silver cap over headlight bulbs?

4th January 2008, 12:58

ive just noticed that there is a silver cap over my headlight bulbs, anyone know wot this is and what its function is.

4th January 2008, 13:46

This silver bit is over all headlight bulbs. Not sure quite what it does, it might be that it stops the light from shining straight out of the end of the bulb, so it isn't as bright. Apart fromt hat i cant really think of anything

4th January 2008, 14:12

thanks for the reply, i know wot ur talkin about, but this is a metal cap which is seperate from the bulb and is attached to the headlight casing.it sits over the bulb kind of like a diffuser, but surely thats not needed.

4th January 2008, 14:15

Its part of the assembly which holds your headlight bulb in, the bulb clip is attached to that dome on the inside of the headlight.

And the reason for the dome is to get the correct beam patterm, so the light reflects back onto the reflector and doesnt just shine straight out. Been thinking about spraying mine black with high temp paint

4th January 2008, 15:21

ideal cheers, would it be illegal to remove these, as i dont think the headlights are bright enough.

4th January 2008, 15:22

dont think youd pass MOT mate. I agree std saxo lights are wank. If you want brighter lights get a HID kit, theyre awesome

4th January 2008, 15:49

nice 1 cheers

4th January 2008, 15:58

are HID kits illegal or wot

4th January 2008, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by picklesayrshire

are HID kits illegal or wot

They noramally are for cars that don't come with them as standard, due to the light being scattered and blinding other drivers

4th January 2008, 16:12

Its debatable tjeres no solid law to say they are YET. But they can get you done if you blind other drivers.

But if you set them up properly then you wont. Its only if your irresponsilbe with em that they will be a dangerous mod

4th January 2008, 16:13

From http://www.xenonshop.co.uk/ =>

Doesn't the use of Xenon lamps cause more irritation amongst other drivers?

The International regulations on light distribution and intensity on the road are very strict. Xenon light falls well within these standards. Technically speaking , xenon lighting is less irritating than halogen lamps. This is because the light darkness transition border are much more clearly seperated. Less light is reflected into the eyes of oncoming drivers on properly set height units. The increased light output is used to give more lush light distribution and to improve the illumination of the side verges.

Why is it that Xenon light sometimes causes irritation to oncoming drivers?

In normal conditions drivers look to the road straight ahead. Due however to the conspicuous colour of the new technology drivers are more inclined to look at the other cars headlights. The same phenomenon was experienced with the introduction of now conventional halogen lamps in the early sixties. In those days drivers spoke of those quote 'irritating white lights'. Everybody will gradually become used to this type of light as they did to the introduction of yellow lights in France and the use of a third brake light there after.

Are these Xenon HID systems road legal?

According to EU legislation HID systems standard factory fitted from the factory require a self levelling system and a lens washer to be fitted. However this is not specified for aftermarket kits. Our kits have passed all safety and emmissions tests and produce the correct light pattern. We know they will pass an MOT (original bulbs can be reinstalled in minutes if required without uninstalling the HID system). We are not aware of any legality issues over the use of aftermarket HID kits when the colour tempatuer is 6000k to 8000k but it should be worth noting that car headlights have to produce a white light so the 10000k and 12000k kits may be a bit blue / purple for legal road use.

Thanks

Matt

4th January 2008, 16:18

Oh, and the silver cap you mentioned is indeed to stop glare and make the correct beam pattern. If you think about the reflector behidn the bulb, which is a mirror, any light coming out of the bottom of the bulb will hit the reflector and bounce upwards into oncoming drivers' eyes, any light coming upwards out of the bulb will hit the reflector and bounce down, onto the road, which is correct.
If you look closly at the metal shield, you should find there is a hole in the shield level with the main beam filament on your H4 bulb, this is so that when main beam is on, there is no restriction to the light pattern/height.

Just been through all this with my TVR, which has H4 HID's fitted, and i had to procure some shields to prevent light scatter. Note it has been on a MOT optic to check alignment and its fine, and has passed an MOT. My friends have reported no dazzle when driving in front of/towards me and i really can't see the problem with them that other people mention. Just my opinion though.

Thanks

matt

5th January 2008, 08:55

couldnt ask for a better explanation than that cheers ma man, next stop HID

5th January 2008, 23:06

i wouldnt be removing them mate, you will be one of those people that everyone hates when you blind them, tbh the chances of them being any better will be minimal as the light wont reflect much

like said get some higher wattage bulb or HIDs, im not sure whats happening with the laws on these yet

21st December 2013, 23:19

My one broke, anyone know where I can buy a spare one online?, link would be awesome

27th December 2013, 00:34

Anyone?