Headlight glare is an increasingly prevalent issue, with many drivers reporting being dazzled by oncoming vehicles. While some blame the transition to LED technology, Neil Hilton, a leading ADAS expert from Core Diagnostics, points to misaligned headlights as a primary culprit.
A recent RAC survey revealed that a significant number of drivers experience headlight glare, with some even avoiding night driving due to this issue. This has sparked concerns about road safety and prompted calls for action.
While modern LED lighting systems offer numerous benefits, including improved visibility and energy efficiency, their complex nature necessitates precise alignment and calibration. Unfortunately, many workshops lack the necessary equipment or expertise to perform these tasks correctly.
“The service and repair sector needs to catch up with advanced lighting technology,” says Neil. “Correct headlight alignment is crucial for road safety, and current MOT standards may not be sufficient for today’s vehicles.”
Neil, who was part of the Thatcham Research steering group that introduced the Insurance Industry Requirements for the Safe Repair of ADAS-equipped Vehicles (IIR) introduced in 2021, believes that similar guidance may be required for headlight adjustment and calibration.
“The IIR guidelines helped to foster a greater awareness of the importance of ADAS calibration. Headlights are just as essential for road safety and even though new rules come in to force in 2027 requiring all new cars to have mandatory automatic headlight levelling based on the weight being carried, this will not address the issue of mis-aligned headlights or windscreen cameras being out of calibration,
so I think there’s a good argument for the introduction of appropriate guidelines for headlight alignment and calibration.”
The issues around dazzle:
- Misalignment: Incorrectly aligned headlights, especially on higher-mounted SUVs, can cause excessive glare.
- Advanced Lighting Systems: Features like adaptive and matrix headlights require specialised tools and calibration procedures.
- Camera Calibration: Windscreen-mounted cameras, essential for advanced lighting systems, must be accurately calibrated to ensure proper headlight function.
To address these problems, Core Diagnostics offers a remote diagnostic service that empowers workshops to perform headlight alignment and calibration without requiring expensive manufacturer-specific tools. Their team of IMI-accredited technicians leverages the latest technology to provide accurate and efficient solutions.
For more information, contact Core Diagnostics on 0151 559 3940 or email [email protected].
