Why older headlights are a 'major safety concern'

[Tamworthbay]

Modern ones are more dangerous due to the stupidly bright output and dazzling angle of some, especially SUV types. It might be that the driver has a good view but the effect on other motorists can be terrible.

[DSK]

Newer ones are usually plastic lenses which would degrade compared to older glass units as mentioned.

As for the comments on poor light out put, owners should realise by looking at their lights how well they are working. The number of cars running around with milky headlamps or at night with just side lights and fog lights (because idiots think its cool) is laughable and such owners are just negligent and don't want to spend a penny on maintenance.

Either buy some new glass lamps or better condition 2nd hand, use a decent set of bulbs or HID kit and you're on your way.

[Christerart]

Originally Posted by christheancient

I (sort of) query that publication's story.

Bulbs covered in plastic??? They are usually made of quartz to handle the heat that a bulb generates. Plastic would melt?

However, a lot of 'newer' cars do have headlamp 'glass' that is polycarbonate which does degrade in transparency over time. Is that what the original writer really meant; but failed to understand?

Yeah, I'm sure that's it..

What I like the least about my 2005 Face Lift XC70 are the "plastic" headlight covers - wish they had kept the glass that's on my 2002 V70 and the previous 2000 C70.

[GreenBrick]

Originally Posted by green van man

Nope, only beam pattern/ setting and working.

My P1 v70 with glass headlights failed MOT because of tarnished reflectors causing the beam pattern to degrade, new headlights later and I needed sunglasses to sit behind them.

Paul.

A new pair of headlights for my V70 is probably going to cost more than the car is worth in parts and labour :-(

[Clan]

Originally Posted by GreenBrick

A new pair of headlights for my V70 is probably going to cost more than the car is worth in parts and labour :-(

The car's value should make no difference at all , It is only important if you are planning to sell it in the near future, whether a £1m Ferrari F40 or a £200 mini

[Cookeh]

Originally Posted by GreenBrick

A new pair of headlights for my V70 is probably going to cost more than the car is worth in parts and labour :-(

£150 for parts and all of 30 mins to fit yourself with a single socket?

[GreenBrick]

Originally Posted by Cookeh

£150 for parts and all of 30 mins to fit yourself with a single socket?

I take it they are not genuine headlamps then, genuine are £363 each?
Don't I have to remove the front bumper also?

[Cookeh]

Originally Posted by GreenBrick

I take it they are not genuine headlamps then, genuine are £363 each?
Don't I have to remove the front bumper also?

Assuming that when you say P1 you mean a P80 V70 then no, dont have to remove the bumper. Just remove indicators by pressing down the tab, then undo three bolts on the back of the headlight and pull it out.

PartsForVolvosOnline have excellent quality aftermarket headlights that look OE and don't seem to suffer the same issues with reflectors fading.

[GreenBrick]

No mine is a ph2, sorry I didn't say :-(

[TheLeeds]

Originally Posted by Brendan W

70% poo or 100% poo ?

My old V70 headlights weren't poo. They were w**k. 940 lights massively more effective.