Diesel Technic: see and be seen with trailer lighting
Components provider Diesel Technic UK has emphasised the essential role that compliance with lighting regulations plays in ensuring the protection of drivers and other road users.
“Dry freight, refrigeration or tanker, if you’re driving on UK roads, you need to ensure your trailer has the appropriate lighting is a legal requirement as set out in The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989,” said Mark Todd, general manager at Diesel Technic UK.
“Proper lighting is key for visibility and safety. Especially when driving at night or in low visibility, trailer lighting can help other drivers identify the size of the trailer, so it is vital that all the lighting on the vehicle is in good order and working correctly. Lack of lamps or a failed bulb can cause a collision, as well as running the risk of penalties.”
Mark highlighted the importance of precise and careful installation.
“As bulbs are breakable goods, they need to be well secured for transport,” he said.
“That’s why all DT Spare Parts bulbs are provided with a protection for the glass socket to ensure they not only reach their destination safely and in one piece, but also during installation.”
Whilst changing many trailer bulbs may not be too complicated, it is important to exercise caution and following the changing instructions carefully, he adds.
Diesel Technic’s Parts Specialists have created a short video, explains Mark (‘PS Tips – Bulbs’, available via Diesel Technic Group’s YouTube channel), where Parts Specialist Rolf discusses the different types of bulb and points out important aspects to note during installation.
“Fully working amber indicators, designed to flash between 60 -120 times per minute, are deemed so vital [that there] must be some form of letting the driver know that they are functioning on the trailer, such as a buzzer or light,” said Mark.
“However, Rolf notes that bulbs with an orange coating can become worn over time and may no longer emit a proper and clear light colour. To ensure the safety of the vehicle, the bulb must be replaced as soon as possible.”
When installing halogen bulbs, it is important to remember that they should not be touched with fingers on the glass bulb, Rolf explains in the video; body oils from the skin and other contamination on the hands will affect the lifetime and illumination.
“It really is essential to follow this advice at all times to ensure the best performance of your bulbs,” Mark added.
“In the case of xenon bulbs, Rolf notes that they look very similar, but still have differences that are not directly recognisable. If there are different operating voltages, they cannot be used together.”
During installation in the spotlight, it is important that the bulb is correctly attached in the socket and that the connector plug engages properly, adds Mark; otherwise, the full product performance of DT Spare Parts cannot be achieved. When the cover is finally reinstalled, the seal must be checked to confirm that it is fitted tightly.
If this is not checked, the headlight can fill up with water, Rolf observes in the video, adding that before driving for the first time, the headlight setting must also be checked and adjusted if necessary.
“Whether for headlights, position lights or indicators, DT Spare Parts inspires with a wide product range that includes over 70 bulbs,” said Mark.
“These are suitable for brands such as Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, Scania, Volvo and VW.”
Customers can search for the right product for their vehicle in the universal parts section of the Diesel Technic Partner Portal: partnerportal.dieseltechnic.com
Those with technical questions or requiring help, hints or tips can contact the Diesel Technic Parts Specialists at:
helpdesk.dieseltechnic.com
