MGS5 headlights.

[john1000uk]

My opinion is that my MGS5 probably dazzles oncoming drivers unless the road is dead straight and level.
So I've decided to try lowering them to number 1 and I'll see how this works out. Based on a normal 2 person front seat occupancy and no real load in the boot.
Moving on with no front fog lights how do people feel? Would it be better in fog to lower the lights manually to max down rather than leave them in normal ride height?

 

[Jazzyboy]

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same with my S5 — the headlights are pretty bright and can sit a bit high depending on the road. Dropping them to “1” sounds like a good shout if you think they might be dazzling people, especially when the car’s just got two up front and no load in the back.
Since we don’t have front fogs, dipping the headlights a bit lower in fog can help cut down the glare bouncing back at you. Just don’t go too far down or you’ll lose your distance visibility — it’s a bit of a balance.

 

[Alb]

Could be worth checking them on a beam setter if you don't think they are at regulation height.

 

[john1000uk]

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same with my S5 — the headlights are pretty bright and can sit a bit high depending on the road. Dropping them to “1” sounds like a good shout if you think they might be dazzling people, especially when the car’s just got two up front and no load in the back.
Since we don’t have front fogs, dipping the headlights a bit lower in fog can help cut down the glare bouncing back at you. Just don’t go too far down or you’ll lose your distance visibility — it’s a bit of a balance.

Ah, thanks, good to hear that I'm not the only one.

 

[Ian Key]

Unlike traditional headlights which tend to emit scattered beams of lights which reflect off the moisture in foggy conditions, the LEDs fitted to new cars send out a flat topped beam of light so in theory it shouldn't reflect back into the driver's eyes.

 

[john1000uk]

Don't know if AI is correct but had a little look whilst watching Bargain hunt and.....
"Why white LEDs are poor in fog
Scattering: White LEDs have a shorter wavelength that scatters when it hits fog particles, creating a wall of light that blinds the driver and illuminates the atmosphere instead of the road ahead".
This sounds like a good one for the MG podcast?

 

[sammoj]

I think it’s the other way round, 3 is lowest beam setting when I tested it. I have to use this when I reverse into my drive to avoid dazzling my neighbour opposite who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of pulling his blinds at night!

 

[john1000uk]

May I suggest you just switch from headlights to sidelights as i doubt if the headlight beam lowering control has been made to withstand much use before it breaks?

 

[john1000uk]

Could be worth checking them on a beam setter if you don't think they are at regulation height.

I like your confidence that MOT testers know how to use the beam setter. Ha ha, I say this from experience!

 

[sammoj]

May I suggest you just switch from headlights to sidelights as i doubt if the headlight beam lowering control has been made to withstand much use before it breaks?

Unfortunately in the MGS5 this isn't possible. When the car is in Drive or Reverse and it is below the light level for auto headlights they are on main beam regardless. It is a feature apparently! You can only turn off the main headlights at night when the car is in park and it goes straight back to having them on as soon as you change to Drive or Reverse.

 

[john1000uk]

Thats a shame.