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We put three headlamps to the test to shed some

22nd January 2009
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Page 38, 22nd January 2009 — We put three headlamps to the test to shed some
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

light on the debate over whether a cheap alternative can really pay off.

Words: Kevin Swallow Images: Tom Cunningham

The key to successful procurement is prioritising reliability over price. But when the price falls into the 'silly money' category, the temptation to buy a bargain can override sensible, informed decision-making.

The longevity of modern engineering has been proven, but on any given day. anything can go wrong. The spiralling cost of providing bulbs for headlamps doesn't feature too highly on accountants' lists, hut it is still an area that can be tightened up. Many large fleets still have in-house workshops, and keeping the 'cheap option' roadworthy isn't always easy.

In the greater scheme of things, bulbs are cheap, especially with the economy of scale enjoyed by a large fleet, but the real damage to the bottom line is the downtime when they have to be replaced. Individually speaking, it's a quick job, but collectively, it starts to eat into the allotted workshop-hours.

Downtime means wheels aren't rolling, and if wheels aren't rolling, money isn't coming in. This is more than enough to raise the ire of transport managers and managing directors alike.

According to Vosa, 31.5% of all failed annual vehicle tests over a 12-month period during 2006 and 2007 were due to headlamp misalignment and bulb failure. The penalties for inoperative headlamps are not 0-licencethreatening (unless you make a habit of it), but it is an area that Vosa has tightened up on. A Vosa spokesperson says vehicles checked at the roadside and found to have inoperative headlamps face one of two sanction levels: • PG9I for when use is compulsory, ie at night • PG35DN when use is not compulsory, ic during the day "No special tools are available or used on roadside inspections to be able to identify whether the headlamp has 'low illumination'." adds the spokesman.

"This is a subjective assessment and no sanction level exists, however, in these cases, examiners could issue a PG35DN advising the driver of the potential defect. During statutory annual goods vehicle testing, inoperative headlamps will be failed before a check of headlamp aim is made and consequently failed for defect IM 63."

Strict standards

A spokesperson for the Vehicle Certificate Agency (VCA) says all bulbs must be marked to show compliance with UNECE Regulation 37 (Filament Lamps) of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.

"This sets out all dimensional requirements that ensure the filament is the correct shape. size and position to create the right beam pattern when fitted to the headlamp,the spokesperson adds.

"Regulation 37 also sets out the luminous flux that must be achieved when a reference voltage is applied. In the case of an H7 bulb the luminous flux figure is 1,500 [+ or —10%1 for a 24V bulb tested at 28V [reference figure].

"The relevant test requirements are outlined in the Regulation." •

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