Driving in France.. headlamp converters

[Mike Jones]

I'm aware that you should use these to prevent glare to other rioadusers when in France. I've only recently obtained a new car (Audi A6) so asked the dealer what was available... they tell me that there are specific foils' available, but at £20 + Vat, AND that they are difficult to remove afterwards without damaging the headlamp cover. So they further advise that I buy headlamp protectors (at another 40-odd pounds a set!) and apply the decal/foil to these. Sigh.... anyone any ideas to save this expense? bearing in mind I don't want to fall foul of the regulations, but equally don't want to damage my new car lights...


Mike

 

[Cyrano]

We have always purchased universal convertors from Halfords, which are considerably cheaper than dealer choices They peel off easily and any residue is easily washed off.

 

[SandraVB79]

what are headlamp converters??

 

[Cyrano]

what are headlamp converters??

Here is said item
It is because in the UK we drive on the left-hand side and consequently heamlamps will shine straight into the eyes of on-coming vehicles. Convertors therefore deflect the beam of light to shine in the opposite direction. You are definitely not popular without them

 

[SandraVB79]

It's the first time I hear about them.

Now that's the reason why I would NEVER go by car to the UK. It's just too complicated.
I also wondered how UK cars handle the péage if they are alone in the car... It's already difficult enough for us (my mom insisted on driving (I think it had something to do with my driving skills) but her arms are like too short to reach the machine for the card/ credit card!!!!

 

[jackiebelle]

just bought headlamp AA beam converters for 50p from "the works".

 

[nifferwilko]

Never driven myself, but my parents are avid francophiles so every holiday has been there

They use very high tech...electricians tape. All you need them to do is *bounce* the lights to the right hand side instead of the left. You definately don't need all that high tech expensive stuff that your dealer is trying to sell you.

 

[eliza]

We also use tape. We have a Zafira and DH visited the vauxhall dealer who showed him the shape of the mask they provide for over £20. They allowed him to trace the shape required which we now have on bits of tracing paper and use to position the tape on each trip!

 

[bavaria]

what are headlamp converters??

Thank you for asking Sandra, and clearing up a mystery for those from the rest of Europe I always wondered myself when I saw that here!

 

[A Small World]

We used Halfords. It gives a plan showing where to fix on (nearly) all makes of cars and the sticky residue came off easily with a baby wipe!

 

[Mike Jones]

Thanks everyone! You've saved us around £60!