Ford Focus ST This forum is for discussion of all things pertaining to the Ford Focus ST range

Adjusting Xenon headlights for driving in France

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-10-2018, 09:57 AM
  #1  
boodysaspie
Virgin
Thread Starter
 
boodysaspie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: N Derbys
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question Adjusting Xenon headlights for driving in France

Page 116 of the Focus Owner's Guide says:

"The headlights can be adjusted for driving on the left or right hand side of the road by an expert."

I'm off to France next week, and I wondered if this was something I could do at Calais, or do I need special kit?

Thanks
Old 11-10-2018, 10:17 AM
  #2  
Caddyshack
10K+ Poster!!

 
Caddyshack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Guildford
Posts: 10,841
Received 1,031 Likes on 944 Posts
Default

Normally it is just a lever that you flick over. I know I should do it but I never bother when I am there. You can also get stickers at the tunnel to put on. Just be careful on the speed as they are hotting up over there. I used to regularly go up to 150 in the good old days but now I keep to 80 / 85 mph. I think their flash cameras can now send the bill here and it is illegal to even have speed camera listings on your tom tom type satnav.
Old 11-10-2018, 03:54 PM
  #3  
boodysaspie
Virgin
Thread Starter
 
boodysaspie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: N Derbys
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Cheers Caddyshack. I've had a good look for a lever but I think mine are too early for such advanced wizardry. TBH, if I hadn't read that part of the manual then I'd fit deflectors without a second thought.

The speed cam rule baffles me. They are there because it's a danger spot and you need to slow down. So why is a warning on the satnav illegal? Are the police looking for safety or to nick someone?

As for breathalysers ...
Old 11-10-2018, 04:35 PM
  #4  
Caddyshack
10K+ Poster!!

 
Caddyshack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Guildford
Posts: 10,841
Received 1,031 Likes on 944 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by boodysaspie
Cheers Caddyshack. I've had a good look for a lever but I think mine are too early for such advanced wizardry. TBH, if I hadn't read that part of the manual then I'd fit deflectors without a second thought.

The speed cam rule baffles me. They are there because it's a danger spot and you need to slow down. So why is a warning on the satnav illegal? Are the police looking for safety or to nick someone?

As for breathalysers ...
I know, it is totally daft but France is all about taxing the shit out of people, 40% of the population are employed in some way by the government.

The rozzers wait for you as you come in to the toll booths and they can work out average speed due to booth to booth times. That said I have never been stopped and not picked up a ticket despite a few high speed runs in my old 911 and AMG.

oddly, if you live in a rural part of France and get done drink driving you still have the right to drive a low powered 2 seater (like a g whizz)



Last edited by Caddyshack; 11-10-2018 at 04:36 PM.
Old 11-10-2018, 05:19 PM
  #5  
Caddyshack
10K+ Poster!!

 
Caddyshack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Guildford
Posts: 10,841
Received 1,031 Likes on 944 Posts
Default

I think you are also supposed to carry high vis vests, full bulb kit along with the breathalyser things
Old 11-10-2018, 05:45 PM
  #6  
focusv8
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
focusv8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 4,770
Received 86 Likes on 81 Posts
Default

There's a mass of things you need to carry / observe, High vis FOR EACH OCCUPANT for example,

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/france/

Last edited by focusv8; 11-10-2018 at 05:46 PM.
Old 13-10-2018, 06:51 AM
  #7  
bigdel
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
 
bigdel's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Crowthorne, Berkshire
Posts: 1,294
Received 103 Likes on 83 Posts
Default

I bought a kit for the lights that you just stuck on the lens to block the brightest area of the light.
I'll see if I can track down whst I bought, was a
only a couple of quid iirc

Trending Topics

Old 13-10-2018, 06:59 AM
  #8  
bigdel
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
 
bigdel's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Crowthorne, Berkshire
Posts: 1,294
Received 103 Likes on 83 Posts
Default

He're you go

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/travel-accessories/car-headlamp-converters/halfords-headlamp-converters

fitted these on my Mondeo with xenons for a trip to Le Mans and never had any problems
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
djsri
Ford Focus RS
5
03-11-2011 12:58 PM
paceo
Ford Focus RS
12
18-06-2011 12:20 PM
paceo
General Car Related Discussion.
1
04-03-2007 10:48 AM
zvhturbo
General Car Related Discussion.
23
21-12-2004 11:15 AM



Quick Reply: Adjusting Xenon headlights for driving in France



All times are GMT. The time now is 11:55 AM.