What Car? Q&A - Do I need to replace my headlights?

Q: I am awaiting the delivery of a new Focus ST, and plan to take the car to Germany, where I will be working for six months. I need to get the headlights adjusted to drive on the Continent, so I visited my local Ford dealer.

They told me that my only option was to replace both headlamps at a cost of £700. This didn't sound right to me, so I phoned another dealer who told me that you can just flip a switch under the bonnet to change the light. Who is right?
Dean Moriarty, by email

A: Technically neither is correct, although the second garage is closer to the truth.

You don't need to replace both headlamp units, but because the Focus ST uses xenon bulbs, you can't simply fit a set of headlamp deflectors.

There is a lever on the bottom of each lamp unit that moves an internal shutter, changing the shape of the beam of light, and making it safe to drive on the Continent.

They won't light the road ahead quite as effectively as a left-hand drive car, but will be perfectly legal to use.

In order to get to the lever, the lamps have to be removed from the car, so expect to pay between 30 minutes and an hour's labour charge at a garage.