Hi all,

I've got a 64 plate Rapid Spaceback and plan on taking it across the channel this summer. I've consulted the handbook and endlessly searched the internet, to no avail.
Is there a manual adjustment for switching the headlights to comply with running on the continent? If not can someone recommend some beam deflectors please? - I've heard horror stories of deflectors being stuck on the headlamp or destroying the headlamp glass.

Thanks

 

 

for years I used my yeti with the headlight height adjustment set to the lowest point, never had any problems, however your lights may not be moveable. I eventually had to change the units as I now live permanently in france

Thanks, I don't intend to be driving at night. But not too sure how strict the authorities are in France and Belgium. Drove my old Mk1 Octavia in The Netherlands last year with out deflectors, only being out in daylight hours and didn't have any problems.

having just returned in my superb and also having done many many trips over the years, set the headlights to a lower position at night and purchase some headlight beam stickers but dont fit them but leave them in the car door pocket in event you got pulled... you have them to fit then to avoid a fine etc..

 

The glue on the stickers are a nightmare to remove so avoid it... i didnt see any cars at the tunnel a few days ago with them fitted... though a lot of cars now have a flat beam pattern (same headlights for left and right hand drive cars)

Like Frenchtone I take my Roomster abroad regularly and do not bother with the deflectors. I put the beam on its lowest setting and have not been flashed. I have found that on dipped beam the beam is very central without a bias to right or left with no light scatter to blind continental drivers. Our French friends visit every year and do not fit deflectors for our roads. Note that  breathlysers are not mandatory in France. There is a lot made of taking two to comply with French law but it was only proposed under the previous administration but never made legal. Perhaps Frenchtone can clarify this?

Edited 18 June, 20188 yr by edbostan

Some things to consider

 

In France it is a legal requirement to ensure the headlamps do not dazzle oncoming drivers even during the day - to this end, the French police have been known to stop vehicles leaving the ports/rail terminal  if they haven't got the adaptors

 

I always put mine on. A few years back I got "flashed" several times driving in Belgium in daylight, in the rain, with headlights on. It turned out one of my beam-benders had fallen off. I now keep a spare set just in case.

 

In France, use of dipped headlamps is compulsory in poor lighting conditions.

 

You never know when you are going to need headlamps!

 

For the sake of a bit of sticky residue that needs cleaning from your headlamp, do you really want to risk an on-the-spot fine? especially on the way back when you've probably got no Euros left?

With many cars you do not need beam benders these days. Infact on my previous Superb I (Halogen) fitted them for years until I spotted a silver lever whilst changing a sidelight bulb and thought - what does that do? No prizes for guessing!!

 

My Superb II (Halogen) also has a little lever each side (very hard to get at though!) to flatten the headlight beam.

 

The latest xenon lights have a tourist mode that is either selected in the car on board computer menu or automatically by your satnav knowing which country you are in

 

 

 

 

Edited 21 June, 20188 yr by bigjohn