Chipped headlight and e-safety NSW

Azn310 on 23/01/2014 - 12:33

Hi guys,

My car has recently had a chipped front headlight could be from the highway driving we did recently. It now has a small hole with long cracks around it, light still works so I just put some sticky tape over the hole and cracks, works a wonder.

My e-safety inspection is 6 months away and I don't know if I should replace it or not? Will they fail me because of this?

The thing is this is a sealed headlight unit, so it is to be replaced as a whole, which is gonna leave a hole in my wallet.. again. And I will be doing quite a lot of highway driving in the future.. its just not worth it.

Many thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • hellbound on 23/01/2014 - 12:47

    No idea if they will fail it, but why not get it replaced and get one of those clear strips to protect them in the future? Especially if you're doing a lot of highway driving as you suggest.

    • Azn310 on 23/01/2014 - 13:20

      Is it the plastic covers / protectors you are talking about? I think they cost the same as the headlight unit. Used to have them and someone thought they were funny and snapped one off, so I didn't bother getting new ones.

  • blitz on 23/01/2014 - 13:01

    Why don't you just replace it?? If you can't afford basic maintenance on your car, you can't afford to have a car. Think of the other people who have to share the road with you.

    • Azn310 on 23/01/2014 - 13:14

      Thanks, I do all necessary maintenance to keep the car going, to keep myself and others safe. Didn't think it was affecting anyone til Bruce mention below.

      It's just that I notice millions of other drivers with headlights out, backlights out, or with a smashed front or rear, and mine was still doing its job, that's why I ask. It would be easy if the lense is removable, but this is replacing the whole unit. I will replace it anyhow.

  • _Bruce_ on 23/01/2014 - 13:02

    Inspection asside you should replace it anyway. A damaged lense means the light is going to the wrong place and can be very dangerous.

    • Azn310 on 23/01/2014 - 13:10

      oh right, I didn't think about light deflections and all. Probably best to replace it then.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/01/2014 - 14:58

    With the lights, you should probably replace it.

    However in the past I've had a dented boot and all it meant was that I wouldn't be able to claim it on the insurance in the future.

  • gummibears on 23/01/2014 - 16:10

    What is a e-safety inspection?

    • airzone on 23/01/2014 - 17:47
      +1

      Pink slip

      • gummibears on 23/01/2014 - 18:31

        Thanks. Had to search up what a pink slip was; never heard of it.

        • emibel19 on 23/01/2014 - 19:25

          We don't have such inspections in SA.

        • nephilim on 23/01/2014 - 20:09
          +1

          If we had car inspections, elizabeth would have the most bike riders in the world.

  • Euphemistic on 24/01/2014 - 08:59

    If it's only a small hole I'd keep driving while saving for a light. If it isn't too noticeable then the inspection might not pick it up. Maybe you could try a plastic repair on it for a more permanent solution. If the hole and cracks are affecting the beam, then get it replaced immediately.

  • WT on 24/01/2014 - 13:18
    +1

    Use clear tape over the entire light for the time being, that way if it cracks and falls apart you wont spray glass everywhere or cut someone elses tyres (or your own)

    If it fails, get a 2nd hand one from a wrecker, expect to pay 50% of brand new. Install it yourself, shouldn't take more then 1.5 hours

    Chipped is OK, cracked is a fail. Its up to the discretion of the inspector.

    Don't buy light protectors, use thick contact, like they use on school books

    • altomic on 26/01/2014 - 17:43

      Don't buy light protectors, use thick contact, like they use on school books

      +1

    • Azn310 on 31/01/2014 - 10:11

      Thanks for the detailed answer. Could you explain the thick contact again please? Maybe a google photo or something? It will be good for other ozbargainers too i guess

  • bladerunner on 24/01/2014 - 16:16
    +1

    I went through this exercise a few months ago. I found out that some lenses can be repaired using resin, many but not all sealed units can be pulled apart and then glued back together.

    You can also find second hand units whole, or after minor damage has been repaired post accident and replacement by the insurance company.

    There is a specialist company in Melbourne, the name of which I can't remember but search headlight repair and you'll see plenty.

    I think I paid $300 for a recon unit on the Gold Coast but it looked like new and retail was around $1500 so I was happy to pay it.

    You can try a good quality cyanoacrylate (superglue) or resin, and hope for a good inspector.

    I had to pass a double inspection and they even failed me for a cracked tail light lens initially so I had no choice really.

    • Azn310 on 31/01/2014 - 10:20

      Thanks for your advice. I will look into it. The thing about second hand sealed unit is that you dont know how long the bulb has left to go?

      Sorry to hear you got failed for cracked tail light lens.thats a bit harsh

  • _Bruce_ on 24/01/2014 - 16:31

    One more thing: If you do replace (or do any other work on) the light yourself, PLEASE check and fix your headlight aim when you are done.

    • Azn310 on 31/01/2014 - 10:15

      Most certainly will do. I know how annoying it is. Mine is an old car so light is pretty much like a fog light nowadays.

      The most annoying i think is people with aftermarket HIDs haha

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join