Fines for incorrect use of lights range between 80 and 200 euros
It is a maxim before going on a trip, but, some due to ignorance, others due to oversight, not all drivers take it into account. We are talking about regulating the height of the headlights depending on the load of the vehicle.
For various reasons, it is not the same to drive with the trunk empty than with it full of suitcases (plus toys, some food…). Nor does it drive the same when driver and passenger travel alone than when they do so with the family occupying all available seats.
Depending on the weight to be transported, many variables change. For example, the braking system is affected in such a way that the more loaded the greater the effort that must be made and, therefore, the safety distance that the driver must maintain with other vehicles to avoid accidents.
Fuel consumption is also increased, something to take into account this Easter, which will be the most expensive in history in terms of fuel prices.
How to put luggage in the trunk of your car
Adjust the headlights depending on the load
When the trunk is full (even more so if the rear seats are also full) the extra weight in the rear makes the car’s nose rise slightly. The main consequence is that the headlights will no longer illuminate the road and, in addition to reducing the necessary visibility, can dazzle drivers who are traveling in front.
Headlight adjustment consists of adjusting the position and intensity of the lights. The objective is to allow you to see the road clearly and to be seen by other users.
On the side of the dashboard, near the driver’s door, you will find the control to adjust the headlights. It is graduated by a numerical scale from 0 to 3 or from 0 to 5; these numbers indicate intensity, from lowest to highest.
When the car is empty we must leave the roulette in position 0; from there, it will have to be increased depending on the level of charge. Once back home and with the car empty, remember to re-adjust the height of the lights.
The trick to know if the headlights are properly adjusted
In the workshop or in the ITV (the headlights in poor condition are one of the main problems when passing the inspection) they use a machine that checks that the headlights are properly adjusted.
If you do it yourself, you can use a homemade trick to check that the headlight adjustment is correct:
- Position the car 30 centimeters from the wall and turn on the headlights
- Measure the distance from the center of the headlights to the ground
- Just at that height, stick a tape horizontally on the wall and, with two strips of adhesive tape in a vertical position, form a “T”, marking the center of the spotlights
- Then move the car until it is 10 meters from the wall.
- Adjust the headlights until the center of the light cone touches the horizontal correction line. The main light beam must fall between the two vertical lines that we have marked.
Remember that the fines for making incorrect use of the lights, carrying a burnt out… range between 80 and 200 euros.
