Replacement car headlight bulbs

[Marco]

That does not change the fact that they are illegal, unless you fit the HID headlamp assembly.

Yes, but correct me if I'm wrong, didn't you say that it would automatically lead to an MOT failure if they were fitted? If not, someone else did earlier, and I can't be arsed scrolling back. So Stan's proved now that's not the case, if they've been installed and set up properly.

The aftermarket inversion kits can be badly adjusted, and as the reflectors are not made for HID lights, they can be dangerous.

That's a valid and important point. The key then of course, if they're not *indisputably* illegal (and the jury's still out on that one for me, a bit like the discussion we had with LDRs), is to ensure that they're not "badly adjusted", and also used with the correct reflectors.

As usual though, folk blame the item itself for problems it causes, rather than the human element responsible for not carrying out the job properly!

Marco.

[Marco]

A very valid point there Marco. Getting 4 LED bulbs fitted cost me £200 all together, but at least I know that the garage spent a lot more time getting it right than I would have done. They checked the height of the beam to make sure that I could drive off and go to for a MOT test without failing it. Not that I'll need an MOT test for a few years yet, but you get the message.

Indeed, and I agree 100%. It's simply about doing things properly, rather than half-assed. I'm a perfectionist (or try to be), and value quality, so I'd rather do without something I wanted, if I couldn't afford it, or optimise it, than settle for something inferior or that’s not 100% right.

Marco.

[CageyH]

It will lead to an MOT failure if the guy can be bothered to check.

According to the Department of Transport are illegal.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...-hid-headlamps

[Marco]

So are you saying that the person who passed Stan's car for its MOT was negligent?

Marco.

[CageyH]

If he did not have a headlight wash system fitted to his car, then yes the MOT tester did not do a proper job.

They are illegal. They are sold for off road or show use only. Read the adverts....

[Marco]

Well then, Stan, over to you. Looks like your MOT isn't worth the paper it's written on.....

Marco.

[CageyH]

As he no longer has them fitted then I doubt he is bothered.

[struth]

to my knowledge yes they are illegal unless done by the manufacturer of lamps, where the whole assembly is fitted; also washers have to be fitted, BUT it is not in the MOT to check this. The tester tests for the type of headlamp fitted, not the bulb. he tests that they operate correctly and the beam they omit is within spec. It is not on the Test to check bulb matches headlamp afaik yet.

Xenons are only legal as they are EU accepted, thus MofT couldnt ban them.(again afaik)

[struth]

I might add all headlamps that produce over 2000 lumens require lamp washers. modern xenon 25 watt lamps do not need lamp washers....just to complicate things.

oh and in the usa you dont need them at all.

[Marco]

As he no longer has them fitted then I doubt he is bothered.

Perhaps not, but it's the premise it sets that's important. Something is either right or wrong [in this case how an MOT is carried out], legal or illegal. There should be no grey areas.

Marco.