Light benders

[The Wino]

I always fit the adapters if we go in winter there's not much chance of avoiding driving in the dark. To drive without them at night seems a bit ignorant and impolite to me.

 

[maison]

I thought that but there's so much conflicting info out there. The AA are still saying you need breathalysers, even though you don't, so it makes you question everything.
As far as the lights go we have Hella 90mm projectors so apart from swapping the units to opposing sides I'm not sure what we can do other than lower the beam?
Never ever seen a foreign registered lorry over here with deflectors?

European built vehicles usually don’t have a “kick” in their beam like the U.K. but are directed straight ahead so don’t require adjustment.

U.K. headlights “kick”to the left, (nearside), to illuminate the kerb. When driving on the right the beam is “kicked” towards oncoming vehicles so needs adjustment.

Hope this helps.

 

[webby1]

I always fit the adapters if we go in winter there's not much chance of avoiding driving in the dark. To drive without them at night seems a bit ignorant and impolite to me.

Also a potential insurance issue when the Frenchman explains to the court that he ran into the motorhome on the bend because he was dazzled by the ignorant and impolite "non EU citizen" who was not using the legally required benders.

 

[nicholsong]

If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair.

 

[MisterB]

am i the only tight ar*e on here that uses insulation tape on my headlights. never been stopped once for them. when i was once stopped for a breathalyser test they just gave the headlamps a cursory look and made no comment. i think to actually prove that your headlights are not dazzling oncoming traffic would require a bit more than just checking to see if you have deflectors/light benders on as even they can cause problems if not fitted properly.

i think the only time they would be checked is after a serious accident, which i suspect is the same in the UK

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[SpeedyDux]

I bought these headlight protectors.

http://vancomfort.co.uk/headlampdeflectorspage_000.htm

They came with markings to place either the stick-on black vinyl patches supplied, which I removed back in the UK, or insulating tape which will be used for my next trip to France.

I have always used black (or white) insulating tape on various vehicles except those where you can adjust the headlights to a flat dip beam. (Like the original 1980s Renault 5 - this is not rocket science for FIAT / Peugeot / Citroen).

 

[The Wino]

am i the only tight ar*e on here that uses insulation tape on my headlights. never been stopped once for them. when i was once stopped for a breathalyser test they just gave the headlamps a cursory look and made no comment. i think to actually prove that your headlights are not dazzling oncoming traffic would require a bit more than just checking to see if you have deflectors/light benders on as even they can cause problems if not fitted properly.

i think the only time they would be checked is after a serious accident, which i suspect is the same in the UK

A lot of the"beam benders" are actually opaque on the back so your tape if in the right place will work just as well!!!

 

[Paulypaul]

European built vehicles usually don’t have a “kick” in their beam like the U.K. but are directed straight ahead so don’t require adjustment.

U.K. headlights “kick”to the left, (nearside), to illuminate the kerb. When driving on the right the beam is “kicked” towards oncoming vehicles so needs adjustment.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, yes that's very helpful

 

[Colintheolder]

i'm told cos my navara has LEDs I don't need to adjust the beam, 2017 model with 5th wheeler on back. auto adjust height still works with the load

 

[Lenny HB]

I have always used black (or white) insulating tape on various vehicles except those where you can adjust the headlights to a flat dip beam. (Like the original 1980s Renault 5 - this is not rocket science for FIAT / Peugeot / Citroen).

OK on glass headlamps but not sa good idea on plastic ones. Tape creates a hot spot.

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[Stealaway]

I bought these headlight protectors.

http://vancomfort.co.uk/headlampdeflectorspage_000.htm

They came with markings to place either the stick-on black vinyl patches supplied, which I removed back in the UK, or insulating tape which will be used for my next trip to France.

I have always used black (or white) insulating tape on various vehicles except those where you can adjust the headlights to a flat dip beam. (Like the original 1980s Renault 5 - this is not rocket science for FIAT / Peugeot / Citroen).

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[Geo]

It really is very simple to check what output you have from your lights
setting the correct height is only slightly more involved but doable by every one on here
The diagrams below clearly show one with a left kick up and one with a straight level light beam

If you just get someone to stand about 1 mtr or less in front of a headlamp with a 2ft square board you will see which of the two you have.
The one you need is the straight one, if you have a kick off simply make a little mask on a short stick and without sticking on the headlight wave it around very slowly in front of the headlight and you will (guaranteed) find a spot where the kick off disappears leaving just a straight line.
Jobs a gooden, Stick your tape or mask there.
Now IF you have a vehicle that you really know for sure that its headlights are in the right place height wise, you could use these to mark a wall or garage door with chalk. making yourself a headlight aim template.
But remember your Fiat 500 markings won't work for your Decato light settings.
It has to be a vehicle with a headlamp fitted a simular distance from the ground.
In theory if your Tester actually uses the beam setter very many just slide it in front but read and adjust nothingand confirms your lights are correct on your car and your MoHo you should have two setts of marks on your chosen wall or Garage door

 

[Baggydave]

Our “converted“ Headlights never seemed bright enough so spent £40 on eBay for a new to us eu pair. We now just swop them over before leaving home (in daylight) for the ferry. So much better at night Now.
only takes 10 mins to change.
works for us!

 

[Norman Jones]

The ferry companies try and frighten you into buying all sorts of gizmos for the Continent.
Have you ever seen a continental car in Britain with light benders, I haven't.
The main thing is to have a box of common sense in your glovebox.

 

[gwyntaxi]

In France it is accepted that if it is raining enough to require windscreen wipers then you should turn on your headlights to aid visibility.

Doing so without headlamp adapters can dazzle oncoming drivers.

Worth bearing in mind I think I am right in saying that beam deflectors are compulsory abroad whether you drive at night or not. just saying.

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[Lenny HB]

Worth bearing in mind I think I am right in saying that beam deflectors are compulsory abroad whether you drive at night or not. just saying.

If traveling in a country for less than 90 days it is permissible to have your headlamps adjusted so as they do not dazel other drivers.

 

[gwyntaxi]

I thought that but there's so much conflicting info out there. The AA are still saying you need breathalysers, even though you don't, so it makes you question everything.
As far as the lights go we have Hella 90mm projectors so apart from swapping the units to opposing sides I'm not sure what we can do other than lower the beam?
Never ever seen a foreign registered lorry over here with deflectors?

I don’t know about the rule regarding the breathalyser being repealed or not, but apparently they will ask you if you have one,but you will Not be penalised if you’ve not got one, having said that the fine is only £9!! anyway, so I wouldn’t worry about one I’ve had one since they introduced the law but I know that it’s now well out of date ,and it’s supposed to be in date , I don’t worry about that any more .

 

[gwyntaxi]

The ferry companies try and frighten you into buying all sorts of gizmos for the Continent.
Have you ever seen a continental car in Britain with light benders, I haven't.
The main thing is to have a box of common sense in your glovebox.

And have you seen the prices they’re charging for them.

 

[maison]

The ferry companies try and frighten you into buying all sorts of gizmos for the Continent.
Have you ever seen a continental car in Britain with light benders, I haven't.
The main thing is to have a box of common sense in your glovebox.

Could I refer you to my previous post #32?

 

[gwyntaxi]

am i the only tight ar*e on here that uses insulation tape on my headlights. never been stopped once for them. when i was once stopped for a breathalyser test they just gave the headlamps a cursory look and made no comment. i think to actually prove that your headlights are not dazzling oncoming traffic would require a bit more than just checking to see if you have deflectors/light benders on as even they can cause problems if not fitted properly.

i think the only time they would be checked is after a serious accident, which i suspect is the same in the UK

No you’re not, I have always used insulating tape, it does exactly the Same job if fitted correctly.

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[LesW]

Our Inca has 'flat' beams, so I wouldn't know where to fit them even if I did buy some.

 

[Vipar]

Great idea you can get your lights to go both ways

That would mean that you are boss eyed ??

 

[Vipar]

No you’re not, I have always used insulating tape, it does exactly the Same job if fitted correctly.

Diagram please

 

[maison]

No you’re not, I have always used insulating tape, it does exactly the Same job if fitted correctly.

While I fully understand your comments why do you begrudge spending about £7-£8 to comply with the law of the country that you are visiting!

We Brits constantly complain about “them there foreigners” who have no respect for our laws.

It seems only fair to comply with the laws of the host country, especially when the cost is so low.

PS

This is not directed only at you gwyntaxi as there are many similar comments from other Forum members.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I’ve seen people fit beam benders to cars with beams that can be switched from Right hand driving side to left hand. Simply by going into the cars on-board computer.

Why do people not read the hand book/manual ?. Driving upwards of 1 ton of metal and they simply don’t have a clue.

Probably same idiots who don’t know how to disable car alarms for ferry ⛴ travel. Keeping us all awake with blaring sirens and horns ...

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[Oldbob]

Never used them. Numerous different vehicles of all sizes, day and night driving. No one has ever complained .

 

[gus-lopez]

It’s 2 triangles in EU ain’t it?

Only for the locals. Foreigners are assumed to be carrying only one.

Do you still need GB stickers if you have the GB euro part on the number plates?

No.

If you wear glasses you must carry a spare pair.

No you need 2 spare pair as if you break the pair you are wearing & use your only spare pair you can't legally continue as you now have no spare pair .

I don’t know about the rule regarding the breathalyser being repealed or not, but apparently they will ask you if you have one,but you will Not be penalised if you’ve not got one, having said that the fine is only £9!! anyway, so I wouldn’t worry about one I’ve had one since they introduced the law but I know that it’s now well out of date ,and it’s supposed to be in date , I don’t worry about that any more .

& one of the reasons it was never signed off ,amongst others, was as above. If they asked you to produce it & blow into it they were now guilty of conspiring with you to commit an offence as they have left you without one. Nor could you asked to legally carry 2.

Why do people not read the hand book/manual ?. Driving upwards of 1 ton of metal and they simply don’t have a clue.

The same as they do not read all the thread.

 

[ShaKen]

If they asked you to produce it & blow into it they were now guilty of conspiring with you to commit an offence as they have left you without one.

But if you’re involved in an accident and your vehicle is unfit to drive, I think the above argument would be equally fecked!

 

[jetjem]

I bought one set years ago. I then watched as a brand new set dropped off a car waiting to board the ferry. So I later bought a roll of chrome sticky tape, traced around the pattern from the bought ones and cut them out, works a treat. Like ANY sticky don’t leave them on too long. Take them off when you get too your destination.