Hi all,

I'd like an honest opinion on how difficult it is to change the headlights over for driving abroad. I've a new Octavia S. I asked the dealership and they said its best they do it in case I end up in Calais with a headlight hanging off in the middle of the night. They said it needs 'lots of practice'. I'm not a complete muppet when it comes to changing tyres and doing the basic maintenance checks on a car.

So, is it really that difficult to do it yourself? On our return from holiday we are heading straight across to the midlands and I don't want to drive many miles past Dover with my headlights all foreign, upsetting other motorists.

I planned to get them to swap them over ready for the outward journey and I'd watch them do it, then change them back myself on our return to british soil, but if you guys say NO then I'll not.

Opinions gratefully received.

Cheers,

Vicky

No it's isn't difficult at all. I did it myself when we went to Germany last year. There is a guide for it with lots of pictures on here, some one better at finding it again than me will post a link I'm sure. All you'll need is something to move the switch in the head light. I used a scredriver with some masking tape around the metal parts.

I'm asssuming your car doesn't have zenons though.

Wow, thanks Cap'n & Simbo. this is one hell of a useful forum! Just saved me umpteen round trips to the main stealer!

I shall have a few practice goes this weekend with my trusty stepdad at my side. Armed with well-taped screwdrivers.

Thanks again,

Vicky

PS. Unless they're giving zenons away with the bog standard Octy S, then no, I don't have zenons. lol

(would be nice if they did tho! )

No problem, and thanks Simbo. Knew I had seen it.

I printed it off in colour and also did a practice before I went. It really is simple, unscrew the retaining nut, pull the lever next to the headlight, IIRC lifting it slightly helps, the slide out the headlight. Then disconnect the electrical connector and release the clip to allow you to remove the main bulb and look inside you'll see the switch that you need to move, simply move it until it makes a level line across. This will make more sense after you have read the guide.

I also took the printed out guide with on the off chance that I was stopped by police, so I could explain the change to the lights and lack of those deflector stickers. Remembering that some countries advise or require you to have lights on at all times. The AA has useful info on their website.

Happy Motoring.

Oh and a flat bladed screwdriver is the one, about 4 or 5 inches long.

Edited 13 May, 201016 yr by Captain Scarlet

I'll check out the AA site. Good idea about having the printout to explain the lights to any overzealous police (oh, and to help me change them back when I get to Dover!)

And yes, colour would seem a good idea too!!

Vicky

We took the tunnel last year for the speed factor and I was going to alter them and the terminal before we boarded, but got put on an earlier train so didn't have time, and you won't be able to do it immediatly after getting off either as you're straight onto a motorway... :yes: But as it was daylight no problem arose, and did them at our first stop at Bruggee.

So bear in mind when to alter the lights and allow somemtime for it...

What about if you do have Xenons?

What about if you do have Xenons?

If you have Xenons, then pray you ordered Maxidot too and then you can select the tourist mode (I think that's what's it's called) which flattens the beam. If not, buy a cheap banger to drive abroad in as otherwise it's a trip to the dealer to change them everytime you go

There was a thread on this some time ago with a slightly put out non-maxidot Xenon light owning Octavia owner...

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/154424-masking-xenon-lights

If you have Xenons, then pray you ordered Maxidot too and then you can select the tourist mode (I think that's what's it's called) which flattens the beam. If not, buy a cheap banger to drive abroad in as otherwise it's a trip to the dealer to change them everytime you go

There was a thread on this some time ago with a slightly put out non-maxidot Xenon light owning Octavia owner...

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/154424-masking-xenon-lights

I have the full screen DIS is that what Maxi dot is? I do not have any extra buttons or menus though.

I have the full screen DIS is that what Maxi dot is? I do not have any extra buttons or menus though.

Not sure if the option is in the pre-FL models... Need to pay attention to what car's people have... But, yes, on a 56 plate, the full screen DIS is Maxidot

Anyone else know what the options are on the pre-FL xenon lights?

My pre-FL headhights have have the level beam lever within the unit and xenons - so a fair guess would be it's the same procedure as non-xenons.

My pre-FL with Xenons and maxidot does not have a "tourist mode" in any of the menu's - anyone know if this option should be available, and could it be activated by VCDS?

AjM VRS - if you press and hold down the button on the end of the indicator stalk you will being up a menu in maxidot if you do have it.

Looks to be a pain in the A**E to me with a lot of potential for a **** up if your trying to do it at the ferry terminal .Am travelling to holland in september via france and belgium so think i will have to rely on the old fashioned sticky on things.

But as all the level does is to flat line the lights, why not do it before you leave home - it's not as if it will dazzle anyone here is it?

But as all the level does is to flat line the lights, why not do it before you leave home - it's not as if it will dazzle anyone here is it?

I was going to say the same thing!

IIRC correctly the 'sticky on things' don't work properly with the styl e of headlight. If I'm wrong then feel free to correct me...

It really is super easy and very little can go wrong.