Thatcham Research has underlined the growing need to repair rather replace headlamps in its new Headlamp Repair Guide.
It argues that the technology within headlamps has advanced so dramatically that replacement can now cost as much as eight per cent of the car’s value; and this will only increase as more tech, like LiDAR and cameras, is added.
The new guide, based on in-depth analysis of vehicle headlamp specifications, complexities, technologies, and typical damage, consolidates repair options in one place, and identifies key components often suitable for repair.
For example, it reveals that 65% of the top 10 carmakers offer a headlamp mounting bracket repair kit designed to replace the headlamp mounting bracket, which could save thousands of pounds, while an increasing number of carmakers are also making replacement lenses available.
Darren Bright, Thatcham Research’s Principal Engineer said, “Today’s lighting units are sophisticated components with complex, advanced technologies and often have coding requirements to maintain their ‘connected’ status within the vehicle.
“Thatcham Research’s engineers have collated this research data into the Headlamp Repair Guide that vehicle repairers can use to accurately reinstate an existing lighting unit, rather than replace it – to mitigate rising insurance costs and total losses.
“Our repair guidance highlights best market practices and gives Vehicle Damage Assessors the information they need to embrace sustainable repair methods rather than sending a defunct lighting unit straight to landfill.”
