VAR Forum

Having just watched Workshop DVD I am still in a quandary about dipping headlights. When my Austin passed an MOT in the 70's one headlight dipped and the other went out . When it was Mot'ed before the change in regulations the Mot Tester said that both headlights should do the 'same' so I made both headlights dip. The wiring diagrams in the workshop manual show the headlights as I originally had mine ,but now I can sign the appropriate form and return my headlights to their original form or do I leave them as is ? The workshop DVD checks seem more stringent than my last Mot Test.

Hello John
It depends on "date of first use".
You can fit double dipping to your car and it will pass MOT but see MOT manual section 1.7
For vehicles first used before 1st January 1931 the system known as dip and switch is accepted. After this date you need double dipping.
Hope this clarifies the question
Martin

Hello again John
Before anyone picks me up on this, perhaps I should add a couple of points.
As we all know,, the MOT test is no longer compulsory for us although I think it is a good idea to have the car tested.
Secondly my personal preference is for double dipping as this does give better illumination and fits in better with the expectations of modern drivers and could be argued to be a safer option. You just need a little more output from the dynamo.
Martin

Hi Martin27,
Thanks ,I didn't appreciate that it depended upon which year it was registered.
Yes I was aware my Austin didn't require an Mot, I do have a copy of the form to sign but I am also aware that some insurance companies include a phrase about a valid Mot before you get paid out. As per usual its all in the small print.