Clearing Headlights

[d1ha]

Hello fellow sportage owners!

From a proud, new owner of a Sportage LX 2012 =]
I was wondering if anyone has or can make a DIY on removing the headlights. The reason I wanted to remove the headlights is to remove the amber reflectors. I believe euro models come standard with cleared headlights but definitely not here in the US...

Ive attached pics of my Honda Civic with cleared headlights and a picture of a Euro Sportage Headlight.

Thanks in advance!

[SlovaKIA]

Please correct me if i am wrong,but I don't think its just a deflector,you have bulbs there for parking lights,which we in EU don't have,thus the clear lens. Plus you can't get to it without baking the headlight open,something thats probably not recommended by KIA. Its a sealed assembly,not worth it.

[WD Pro]

A close up of the UK light style off a KX3 :



WD

[junrider]

Youll have to get a hold of the clear reflector and youll need a dremel, soldering gun, and some black silicon. Dremel the black housing behind the lens so you can open. Replace the amber reflector, reassemble, use the soldering gun to melt the cut you made with the dremel, and then apply black silicon to make sure you have a proper seal. Or buy the European headlights..

[d1ha]

Originally Posted by WD Pro

A close up of the UK light style off a KX3 :



WD

Dam those are clean!

[WD Pro]

It was actually quite dirty but the picture doesn't show it !

[marxman]

Why do you think they did this is it a DOT thing or ? in the USA. Also some people like the european driving lights too. Whats your opinion?

[WISporatgeSX]

Originally Posted by marxman

Why do you think they did this is it a DOT thing or ? in the USA. Also some people like the european driving lights too. Whats your opinion?

It is is definitely a country specific regulation thing. Every country has their own specifications when it comes to this. Some countries regulate what color fog lights are required, some say yellow is better for fog than white. US regulates amber for the side and turn signal lights for visibility.

I like the white like WD's, but not willing to risk the ticket here...

[Mads]

Amber and red reflector regulations differ from state to state, but the over-arching Federal law mandates amber reflectors as far forward as possible and red ones as far rearward.

Federal Lamps and Reflector law in detail: Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (scroll to the chart at the bottom).

Here in Texas, the amber reflector is not required and is not on the inspection list. Therefore, you can pass state inspections every year and usually not get harassed by local law enforcement.

[Mads]

Forgot to mention that in regards to tinting the taillights, any given LEO could cite you for tinting the tail lamps. There is not a specific law against tinting the lights, but legally lights and reflectors must be visible at certain distances (varies by state). The LEO may argue that the tint reduces said visibility. This is arguable in court if you wish to take that route.