something dangerous about passat rear lamps

JMSE

I'm on the road all day everyday for a living. If theres one car that seems to surprise me on a regular basis its the Passat model of the late 2000s.

For some reason I'm not noticing quick enough that the car in front is about to stop when its a Passat, and I end up losing those few precious yards before I react and go for my own deceleration.

Its to do with the circular lamps, the brake lights are leds I think, and they light up in an outer circle on the lamp, fine. But the indicator comes on inside the outer circle and one isnt as noticeable as it should be when the other is on, if you follow. I see that the person has touched their brakes but dont realise that they're actually goin to slow right down, coz although the indicator is flashing too, I've not noticed it.

The new Discovery 4 is using a similar system and when I was behind one yesterday and noticed it, I thought uh-oh, but, the discovery is using two different lamps and theres no confusion.

cml387

Spot on,I've noticed exactly the same on newer Passats.The indicator barely stands out against the rear light cluster if the lights are on.

mb1725

Was reading about that very thing here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=960622&nmt=VW%20Passat%20rear%20lights%20really%20mess%20with%20my%20eyes.%20Anyone%20else?

Seems like the new VWs are using pulse width modulation to dim the brake light leds which goes to full brightness when braking.

RandomAccess

Yep noticed that as well. Think I ranted to other half about it at the time

-Corkie-

So thats why I see cars almost rear end me all the time.....

EPM

-Corkie- wrote: »

So thats why I see cars almost rear end me all the time.....

Well between the smoke bellowing out the back and hard to see rear lights it's a risky car to be in:p

-Corkie-

EPM wrote: »

Well between the smoke bellowing out the back and hard to see rear lights it's a risky car to be in:p

True.. I only use the auld tractor oil in mine...:D

JMSE

-Corkie- wrote: »

So thats why I see cars almost rear end me all the time.....

have you really noticed that Corkie? Mad to think that with all the NCAP bluff and blather on modern cars, that an '88 passat would have less chance of being rear ended than a 2008 model.

C4Kid

I've often noticed it and wondered about it but just never bothered mentioning it to anyone.;)

They are annoying to be behind for long periods of time when illuminated as the dim setting makes them strobe a bit more then when fully illuminated when braking.

-Corkie-

JMSE wrote: »

have you really noticed that Corkie? Mad to think that with all the NCAP bluff and blather on modern cars, that an '88 passat would have less chance of being rear ended than a 2008 model.

I have yes even more so if someone I knew was travelling behind me,they would often mention it to me.

Esel

I've noticed this too. It is a very dangerous failing, imo. Can't understand how it got past the design stage, tbh.

Mr Benevolent

Yup same here, although I find it harder to see the indicators then anything else. Very stupid design.

bkehoe

I find it very difficult to see the indicators on a Passat when the brake lights are also on. I know it's certainly not something with my eyesight as my job has very high sight requirements and testing so it's obviously a really bad design which should be changed. I've often heard other people making the same comments too.

_Kaiser_

As I said in the other recent thread about this, and as a 06 Passat owner myself, I remember noticing this alright when the B6 first came out - worse again if the car is red!

The rear lights ARE very poor when compared to say the B5.5 model that preceded it - as well as hard to see rear indicators, there's only one reverse light (which is lots of fun at night if you're not familiar with where you're parking) and the (stock) dipped beam isn't great either

The new B7 (or B6.5 if you prefer!) seems to have addressed the rear indicator problem, but they seemed a bit small to me? (I've only been behind one once mind so could be wrong)

johnos1984

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

the (stock) dipped beam isn't great either

They are TERRIBLE

thom119

I was driving behind a passat on the way to work today and remembered this thread, now its going to be something that'll always niggle away at me :mad: