unneceessary.
@spinnetti
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
You left out the Citroen DS! That had headlights that turned with the wheel and better illuminated corners.
@andyp1031
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
My lights move when I move the steering wheel, I love it
@vishweshswaminadhan4337
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
High tech and useless. No throw, no spread and 6000k are incredibly bad during rain and fog.
@realcreamofwheat7728
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Regulators should figure out a way to revoke licenses to those who drive with the high beams. That would be progress.
@mikechaplin1566
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
😊how about designing more durable lenses that don't get foggy after a few years. this is a technology that has taken us backwards in headlight technology
@LWRC
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
US DOT regulations are at least10 – 15 years behind Europe!!!
@Swindy1794
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Haha… @ 2:00 some things still to this day never change.. Ford especially. The difference between Ford and a tampon is the tampon comes with its own tow rope. 😂
@gregorydavis5210
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Dot needs to rush matrix led technology to our cars we r always behind
@wilkoone9155
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
My last car had matrix headlights & when I ordered my new car I ordered it with standard lights.
The reason for this is that I realised that I dipped my lights quicker than the matrix lights. I now have less oncoming cars flashing me.
@stephencannon3140
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
At minimum DRL’s should be wired to tail lights to have at least the outline of the vehicle.
@stephencannon3140
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
It doesn’t matter how bright or high tech the headlights are when……idiot drivers don’t use them….or become WAY over reliant on automatic headlights…..the headlights need to be wired to the instrument panel lights so the lights come on when engine starts….headlights are not about how good the drivers night vision is….they are about other drivers being able to see you.
@441meatloaf
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Audi is the pioneer of headlight tech.
@Dondriver12345
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
The truth is that the automatic headlights are blinding incominging drivers first and only then the camera captures their lights and the system reacts. If you ask european truckers, they would tell you a lot about the "pleasure" of night driving being regularly blinded even for a short moment.
@AlexfromAsia
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
cool topic. I liked the video.
but I think the voiceovers were really poor in quality?
it was really hard to listen to for me.
maybe because of the constant music in the background?
the narrator’s voice sounded like he was constantly walking up and away from the microphone.
@darylb5564
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Our new headlights are an enormous step backward. They cost a fortune and they turn yellow. My truck is a 22 and I avoid driving it at night because I can’t see anything. I would love to know how much of ou4 insurance premiums is that we have $4,000 worth of headlights on the corners of our cars?
It’s just stupid
@stevehunter7402
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
I feel like LED headlights are ruining my vision. They are way too bright. These better lights are causing me to either squint, look away or shut my eyes for a second. Not very safe options.
@SoapBoxMediaTV
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
No mention of tailgating issues here?
@nahoumabara3712
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
No mention of laser?
@cicada3312
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Audi started the trend
@nayemislam2903
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Replacing them must be fun😂😂
@danielm2934
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
What’s up with the audio being so bad ?
@bacnorleans
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
I Love the LED lights on my new Honda’s. I definitely see much further and brighter.
@PresCEO
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
Audi 😎
@cranialnerv
January 16, 2024 at 9:55 am
US approved adaptive headlights in 2019. They still refuse to allow any manufacturers to activate the systems for the USA. Don’t count on them appearing activated in the USA in the next 3 to 5 years. Maybe never. Manufacturers will continue to sell them as expensive disabled options. Go figure.