11 replies to this topic

[paulfoel]

What on earth is this? It was fine last year.....

 

Garage are telling me new headlamps needed. Surely if the bulbs work the headlamps work?

 

1989 Jap import Cooper.

[Batmini]

What do the backs of the headlamps look like. If the surface is all scabby then the beams will be scattered and a fail

[ukcooper]

Its the pattern that the headlight beam is thrown out. to the left to the right up down on and on.

 

the glass in the headlight,reflection material or bulb has changed by ive dirt polish cracked lens a chip ect.

 

The reason they say change in pairs is that the glass get weathered and then there would be odd head lights if you replaced one.

 

 

try a pair pf new bulbs from a good manufacturer like Philips or Osram

Edited by ukcooper, 15 May 2016 - 10:37 AM.

[markyB]

Are you running sealed beam headlamps ? Or what type of bulb is in your headlamps ?

[KernowCooper]

Not had some funny bulbs fitted ? some bulbs I've removed from the far east just dont throw the light properly in the headlamp ?

[Rob Gavin]

are the headlights actually working and its not the sidelight function currently lighting the main bulb?  I recall the later cars had a dim/dip function that allowed the dipped beam to partially illuminate when the side lights are on

[paulfoel]

I'll have to take a look at the headlamps. Thanks all.

 

Bulbs are same as before. Headlights are working though.

[ray.webster]

The M.O.T. rules for headlights were tightened up from 24/03/16. See here  ..  https://mattersoftes...st-is-changing/   

So headlights that previously passed may now fail.  I was concerned that my angel-eyes would fail but they passed O.K.

[JBW]

Are you sure they actually tested the headlights, my car failed on a few minor things, one was the rear fog light not working, when i got home I tested it & it was working, they hadn't switched on the headlights ! Maybe they tested with just the dim dip on, I've had that before.

A friend who is an MOT tester (doesn't do my car), told be the new headlight rules give a lot more compliance, so what would have been a fail before the changes, would now pass.

[Mini Manannán]

The M.O.T. rules for headlights were tightened up from 24/03/16. See here  ..  https://mattersoftes...st-is-changing/   

So headlights that previously passed may now fail.  I was concerned that my angel-eyes would fail but they passed O.K.

 

 

Are you sure they actually tested the headlights, my car failed on a few minor things, one was the rear fog light not working, when i got home I tested it & it was working, they hadn't switched on the headlights ! Maybe they tested with just the dim dip on, I've had that before.

A friend who is an MOT tester (doesn't do my car), told be the new headlight rules give a lot more compliance, so what would have been a fail before the changes, would now pass.

 

Total contrast there, pick the bones out of that!

 

I'd be doing what Kernow Cooper says and trying new bulbs first, Osram Night Breaker Plus would be my choice:  http://www.autoexpre...ht-breaker-plus

[JBW]

Well I read the info at the link again (https://mattersoftes...st-is-changing/) , as I understand it the test is not as stringent as before. Am I misreading it ?

 

Agree about Osram Nightbreakers or the Phillips equivalent, using both types in other cars.Have cheap 50% brighter bulbs from Aldi in my Mini, which are OK.

 

Incidentally fitting relays to the headlight wiring on my Mini, has made a huge difference, Wired by Wilson do a kit for those who don't want to make their own loom up.

[JBW]

Just had an MOT done on another one of my cars, asked tester (not my friend who is also a tester) about the changes in the rules, his interpretation is that there is an increase of 0.5 degree in the height of the main beam.