Driving in France.. headlamp converters

[Mike]

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:(

[MrLazy]

Don't drive at night ;)

Alternatively instead of a GB sticker fit a D one for Germany and they will just put their hands up when the see you :)

[Hal]

Whether you are taking your car over on a Ferry or via the Shuttle you can buy the converter kits at the stores at the docks or Eurotunnel. They are generic and cost ca. £12 for a kit. (You can also buy hazard triangles and spare bulb kits and GB stickers too - all of which you might need). The headlamp converters are easy to apply and IMH experience to remove. If there is any sticky residue left just use nail varnish remover. Spend the money you save in the Hypermarket on wine and champagne.

[Carlmelia]

Used a set of convertors on a new shape A3 a couple of years ago and they made no marks at all on the original plastic lense covers. They had a wipe included that you used to clean any residue off the covers after you removed the convertors.

Bought them from halfords for well under a tenner.

[Mike]

Thanks guys. I'll try the cheap ones!:grin:

Hal... is a GB sticker mandatory? I don't relish the idea of putting one on my new motor! And bulb kits.... likewise obligatory? The A6 ones are basically expensive, and not recommended for self fitting.. you've to half dissemble the car to get near the lamp fixtures!


Mike

[KittyKat]

I think the lightbulb kit and warning triangle are mandatory. We certainly bought them when travelling to France/Belgium. The headlight conversion stickers although easy to apply did leave a sticky residue.

Kitty

[Hal]

Hal... is a GB sticker mandatory? Only if you don't have a GB EU number plate - otherwise yes.

And bulb kits.... recommended. See the AA guidance sheet here (http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html?mySelect=http%3A%2F%2Freport ing.theaa.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Frr.cgi%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaa.com%2Fmotori ng_advice%2Ftouring_tips%2FAA_France_Monaco.pdf%26 nourl%3Dwww.theaa.com%2Fmotoring_advice%2Ftouring_ tips%2FAA_France_Monaco.pdf&go.x=53&go.y=16&go=Go%21).


The A6 ones are basically expensive, and not recommended for self fitting.. you've to half dissemble the car to get near the lamp fixtures!
You simply need to carry a box of bulbs. No need to buy expensive bulbs - and if you need to change a bulb (which you shouldn't) you can still take it to a garage to be done. Sounds like your dealer is trying to milk you... :wavey: For an Audi A6 Halfords quotes £15.99 for a spare bulb pack.

[Little Monkey]

having seen what they charged for a warning triangle at the ferry port £19.99
I would recommend you buy one before you get there. We purchased ours for a £1.....yes a £1 at Poundland. They were the official warning sign in a box and exactly the same as the ones being sold in Halfords for alot more! Also any good car accessory shop should have the headlight convertors for about £5 - £7

[lindylou2_2002]

you can buy magnetic gb signs thats what we use. we take it off when we get back. We also by out convertors on the boat and have never had a problem taking them off.

[tiggersbestmate]

Of course, if your bulb kit is unused when you come home, it could find it's way back to Halfords for a refund.

[JaneSi]

You may also find that it is mandatory to have a fire extinguisher in your car too! We had to buy one at the port a few years ago. Never been used and now in the hall cupboard - probably not longer usable anyway!

[flikflak]

Check this out for all the latest info

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/AA_France_Monaco.pdf

[Hal]

Check this out for all the latest info

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/AA_France_Monaco.pdf

Deja vu. ;)

See the AA guidance sheet here (http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html?mySelect=http%3A%2F%2Freport ing.theaa.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Frr.cgi%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaa.com%2Fmotori ng_advice%2Ftouring_tips%2FAA_France_Monaco.pdf%26 nourl%3Dwww.theaa.com%2Fmotoring_advice%2Ftouring_ tips%2FAA_France_Monaco.pdf&go.x=53&go.y=16&go=Go%21).

[flikflak]

Deja vu. ;)


Lol! Was having one of those days yesterday - I should learn to do one thing at a time and not be trying to write my assignment and dibbing at the same time!!