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Headlamp deflectors – do I need them and do they work?

Home Forums General Chat Headlamp deflectors – do I need them and do they work?

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  • #3889
    Annie Potter
    Participant

    Do we really need headlight deflectors when travelling in Europe (we plan on going to Italy via France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland) and if so, where can we get them from? Our Maserati is a 02 plated 4200 and it has been suggested that, because of the the headlamp shape, deflectors won’t work (not that we hope to do any night driving, we believe headlights are required during the day in Switzerland and Italy, and, of course, in tunnels). We’ve been there once (going through Austria rather than Switzerland) and got away with it (in fact didn’t see one policeman!), but gather the Swiss rules are rather strict.

    #3930
    Graham Wood
    Participant

    I have a 3200, so similar headlight shape (although yours may be self leveling xenons?). I have yet to find any deflectors that fit properly.

    What I have done in the past is drive the car up close to a wall or garage door, turn on the headlights and look for where the light ‘kicks’ up to the left, then use electrical tape (silver or reflecting) just to cover that bit (which is what will ‘dazzle’ oncoming traffic when driving on the right).

    There is ‘noise’ on the internet saying this method is illegal, but the countries we have driven seem to state your legal requirement is ‘not to dazzle oncoming traffic’, and not how you achieve this – up to you to decide on how comfortable you would be with this solution.

    There is also ‘noise’ saying the tape could ‘heat up’ the plastic headlight cover, hence I have used silver tape to reflect and not absorb.

    The other key thing to remember is if you were unlucky enough to have an accident, and it was proved your lights could have been dazzling oncoming traffic, you may find your insurance is invalidated.

    We have used the car many, many times whilst driving in Europe (and in the dark), and had no one flash us, and no damage to our headlight covers.

    Interesting to see Switzerland has introduced the ‘Headlights on’ law since 2014 (we were last there in the 3200 in 2011)

    #4542
    Graham Wood
    Participant

    Just as an aside, I think that just ‘deflecting’ attention away from the headlamps is a good idea! We just ‘dress’ the 3200 up a bit!!!!

     

    The Beakster

    #4568
    Mick Sheppard
    Participant

    I didn’t have any when I went last year but the new Ghibli does have lights that turn with the steering as well as being self-leveling. There is also a setting to switch over the bias from left to right for driving on the right.

    #4608
    Graham Wood
    Participant

    Seems a sensible solution to me…..

    Swap the 4200 for a Ghibli đŸ˜‰

     

    #4615
    Annie Potter
    Participant

    Thanks for the suggestions.

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