Euro Headlamp Settings

[Zulu Nation]

I'm taking the Nismo over to Germany at the end of the month and was wondering about dipped beam settings, you know, for driving on the wrong side of the road.

Does a 2017 V2 have the ability to adjust somehow? I can't see how these stick on kits which you can get would work on slopey headlamps.

Being mid summer I doubt that I'll be driving at night, but might be useful to know if I need to.

[Chubbs]

Went to Le Mans one year and can't remember what I did for beam converters. As far as I know, there is no 'adjuster' fitted to the car. I also don't think the beam is of the type that doesn't need adjusting. As it's a legal requirement in France - and as you never know if an emergency will require you to drive in the dark when in Europe - I'd fit them, to be on the safe side.

Paul_S has driven around Europe most Summers. Send him a message?

Edited July 12, 2022 by Chubbs

[Paul_S]

Chubbs is right.  There is no adjuster and you should fit beam adjusters.  I know people don't, but my thinking is if I get pulled over for something then I don't want to give the authorities any other reasons to 'have a word' with me!

You need the circular ones that you line up with the little dot (that you've probably never noticed) on the headlights.

I wouldn't buy them during the crossing because of the cost.  Something like this will work --> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headlamp-Deflectors-Eurolites-Headlight-Adaptors/dp/B00NPXYUGY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R5WAWECZ45F

They wind me up because they seem to be made for single use only.  When you try to remove them they separate and leave part on the light.  But if you apply a good coat of polish to the headlight first and remove them when warm then you've a fighting chance of peeling them off in one go. 

Don't forget you'll need a high vis jacket for each person in the car, etc. too.

Have a great trip!

[Paul_S]

Oh, and if you do buy that kit then remember there is nowhere metal for the magnetic UK badge to stick to!  You'll need some tape

[Zulu Nation]

1 hour ago, Paul_S said:

Oh, and if you do buy that kit then remember there is nowhere metal for the magnetic UK badge to stick to!  You'll need some tape

It's ok Paul, I've got a vertical UK sticker to go on the backside, to the left of the plate. When I return home, I just peel it off again - I dont' stick one on the front as I believe that's not required, but I do carry one in case a pedantic plod points it out!

 

[Zulu Nation]

1 hour ago, Paul_S said:

Chubbs is right.  There is no adjuster and you should fit beam adjusters.  I know people don't, but my thinking is if I get pulled over for something then I don't want to give the authorities any other reasons to 'have a word' with me!

You need the circular ones that you line up with the little dot (that you've probably never noticed) on the headlights.

I wouldn't buy them during the crossing because of the cost.  Something like this will work --> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headlamp-Deflectors-Eurolites-Headlight-Adaptors/dp/B00NPXYUGY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R5WAWECZ45F

They wind me up because they seem to be made for single use only.  When you try to remove them they separate and leave part on the light.  But if you apply a good coat of polish to the headlight first and remove them when warm then you've a fighting chance of peeling them off in one go. 

Don't forget you'll need a high vis jacket for each person in the car, etc. too.

Have a great trip!

What part might 'separate' and does that affect the deflection for UK use until it's removed? 

[Paul_S]

4 hours ago, Zulu Nation said:

It's ok Paul, I've got a vertical UK sticker to go on the backside, to the left of the plate. When I return home, I just peel it off again - I dont' stick one on the front as I believe that's not required, but I do carry one in case a pedantic plod points it out!

 

I think you're right.  I haven't checked but don't think you need one on the front either.

4 hours ago, Zulu Nation said:

What part might 'separate' and does that affect the deflection for UK use until it's removed? 

From memory (back to pre-covid days) the sticky backing is left on the light and it's hit and miss as to whether the silver reflective material sticks with it or not.  It's easy enough to remove with your fingernail but the sticky residue needs a bit more work.

I don't think these headlights are particularly bright and anything in the way causes them to be dimmer.  I always fit and remove mine at the terminal each way.  There's often a wait and there's not much better to do!

[JohnFK]

You are correct in that you dont need one on the front. One on the left of the rear plate should suffice... EXCEPT in Spain where they require a separate sticker (or letters) on the rear bodywork.

(Don't ask me why!)

[JohnFK]

Another thought! Have all the countries in the EU accepted the new "UK" designation (just cos Boris's empire declared it, it doesnt mean some other awkward beggar wont accept it) and, if it is acceptable, does that mean "GB" is no longet accepted?

[Zulu Nation]

2 hours ago, JohnFK said:

Another thought! Have all the countries in the EU accepted the new "UK" designation (just cos Boris's empire declared it, it doesnt mean some other awkward beggar wont accept it) and, if it is acceptable, does that mean "GB" is no longet accepted?

Stickers and badges with both UK and GB are available for sale. I went with UK as that's what's on the RAC website, so I thought I could trust them to get it right!

[Neutreus]

I'm off to Spa Francorchamps next Friday for Speedweek and I've got UK stickers for the front numberplate (have one for the front and a bumper one to just in case). Everything I've read says that you need UK since we left the EU (even though you can still buy GB ones).

Other things I'm taking (and will do for the European road trip in August) are:

UK Stickers / High vis jackets / Spare Bulbs (France) / Beam Converters / Warning triangle / Spare Oil (my choice) / V5 Doc / MOT Cert / Insurance Cert

That's a pretty comprehensive list (I do have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit too by choice) since in August I don't know the countries we are visiting - I'm playing it safe.

 

[JohnFK]

Dont forget your high-vis kit must, in France, be reachable by the Driver and and passengers without getting out of the car - so being in the boot doesnt count!

[Paul_S]

That's a very good point John.  I'd forgotten that detail.

I roll mine up and store them between the seat and door sill so they are in easy reach and it's nice and obvious when you open the door too.

[Zulu Nation]

Pre-Euro roadtrip (AKA four days in Nurburg and surrounding area) check-up at Abbey this morning.

All good to go!

 

[Paul_S]

Awesome.  Have a great time, and stay safe

[Zulu Nation]

Unfortunately, due to the current disruption at Folkestone (although it seems to have improved today) we've decided to postpone the trip to Germany this weekend.

[Dave G]

Bummer, sorry to hear that.  Better to postpone it instead of sitting in a car park for 2 days...

[budbongo]

Sorry to hear that. I was at the ring in my zed last week and came back through Dover on Saturday. Must have been at 25 miles worth of queuing lorries parked up on the M20. 

[Neutreus]

I was very lucky last weekend. Left via Folkestone on Friday and there had been a nasty crash on the M20 a couple of junctions before the Eurotunnel. I think it must have happened only 10-20 minutes before we went through as they very shortly afterwards closed the motorway. Whilst queueing for the tunnel the Air Ambulance landed on the motorway only 50 yards from us. 

We were delayed by 2.5 hour as a train had broken down in the morning and they had to turn the electric off to recover it but those behind who got stuck when the motorway closed were part of the ones delayed by 14 hours then then went up to 21 hours over the weekend. Not to bad on the way back, just a half hour delay. Was all worth it to see this amazing place though 

[Paul_S]

Nice!!

I know people who live in Folkestone and some were basically stranded because of the gridlock.