General: Headlamp masking RHD to LHD for France holiday

[Bothwellbuyer]

I searched through the forum and found references to adjusting the headlamps, so thought "this'll be easy...must be a switch/lever"
I've a XC90 2013 model SE (I think) and I printed off a handbook which I keep in a massive lever arch file. Page 170 tells me I should mask off the headlamps using templates on the following pages. Not quite the high-tec I expected.
Anyway, before I start to source self adhesive waterproof masks, are there any available for sale to make the conversion easy. I'm only going over later this year for a week, but obviously early night s will mean I'll use the lights a lot.
My car doesn't have headlamp washers which is maybe a bonus.
The online guides to France also recommend carrying spare bulbs...is that worth it if I have no idea how to change a bulb on the car? My skills rest with older cars (like my Green Goddess fire engine) where the bulbs are simple bayonet fit with easy access.
Thanks.

[Dastardly Diesel]

On my 2009 XC90 the dip can be switched from left (UK) to centre (Europe) from inside the car. I'd be surprised if they'd binned that on the later cars, though you never know.

Bulbs are very easy to change on the 90. The entire headlamp unit pops out without the need for any tools.

[Ukwide]

Originally Posted by Bothwellbuyer

I searched through the forum and found references to adjusting the headlamps, so thought "this'll be easy...must be a switch/lever"
I've a XC90 2013 model SE (I think) and I printed off a handbook which I keep in a massive lever arch file. Page 170 tells me I should mask off the headlamps using templates on the following pages. Not quite the high-tec I expected.
Anyway, before I start to source self adhesive waterproof masks, are there any available for sale to make the conversion easy. I'm only going over later this year for a week, but obviously early night s will mean I'll use the lights a lot.
My car doesn't have headlamp washers which is maybe a bonus.
The online guides to France also recommend carrying spare bulbs...is that worth it if I have no idea how to change a bulb on the car? My skills rest with older cars (like my Green Goddess fire engine) where the bulbs are simple bayonet fit with easy access.
Thanks.

They sell beam deflectors at all ferry/eurotunnel terminals for a couple of £s, so don’t panic mate. I’m surprised your XC90 doesn’t have the beam switch on the headlights though?

[GenericVolvoDriver]

Here's how you do it for the Xenon ABL and for the halogen headlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oa-MAFrym4

[Bothwellbuyer]

Originally Posted by Ukwide

They sell beam deflectors at all ferry/eurotunnel terminals for a couple of £s, so don’t panic mate. I’m surprised your XC90 doesn’t have the beam switch on the headlights though?

Thanks.. No need to panic then lol.
I had read on the forum there was a switch or lever but haven't got a clue where that would be...where should I be looking to check?

[Bothwellbuyer]

Originally Posted by GenericVolvoDriver

Here's how you do it for the Xenon ABL and for the halogen headlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oa-MAFrym4

Thanks for this. Watched the video after asking the question. I don't have one of those headlamp switch buttons but will look again..otherwise its a mask I guess but the video makes it look easy!

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Bothwellbuyer

Thanks for this. Watched the video after asking the question. I don't have one of those headlamp switch buttons but will look again..otherwise its a mask I guess but the video makes it look easy!

be careful when sticking things to the plastic lens ... The glue/heat combination can melt the plastic ! maybe set your lamps to the LOW position ? that may be enough ...

[reggit]

Originally Posted by Bothwellbuyer

The online guides to France also recommend carrying spare bulbs...is that worth it if I have no idea how to change a bulb on the car?
Thanks.

Carrying spare bulbs is mandatory, along with a hi-vis jacket in the car cabin (not boot) and single use breathalysers.

[Bothwellbuyer]

Originally Posted by Clan

be careful when sticking things to the plastic lens ... The glue/heat combination can melt the plastic ! maybe set your lamps to the LOW position ? that may be enough ...

I was out cleaning the headlamp lens this morning... and yes...I wondered about plastic sticky things - one (the video?) shows black tape on a spot on the lens...another is a clear/obscure cover. The plastic seems a bit soft though so I did wonder about using the headlights on the low setting. I'll only be away for a fortnight though so maybe could blag it if stopped and just carry a mask (for the lights, not me lol)

[Julianpms]

Originally Posted by Bothwellbuyer

I was out cleaning the headlamp lens this morning... and yes...I wondered about plastic sticky things - one (the video?) shows black tape on a spot on the lens...another is a clear/obscure cover. The plastic seems a bit soft though so I did wonder about using the headlights on the low setting. I'll only be away for a fortnight though so maybe could blag it if stopped and just carry a mask (for the lights, not me lol)

In 35 years of crossing the Channel, I've never experienced any problems fitting the stick-on adapters to a range of cars. The ones sold on the ferries and at the ports (Autolites from memory) come with comprehensive fitting instructions for a huge number of cars. And please do take the trouble, even if you're only away for two weeks: it's not just about the risk of your getting a fine, but the discomfort and danger your behaviour is causing to other road users you meet. Isn't a concern for safety one of the main reasons people buy Volvos?