Headlight alignment, Dublin

galwayjohn89

Passed NCT but am pretty sure my headlights aren't aligned properly.

Is it an easy DIY job or should I take it somewhere to get it done? It's a 01 Saab 9-3.

YbFocus

If you passed the nct they must be ok, by right you need to get them aligned using a garage as they have the equipment.

But it's pretty simple to do yourself, having the car on level ground and faced towards a wall, to adjust correctly.

CiniO

YbFocus wrote: »

If you passed the nct they must be ok, by right you need to get them aligned using a garage as they have the equipment.

But it's pretty simple to do yourself, having the car on level ground and faced towards a wall, to adjust correctly.

I wouldn't fully agree (with bolded text).
NCT acceptable light position range is just huge.
It can be between 0.5% and 2% downwards to pass.

Quick example what it means:
Assume lights are at 80cm height (from the ground).
If they are set at 0.5% that means that dipped lights will lit the road as far as 160 metres ahead.
If they are set at 2%, that means that dipped lights will lit the road as far as 40 metres ahead.
With both setting, and anythine between them, car will pass.
Even if one light is at 160metres, and other on 40metres, car will still pass.

You must admit that's a huge leeway, and hardly has anything to do with properly set lights.
Most manufacturers specify correct setting, usually being 1% or 1.3% or something like that.

YbFocus

CiniO wrote: »

I wouldn't fully agree (with bolded text).
NCT acceptable light position range is just huge.
It can be between 0.5% and 2% downwards to pass.

Totally agree, never knew there was such a leeway on it. I set mine to 1% or so always.

galwayjohn89

Would anyone know anywhere in South Dublin, ideally Dun Laoghaire area that is good and reasonable priced?

REXER

Here is a guide that has never let me down!
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/images/Aim.pdf