Headlight Converters for driving in Europe

Inner_Zone

I'm surprised on one has mentioned that on some cars you can adjust the headlights to suit mainland European roads by a lever usually behind the headlight.

GolfBravo

Inner_Zone wrote: »

I'm surprised on one has mentioned that on some cars you can adjust the headlights to suit mainland European roads by a lever usually behind the headlight.

Some cars with projector type headlights only.

Joe_Horner

Inner_Zone wrote: »

I'm surprised on one has mentioned that on some cars you can adjust the headlights to suit mainland European roads by a lever usually behind the headlight.

GolfBravo wrote: »

Some cars with projector type headlights only.

Also some older cars with reflectors (all our Dafs from the '60s to mid '70s have this feature). The "switch" simply turns the bulb a few degrees relative to the reflector, which makes the kick-up flat and the flat bit kick up to the other side.

Simple and effective, but drastically reduces sales of things like "converters" and spare headlights so never really took off from a marketing POV. It would be interesting to see if newer lights can be converted to do the same (just involves filing an alternative slot for the locating tab of the bulb), but we don't have any newer cars to try on at the moment.

adouglasmhor

Kentboys wrote: »

It's a new Kia Picanto...yeah I know Having said that it's taken us to Germany and back more than once.

Perhaps I should point out too that last time we were in France just before Christmas the Gendarmes were doing spot checks and pulling people over - you're now meant to carry a red triangle and a warning vest and if you don't a spot fine - easy money as British cars stand out like sore thumbs and most Brits think you don't need this stuff if you're just there for the day or passing through to Belgium. I think your insurance is also invalidated if you have an accident whilst driving at night and you don't have the headlight adapters on.

Might try the sellotape option again but I get really paranoid they'll fall off or I'll get stopped by the police! lol

Warning vest must be in reach of the driver too, no use in the boot - seriously.

Gloomendoom

I got all the gear together for a holiday in France a couple of years ago and have just left it in the car ever since, including the high viz vests within easy reach of the driver and passenger. I can't really see why people whinge about it.

sunshinetours

Flat_Eric wrote: »

I have been researching what one needs to carry in their vehicle when driving in France. I spotted this on Am@zon.

I can't see that this contains the breathalizer kits and also not sure how good the headlight converters are.

Does anyone have any suggestions of the best place to buy all the bits and pieces you need.

I would buy the specific bits you needs separately. You don't need breathalyser kidst as whole stupid law is suspended (or fines still are) at the mo as investigations into the connected supplying company go ahead

Most modern cars already have a warning triangle in boot and buy cheap convertors or use tape for headlights assuming you can;t adjust them

Check out poundland for high viz vest (needs CE mark) and just hang it over headrest of your seat so police can see it without stopping you

This is MSE so cheapest minimum requireement with some silly laws is best IMO ! (saying that high viz vest is a good idea and should be mandatory over here aswell)

Don't forget to turn off any radar detector device on any sat nav when in France also

Flat_Eric

sunshinetours wrote: »

I would buy the specific bits you needs separately. You don't need breathalyser kidst as whole stupid law is suspended (or fines still are) at the mo as investigations into the connected supplying company go ahead

Most modern cars already have a warning triangle in boot and buy cheap convertors or use tape for headlights assuming you can;t adjust them

Check out poundland for high viz vest (needs CE mark) and just hang it over headrest of your seat so police can see it without stopping you

This is MSE so cheapest minimum requireement with some silly laws is best IMO ! (saying that high viz vest is a good idea and should be mandatory over here aswell)

Don't forget to turn off any radar detector device on any sat nav when in France also

Thanks thats very helpful :T:j:beer:

rxbren

or get a set of lhd headlights

sueliza

I think you should have them in France (Europe) as our vehicles drive on the opposite side the headlight can dazzle oncoming traffic, not a good idea for safety. The AA shop sell them very reasonably and have a promotional discount code at the moment AALOYAL making them even more reasonable at under £5 ! with no delivery charges in UK.

vikingaero

Whatever you do, buy your European motoring gear online on Amazon or FleaBay BEFORE you travel:

I went by Eurotunnel last week and these were the prices:

Breathalysers - £3.49 eBay, £6.95 Eurotunnel
Headlight deflectors - £4 Amazon, £7.95 Eurotunnel