I am a little confused from searching posts on here what functions the car completes when entering europe.

 

My car is a 2017 SE L Executive with the xenon headlights and navigation system.  Will the car automatically adjust the headlight direction and digital speedo to KM when I cross the channel and into Europe?  Or do I need to complete this manually from the settings menu?

i'm not sure about the speedo to KM, but the Xenon headlights will automatically switch into Tourist/Travel mode, based on your navigation GPS. 

if it doesn't automatically switch, u can change the Travel Mode settings under the Light Settings menu in the Infotainment.

 

Edited 13 January, 20233 yr by JR RS

Units won't change automatically but they're in the settings menu.

 

I think the lights change automatically if you get clock time from GPS. If not, you can change them in the light menu above

The lights change automatically and every time I start my car when I'm in right-hand traffic, a warning flashes up for a few seconds to say (I think) that the adaptive lights are inoperative.  It's been 5 months since I was last driving on the the continent and I can't remember the exact warning, but if this comes on you'll know the lights have changed.   I know my lights are fixed and don't turn with the steering when right-hand traffic is activated.

 

You'll need to change miles to kilometres.  I only change the speed to kilometres but keep distances to imperial as miles and yards are easier for me to understand, such as distance to final destination or next exit on motorway.

 

Mine doesn't have a digital speedo, so it may not be the same as yours.

Nothing on mine is automated, I change to right side driving manually.

 

The clock is set by GPS but that never updates itself, neither from entering Europe nor updating the switch from BST to GMT etc.

Thanks all for the help.

 

If I have to manually change the headlight setting is it left hand or right hand for it to switch?  Ie does right hand mean if driving on the right or is some reverse logic applied?

1 hour ago, MrRich said:

Thanks all for the help.

 

If I have to manually change the headlight setting is it left hand or right hand for it to switch?  Ie does right hand mean if driving on the right or is some reverse logic applied?

 

In the UK keep it on left, if in Europe change it to right.

 

It's based on the lane the car is in, not the side of the vehicle you are seated in.

I have a 2023 SE (no L, no Tech, just plan SE) spec Superb. It does not have GPS or Nav installed, therefore the car doesn't know where it is, so cannot auto change the beam to suit right hand side of the road driving. It is equipped with standard headlights, which I think are called LED Matrix. I have looked in the infotainment menus under "Lights" and there is no manual adjustment option for driving on the right in Europe. So my question is, does anyone please know if this type of headlight is suitable for driving on both the left and the right, without need to have physical diverters/beam adjusters fitted to the lenses?

Hang on, just thinking about this a bit more...perhaps I don't have Matrix lights, but just standard LED? I do have "Light Assist" in the menu, i.e. when on main beam the car detects oncoming traffic etc and dips the beam, once I've activated this by pushing the light stalk back (little A appears in the dashboard beam light), but no option to adjust for right hand roads. I've tried to RTFM, but of course the manual is generic and covers all models, so it doesn't tell me what my specific car does and doesn't have.

Anyway, question remains - do I need physical beam deflectors for continental driving?

Have just purchased a VIN decoder for my car, and it seems to confirm I haven't got Matrix lights - just plain LED.

So the question is are the beams on this type of headlight flat enough not to need deflectors, or will I need to fit beam deflectors?

1 hour ago, Alanovich said:

Have just purchased a VIN decoder for my car, and it seems to confirm I haven't got Matrix lights - just plain LED.

So the question is are the beams on this type of headlight flat enough not to need deflectors, or will I need to fit beam deflectors?

The face lift SE Superb has reflector type LED the same as the basic FL Karoq and my old Karoq certainly needed deflectors as there is a kickup to the left.

I'd have thought the Superb SE's are the same but it's probably worth you checking the beam pattern on a wall.

Edited 16 April, 20251 yr by logiclee

Out of interest, does anyone know if the ACC also changes? I'm due to head over to France soon, and wondered if the car would swap for me (I.E. in RHD it won't let you undertake, which won't be brilliant in France as you pass everyone on the right).

Thanks, logiclee. I am suspecting I'll need to fit them then, I hope the pack I buy has a template showing where to put them...

I emailed Skoda customer service with the question. To their credit, they responded within 24 hours. To their detriment, I don't think I've been given the right answer. Here is what they said:

"Thank you for contacting Škoda UK regarding the use of beam deflectors for your vehicle in Europe.

I'm pleased to inform you that your Škoda's headlights are designed to automatically adjust based on your location, eliminating the need for beam deflectors. This advanced feature ensures optimal visibility and safety while driving across different regions. You can find detailed information in your owner's manual under the Lighting, windscreen wipers and washers section., accessible here by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on this link: (link removed).

I hope the information I provided was helpful, and if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below.

I will proceed and close the case, as there are no further actions required from me at the moment. Following the case closure, you may also receive a survey that is focused on my performance only. I would be very grateful if you could take the time to complete this as it will enable me to ensure I am providing the best customer service."

I've looked in the manual at the link provided, and it states:

Adjust headlights for driving in right / left-hand traffic

Applies to headlights with adaptive functions.

• In Infotainment, select the following menu:

  (icons removed)

  Or:

  (icons removed)

• Activate the travel mode function.

Inevitably, "Travel Mode" is not available in my menu, demonstrating that the answer from Skoda is incorrect and my headlights have no Adaptive Function - other than auto-dip for oncoming traffic etc. or I have partially adaptive headlights, or something...grrrr.

I've replied to them to verify and await an answer.

It really shouldn't be this hard.

Edited 17 April, 20251 yr by Alanovich
Remove links and icons which may be causing problems.

On 16/04/2025 at 22:12, OccyVRS said:

Out of interest, does anyone know if the ACC also changes? I'm due to head over to France soon, and wondered if the car would swap for me (I.E. in RHD it won't let you undertake, which won't be brilliant in France as you pass everyone on the right).

I found ACC worked flawlessly last summer on my trip to France, the nav told me the speed limits when I landed in calais but I changed the headlights rhd/LHD manually.

Edited 18 April, 20251 yr by mintyflinty

Answer back from Skoda, my car (2023 MY SE) does need beam deflectors:

"Thank you for your ongoing patience as I investigate whether your vehicle needs beam deflectors for traveling in Europe.

Our technical team has confirmed that your vehicle does indeed require beam deflectors when driving in Europe. To ensure you get the perfect fit, I strongly recommend visiting your nearest Škoda retailer. You can easily locate the closest retailer by entering your postcode on this link: [link removed]. Their expertise will ensure you have the right beam deflectors for a safe and compliant journey.

I hope this information proves useful. Should you require any further assistance, please contact us at the details below."

Starting to think I should have held out for an SE L or an SE Technology when I bought it. Oh well, Captain Hindsight is a wonderful thing.