LED Headlight reflective blindness in Heavy snow

[Pilot425]

Has anyone experienced reflective blindness while driving in heavy snow? This is the first of 5 Jeep Gladiator/Wrangler style with the LED lights and I can not remembering ever experiencing the reflective blindness where I couldn’t identify the road markings or road edge at night. I ended up finishing trip with just fog lights. Head light height is within specs and HI beams were off.

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[tkclemmer]

I had a similar experience with the LED headlights on my JK in heavy wildfire smoke.

 

[Boogerman]

Driven a ton in the snow and don’t recall ever having any issues….only time I had an issue was once when I drove a hundred miles through the mountains at night and couldn’t see well when my lights normally illuminate everything… turned out I only had the DRL’s on the whole time ?

 

[kevman65]

I haven't had that problem in the JT, yet.
My Ford Explorer had LED headlights and while working in Canton, Ohio I got to experience some "Lake Effect" snow and yes, I was blinded by my own headlights.

With you being in the Bend, you get to experience a lot of that.

The only suggestion I can make, SAE approved aux lights in amber. If you have an aftermarket bumper with an over rider bar, mount them there. Aim them a tad lower than headlights, then when needed turn off headlights and turn on aux lights.

 

[LaterGator]

This happens with any type of headlight in heavy snow, thick fog, or heavy rain. That's reflection is worse when you run high beams, that's why fog lights usually shut off the high beams when turned on. Also, LED's are a poor choice for wet snow because they aren't hot enough to melt the snow and the lens get's covered up. Some LED headlights include heaters to prevent this.

You probably noticed the reflection more with the LED because they are brighter than most other halogen and standard headlights.

 

[troymi]

I haven't had that problem in the JT, yet.
My Ford Explorer had LED headlights and while working in Canton, Ohio I got to experience some "Lake Effect" snow and yes, I was blinded by my own headlights.

With you being in the Bend, you get to experience a lot of that.

The only suggestion I can make, SAE approved aux lights in amber. If you have an aftermarket bumper with an over rider bar, mount them there. Aim them a tad lower than headlights, then when needed turn off headlights and turn on aux lights.

What do you think about amber SAE approved lights on the cowl/A pillar mount as opposed to the bumper? Little more light effective wide/long? Or loses effectiveness?

 

[jac04]

Lights on the cowl or a-pillar are going to illuminate the hood area and cause distraction. Put them up front.

 

[Mjolnir]

Welcome to LED lights in any car in snow. Not a jeep issue.

 

[kevman65]

What do you think about amber SAE approved lights on the cowl/A pillar mount as opposed to the bumper? Little more light effective wide/long? Or loses effectiveness?

As @jac04 stated, you're going to get reflection/glare on the hood. In the situation being discussed that is a big negative.

The aux lights need to be as close to factory headlight position as possible. That will get you optimum spread and height control. Think of a snow plow assembly and it's lights. They are located as close to factory as possible, usually a bit higher because of the plow frame and blade.

Also, anyone contemplating doing this, CHECK YOUR STATE AND LOCAL LAWS. The OP and I live in the same State. We are allowed to run SAE approved aux driving lights on public roads.

 

[Awhitebuff]

As a side note. Might want to get the eyeballs checked for cataracts. I was having reflective issues and night issues for a few years until the eyes went full on cloudy. Had cataracts and was told i probably had it for years. They just got to the point I couldn't ignore it. Got new lenses put in and what a world of difference! Didn't realize the brightness and colors I was missing. Everyone gets it. Just a matter of when.

 

[Gren71]

I used the mopar bumper mounting brackets and put 3in cube flood lights on them.

Then I got the linked amber light covers specifically for snow driving.

https://www.amazon.com/Swatow-Indus...ords=amber+light+covers&qid=1637002006&sr=8-4

may not be the BEST option, but its a decent solution at an inexpensive price tag.

 

[DAVECS1]

Diode Dynamics SS3 factory fit ambers will fix it right up. My wife requested them after she drove my jeep, with them.

 

[CerOf]

I was not a fan of led lights in the snow last year. All other times, it was fantastic.

 

[Pilot425]

Diode Dynamics SS3 factory fit ambers will fix it right up. My wife requested them after she drove my jeep, with them.

Good info. Thx

 

[Pilot425]

I haven't had that problem in the JT, yet.
My Ford Explorer had LED headlights and while working in Canton, Ohio I got to experience some "Lake Effect" snow and yes, I was blinded by my own headlights.

With you being in the Bend, you get to experience a lot of that.

The only suggestion I can make, SAE approved aux lights in amber. If you have an aftermarket bumper with an over rider bar, mount them there. Aim them a tad lower than headlights, then when needed turn off headlights and turn on aux lights.

Looking into the amber lights. Thx

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