RE: Whoa! [lighting]

[glen powell <gpowell@acacianet.com>]

>> > BTW, with the hot bulbs and Hella XLs on the bumper I am extremely
>> > pleased with my low beams.
>>
>> Hope you turn off those Hellas in traffic!  (Pet Peeve Police strike
>> again!)
>Actually, XL stands for auXilliary Lowbeams.  They are designed to be used
>with lowbeams(though admittedly, not with non-legal higher wattage bulbs in
>the factory lights.)
>I aim mine lower than the instructions suggest, and the driver's side is
>lower than the passenger side, as per Euro specs.  The lower angle gives
>much better light closer to the car, where I like it.  If I can't see past
>'em, I'm driving too fast for the conditions.

>Conversely,XL's are not designed to be used with highbeams(or are not legal
>to do so.)  I don't care; I only use my highs when there's no one around to
>see 'em except me, so what's the difference? :)

Actually, the 'marketing name' of the product is irrelevant. In most states it is illegal
to have more than 2 headlights (of any type) lit in the presence of oncoming traffic,
period. It is also illegal to have more than 4 headlights of any type lit at any time. 
Also, all lights of any type that are not DOT-approved must be covered at all times.
This all does vary from state-to-state and may not apply at all outside the US.
These may be 'silly' US laws, but that's what they are, and they are very much
needed because the majority of US drivers are BONEHEADS and have no clue
as to how, when, where and why automotive lighting should be used. Unfortunately,
we really do need these laws.....

-glen