What Car? Q&A - What must I do to my headlamps to drive

Q: I have a Mazda 3 Sport with xenon headlights. What do I need to do to adapt them for driving in Europe? The car's handbook doesn't mention the subject.
Peter Clarke, by e-mail

A: Xenon headlamps do become hotter than halogen headlamps, but the good news is that you don't need special beam deflectors for them.

You need a set of Eurolites beam deflectors, which are commonly available in many motor accessory stores. You can also buy them online, at places such as www.travel-spot.co.uk.

These beam deflectors work on normal halogen or xenon headlamps, and they fit a wide range of cars, including the Mazda 3.

To fit them, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully so that you cut out the right profile to suit your car's lamps.

Usually, you need to let the lamps reach operating temperature (this takes about 10 minutes) before you stick them on.

When you do stick them onto the lamps, take great care to fit them exactly as the manufacturer says; you don't want to get it wrong and blind drivers when driving on the Continent.

Don't forget other vital equipment to keep you safe and legal when you travel abroad. These include a GB sticker, spare bulb kit, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle and high-visibility reflective vest.

You don't say where you're travelling to, so it's up to you to find out the specific requirements for the country you're going to (or travelling through). For example, you are obliged to carry a spare pair of glasses if you drive in Spain.