Car Clinic: How can I add aftermarket high-intensity lights to my car?
Your motoring problems solved
Q. How can I add high-intensity lights to my Ford Mondeo?
GJ, Warwick
A. Retro-fitting high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, also known as xenon lamps, is rarely practical or cost-effective. Aftermarket kits are available, but they may be unsafe or illegal for use in this country.
Check the official UK standards for yourself at gov.uk — they are complex to say the least. It is simpler and cheaper to fit uprated halogen bulbs: the Philips RacingVision series, for example, offers up to 150% more light on the road (£23.99 per pair, amazon.co.uk).
INSPECTOR GADGET
Dave Pollard has written several Haynes manuals and has tested just about every car-related accessory — read more from Dave here.
GOT A PROBLEM?
Email your question to carclinic@sunday-times.co.uk or write to Car Clinic, Driving, The Sunday Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF, with a daytime phone number, your address and as much detail about your car as possible. We can’t reply in person, so don’t send original documents or SAEs. Advice is given without legal responsibility.
