What we do to prepare for SVA and things to bear in mind when choosing someone to prepare you car.

In the case of a vehicle coming from America or Canada a full lighting conversion is required. The lights are of a different standard to European vehicles.

Many modern vehicles utilise electronics to control the car's lighting and simply tapping into circuits and bypassing certain outputs of such devices to obtain the lighting outputs for UK specification will overload the system and lead to premature failure. An example of this is using the same output as the front indicators to power the 'new' rear indicators. This method is quick and cheap but will overload the device and cause it to overheat. The lighting control modules are designed only to power the lights originally fitted to the vehicle and are very expensive to replace if they burn out and take time to order, meaning your vehicle will be off the road.

When you bring your vehicle to us, we will assess what system controls the lights. If it's electronic we will install an electronic control unit that interfaces with the existing unit in the car to give a safe, long-lasting conversion that places no additional load on the car's existing system. Our electronic interfaces are designed and manufactured in-house by our engineer, who is experienced in creating bespoke electronic solutions. A very common vehicle to be controlled electronically is the latest model Ford Mustang. LED technology is also becoming more common now, for example the Infiniti FX, and converting these systems to UK spec also requires additional electronics to make them work properly.

We can also fit 12N and 12S UK towing sockets to foreign vehicles that do not have one fitted. The package comes fully fitted and includes audible notification that the trailer's indicators are working. The 12S (for caravans) is properly fitted with heavy-gauge cable and has all the necessary relays fitted so its simply a case of 'plug in and use'. Please ask if you need this done, as we need to install the electrical wiring at the same time as light conversion.

Once the lights have been converted we will also check various other aspects of the vehicle that are examined at SVA, to ensure as far as possible that it will pass first time. Some vehicles, particularly Japanese and Korean imports are subjected to an enhanced SVA test, meaning that more items are tested and that independent documentary evidence is required to cover some testable items. We only work with US and Canadian imports, which is where we focus our speciality on lighting conversions.

You are in good hands with us, we are fully insured, have an in-house electronic engineer and have attention to detail - we will keep your vehicle looking as original as possible and use only approved and carefully chosen parts to give a high-quality and long lasting solution. If you need a quotation or any advice, just give us a call on 01603 881122 or contact us via any other convenient method.