I did a quick search but didn’t find another post about it, but, the MoT test has changed in relation to LED replacements for conventional bulbs in headlamps.
4.1.4 Headlamps - Compliance with requirements - Changed sentence from ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with HID bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’ to ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’
Oh well, looks like I may have to put the candles back in at the next MOT for my Eunos, even though the LED units are “E” marked. Probably not worth the argument…
LEDs place a smaller load on the alternator, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Clearly, if they over bright, glary and poorly focused, they should fail but just because they are LED, I’m not so sure.
I imagine that is if someone is using a stock reflector casing with a HID bulb in it? If the unit is designed for the HID or LED then it shouldn’t be a fail surely?
Yeah sorry wasn’t reading it fully. IMO I can agree with them changing that then as just swapping out the standard bulb for a HID with the old projector set up, most of the time ends up blinding oncoming traffic anyway. Obviously it depends on the car and how it’s set up but I’ve been blinded that many times by poorly fitted kits to 10+ year old vw’s etc.
From a safety stance it’s the best thing but no doubt people will just swap them out for MOT time and then put them back anyway.
Problem with HID’s was that to get type approval they had to be self levelling and have headlight washers fitted as dirty lenses caused dazzle. HID kits with bulb only would never pass an MOT.
I have replacement LED reflectors fitted (sold as Land Rover replacement reflectors) and are “E” marked, but that may not be enough. Nice straight down dip so can be used here or abroad without needing to worry about left/right dip converters. They were fitted and then aligned at a garage with one of those alignment gizmos.
Oh well, 20 minutes to swap the reflectors over once a year is hardly an issue…
As I read the instructions to MOT testers that were posted here, a full LED light unit would be ok but a halogen unit converted to LED or Hid would not, so your LED units should be fine
