September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 AFTERMARKET 49 www.aftermarketonline.net Leading light solutions from one of the world’s biggest brands distinguishing features of the modern vehicle is the white light emitted from their headlights. Upgrade bulbs provide workshops with a legitimate opportunity to offer their customers an attractive option to modernise the look of their cars, while also improving the real-world visibility for the driver. “Where the confusion can arise is with the assumption that upgrade bulbs, such as the VISIOPRO50, 150, BLUE and BLUE+, are 50% or 150% ‘brighter’. In fact, to conform with the necessary E-mark specification for road use – which these bulbs naturally do – their brightness must be within plus or minus 10% of the original equipment bulb. Tim adds: “However, where these upgrade bulbs really benefit driver visibility is with the amount – plus 50% or 150% – and spread of light they provide on the road up to 75 metres in front of the vehicle. This extra light, rather than extra brightness, means they can see obstacles sooner and road signs more clearly, making night driving safer.” “Due to the enormous voltage required to ignite a HID bulb,” says ELTA’s Tim Brotherton, “some workshops steer away from replacing them and refer their customers to the dealer, which is not only costly, but completely unnecessary. “As long as the correct protocol is followed, the replacement is no more complicated – or hazardous – than a halogen bulb replacement. In fact, as stated in the ELTA TECHASSIST bulletin, it’s as easy as one, two, three.” Tim adds: “By following these three steps, and replacing both headlight bulbs at the same time, technicians can undertake the work in complete confidence, while workshops can provide a great service to their customers and make a profitable contribution to their business.” 1: Turn off the ignition and remove key 2: Switch off the lights 3: Remove the lighting fuse/fuses to isolate the HID circuit HID Technical Tip