What is the difference between installing a lens and not installing a lens?
2 Answers
What is the difference between installing a lens and not installing a lens as follows: 1. Since the car headlight assembly does not come with a lens, after installing HID, the traditional halogen lamp cover cannot focus the light. Not only does the lighting effect significantly decrease, but the emitted light will definitely scatter, causing a dazzling effect, which will seriously affect the normal driving of oncoming vehicles, posing a great safety hazard. 2. The function of installing a bi-xenon lens: In both high beam and low beam states, the light will not scatter, but the ground lighting effect is very good, it will not cause glare, and it will not affect the normal driving of oncoming vehicles. This type of lens is commonly used in high-end cars. 3. After installing a lens assembly on a xenon lamp, it becomes a legal xenon lamp modification. The traffic police department will not impose fines or confiscate the vehicle. In Europe, the law does not allow modifications that only replace the xenon bulb without changing the assembly. Many time-limited modified products sold domestically are actually exploiting legal loopholes. 4. The lens is like a fisheye, used to focus light. At night, when driving lights are pointed at a wall, the headlight assembly with a lens can clearly show a sharp cut-off line on the wall, which is used to protect the eyes of oncoming drivers. Therefore, vehicles with original HID assemblies appear bright but not dazzling.
I often help friends modify their car lights. After installing lenses, the light focusing effect is much stronger, with longer projection distance and more even light distribution—no scattering or glare, making night driving much clearer and safer on curves or in rainy/foggy weather. Without lenses, the light scatters, potentially illuminating unnecessary areas and dazzling oncoming drivers, compromising others' safety. Professional installation with beam adjusters is required to avoid illegal high beams, slightly higher in cost but worthwhile long-term. It also gives headlights a more stylish, modern look akin to high-end car designs. Overall, from both practical and aesthetic perspectives, installing lenses is a great way to enhance the driving experience.