Over the past few years the phrase S.M.I.D.S.Y has become a popular term. It is actually an acronym for “sorry, mate, I didn’t see you”, a joke motorcyclists often make about car drivers who pull out in front of them. The phrase has grown so popular that there are literally hundreds of YouTube videos presenting an ironic twist on it. The reality however is no laughing matter. In the UK motorcycles make up just 1% of all road traffic, yet are involved in over 20% of all accidents. One of the keys to reducing motorcycling accidents is to improve the visibility of the bikes themselves.
The truth is that motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than almost all other types of transport. This compounds the danger for motorcyclists as other road users find it more difficult to spot and judge the speed of bikes. This problem can be helped by the rider wearing bright coloured safety vest, but more so by upgrading the capability of the motorcycle’s headlights, tail-lights and indicators. As motorcycles are regarded as toys by many, often the standard headlight bulbs, are a compromise by the manufactures between cost and safety. One of the easiest, cheapest and most effective upgrade you can do to your motorcycle is to replace your standard headlight bulbs with after market items.
Motorcycle headlight bulbs are quick and easy to replace, on many motorcycles the job takes less than 5 minutes to complete. The bulbs themselves are relatively cheap too, costing anywhere from £10 up to £30 per pair, or starting at £60 upwards for a HID Xenon kit.
After market bulbs offer a number of advantages over the standard OEM bulbs fitted to most motorbikes. Firstly, almost all after market bulbs emit more light than their standard equivalent. A bulbs such as the Philips X-treme vision and OSRAM Night breakers, claim to output up to 100% more light than conventional bulbs. What’s more the colour temperature of upgraded bulbs, if often much closer to 6,500k, offering a whiter more usable light then the yellow tint usually associated with OEM bulbs. Secondly, despite costing slightly more than conventional bulbs, after market items, are often designed to withstand a greater amount of the torturous vibrations given off by modern motorcycle engines. Being able to withstand just vibration can help extend bulb life by 500-1000 hours, meaning the bulbs pay for themselves over time.
Now you’ve chosen to upgrade your bulbs, how do you choose the correct ones for your motorcycle? The answer is simple, any online stores specialising in motorcycle bulbs and lights offer free bulb checkers and fitments guides. Simply by selecting your motorcycle make and model, you’ll be shown a list of compatible items, that will be a straight fit your bike.
So to improve the visibility of your motorcycle and to make night time riding a little less hairy, consider upgrading your headlight bulbs. It might just save your life.
Posts Tagged ‘ Tail Lights ’
It does not matter whether you use a SUV or sedan, replacing the tail light assembly should be done with proper care. Tail lights are very important for every driver. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that they are installed properly. Replacing tail lights is often considered as a daunting task, especially if you are doing it without proper knowledge. This is one of the main reasons why people look for expertise assistance. In case, if you are looking for the same, to replace the tail lights of your car, this is a simple guide for you. With proper knowledge and practice, you will be able to replace the lights easily in the vehicles.
If you are planning replace just the bulbs of your car’s tail light, you may need some of the basic tools like a 9/32 socket or a T – 20 torx. On the other hand, if you have to replace the whole assembly, you may need the assistance of an expert. Moreover, when you are planning to replace the tail lights, it is very important to select the right type of alternative lights that suits your vehicle. There are different types of lights available in the market such as HID, xenon etc. Apart from this, you can also find many custom made models when looking for these lights. They come with attractive designs and provide a sporty look to your vehicle. It does not matter what type of vehicle you drive, you will be able to find the right designs and styles that are provided for your vehicle.
Moreover, it is very important to look for the right quality materials when buying these lights. Although there are many models and styles available in the market, only some are of best quality. Therefore, it is always important to select a dealer, who is dealing with genuine products. Researching on the net with proper knowledge can help you to find the best quality Tail Light assembly for your vehicle. There are many sites, which are mainly dedicated for custom auto parts.
The current economic climate means that you’d have to be very fortunate to not want, or need, to save money, whilst the current actual climate needs all the help it can get. That’s why changing your car bulbs from halogen to HID or LED is a no-brainer and will be one of the best (and cheapest and easiest!) upgrades you can make to your car.
Whether we’re talking about your headlights, brake or tail lights, indicator/turn lights or even your interior and dashboard lamps, all use energy and that’s reflected in the amount of fuel your car consumes.
Clearly, saving fuel = saving money, so how do you go about it and what are your options?
Firstly, it’s important to know the difference between the bulbs. If you’re reading this, your car is probably already fitted with halogen bulbs as standard – these are lit by a filament and have a much higher power consumption than HID and LED bulbs. They are also not as effective and have a shorter life span, which is why switching to another light source makes sense.
HID Xenon bulbs produce more light from less power and typically have a life span of around 2000 hours compared to a halogen’s 450 ~ 1000 hours. HID lights are also more reliable and about 90% brighter. Not only that but they have a wider beam and project much further along the road making them a good deal safer too. The only downside to HID is that it takes a while to warm up so signaling with your headlights is not really an option.
On the other hand, LED car bulbs light up instantly, come in a variety of different colours (hot pink dashboard lights, anyone?) emit virtually no heat and also use less power to run. Plus, they have a whoppingly greater lifespan of up to 50,000 hours too!
So where does the planet come into all this? Well, at its simplest, the less power a bulb needs to run means the less fuel your car uses which in turn lowers your vehicle’s CO2 emissions that do so much damage to our environment.
Replacement HID lights and LED car bulbs can easily be found on the internet for just a few dollars and up. LED bulbs are cheaper than HID but even those won’t break the bank. Put simply, replacing your current car bulbs with energy efficient, long life, high performance versions will benefit your bank balance and the planet. Two things that make everyone feel good!
You already know you want to save on fuel costs and if this has convinced you to finally do something about it, turn to your local, friendly search engine and you’ll find literally hundreds of different car bulb sellers offering dozens of different types of bulbs at all different prices. Shop around but just keep in mind that you can get yourself a pair of LED bulbs for less than 10 dollars. So, what are you waiting for – it’s time to see the light!
There is a wide range of options for people who are looking into improving their BMW E46 taillights. Going through hundreds of them can be frustrating at times, and to avoid such a scenario, it may help to know something about the different light sources for a vehicle lighting system. This may serve as a guide on which particular kind of bulbs will suit one’s needs and the car’s as well.
Thus far, the most common light source for tail lights and for the whole lighting system of a BMW is the halogen. Luminosity is produced through filament bulbs with this type of light source, which is powered by electric spark. Car owners who want to retain the integrity of their BMW tradition of their E46 can replace the taillights with OEM parts. The aftermarket industry produces halogen taillights that are comparable in quality, yet inexpensive.
The next common light source for taillights is the xenon. It is a metal gas that is burned to produce lights more powerful than halogen. Avid customizers prefer xenon lights these days because they are said to be more energy-efficient and longer lasting than halogen. These light sources are available both as OEM and aftermarket BMW E46 taillights, the quality of which will depend on which assembly house they were put together.
The third, and increasing becoming popular, light source is LED, or light emitting diodes. In terms of power consumption, LED bulbs are most efficient thus far. Because they give out more lumens per wattage, they are produced in smaller dimensions. They make for perfect taillights, turn signals, and side markers. Taillights for a BMW E46 are best replaced with LED bulbs if the goal is greater efficiency and rear visibility.
The tail light is a special feature of the lamp which is usually installed on the back side of the car. It operates as an indicator when one driver applies brakes, or he turns left or right. It is not a single light but it is a group of lights which are composed of brake lights, indicator lights and reverse lights. All have different functions and structures. What these lights are composed of is given as:
INDICATORS:
In back-light, indicator lights have different colors like turning indicator lights have yellow color and these indicators are used to designate whether the driver will turn towards left or right. These same indicating lights will also indicate emergency brakes if needed at any time of the journey.
REVERSE LIGHTS:
Reverse lights are also a part of Tail lights group. These reverse lights are automatic ones and when the driver is willing to come to reverse these will indicate their direction of movements. The brightness varies accordingly but it is clear they will not bright as the headlight.
AFTER MARKET TAIL LIGHTS:
These back-lights are sold after the making of a car. Such lightings are also called as Euro lights. It looks like a sport car. These are the beautiful. As these are cheap as compared to the other fashionable LED lights so who want to modify their car into cheap they will use these.
LED BACK-LIGHT:
LED used as day time running light. These LED lights very costly and only used by high end cars like Mazda RX-7. These lights can be available in all colors, need less power and in no time these are powered on.
Tail lights are one of the most attractive features on the rear side of the car. Their cost is very important but its beauty is considered far beyond the thoughts of a man. You can see the manufacturers have changed the size, shape and revolutionary experimentation on this aspect of the car. Always the drivers are in search of these. Some are so bright that it can be seen from the distant. These are the decorative feature of the car.
Anyhow it is recognized fact that these are the safety feature and not only has it informed the driver that there is a car ahead. Whether the ahead drivers make a reverse movement or apply brakes he is informed before.
These provide the driver a safer and relaxed journey so if you choose them with great caution then it will be better for you. If you want to have you car as yet and just want to change and it will be done at the nominal cost. Your choice will depend upon the place from where you buy it. You can get at good prices if you make a better selection of the store.
Car tail lights make driving safer for you and others. If you choose them wisely, besides indicating your presence on the road they will direct attention to your good taste in a subtle manner. If you so desire, you can even retain your existing car but change only the tail lights. It will be enable you to impart a distinctive touch to your car at a nominal cost.
Traditionally the red tail lights called Alteeza or red, Euro are the modifications of the existing red lights. The bulb are stronger and luminous then the traditional.
There are many local and internet retailers who have the business of car. You should select the car, these are according to the color of the car. It should match the car, never to get it at once but you can save your money, sometimes few government auctions of the cars or accidentally totaled cars will be the best option to have your beautiful car tail.