Can anybody explain headlight alignment?

[mcandmar]

As in with the machines garages use to align them. How do they work, how do you use them, and where should the beam be set to?

I have to get the avant tested (mot) so i got an alignment done at a garage so it would be ok. Problem is i think they f'd it up, on full beam i can see the two beams hit the road about two car lengths ahead of me, on dipped beam it gives me about 12 foot of light and then nothing. Its so bad its dangerous but i want to get my facts straight before i go back and shout at them

Cheers,

Mark.

[pixsaudisex2]

Biggest problem i used to see was when the bulbs were not correctly inserted causing the pattern to be all over the place. but i imagine this information is no use to you

[Gompa]

they COULD have set up your level on your lights with the adjuster not set to zero? your motor moves your beam lower to aim the light lower when towing/lot of weight in rear. if they have been set on this it would be set up incorrectly.
just go back and ask politely and show them what you mean any self respecting garage will always be helpfull as long as you dont have an attitude problem 1st off

[macspring]

Mark,

Be careful letting just anyone adjust your headlights as the white plastic "screw" heads where the light is adjusted are very soft and the screws are always stiff.

Not sure if GT 85 used before attempting any adjustment will free up the screws?

Collecting refurb S8s tomorrow, Friday.

Call over at the weekend?

I line mine up on a dark wall, and fine tune them after driving in traffic.

Kind regards.

[dubmeister]

Height adjuster set to zero, then on dipped beam (for E headlamps) the beam pattern is checked. we just adjust them if out and put it down as a PRS (fault rectyified)if the adjusters are not broken or seized.
Some garages charge to align them- just ask what the score is.



This is the beam pattern diagram.Between the red bars for cars with lights less than 850mm from the ground, blue bars for above.
or check here:

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_160.htm

HTH

[Andreas]

When I registered the S2 Sedan in sweden.. Tony and I realized.. on the MOT parking lot.. that we had not adjusted the headlights <: panic ensued..

We backed up a bit from the MOT garage door (that was closed) and looked at the lights as they hit the door.. one was way high, one way low and the arc was looking wierd... checking in the car we found 1 (!) screwdriver and began adjusting on-the-fly.. when it looked half decent our number came up and the door opened.. we hopped in the car and went in..

This is the second thing they check.. and WOW - "they look perfect these.." - comment from the MOT-guy <:


We could even have done the adjustment faster as we found another screwdriver under the car when they lifted it up (stuck between a exhaust bush we forced on 10min prior to leaving for MOT) <;