What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Do headlight colour temperatures need to match?

I have replaced one headlight bulb (D1S), and have noticed it is slightly brighter than the alternate side. New bulb is 6000k colour temp, and I assume the alternate bulb is 4000k or 5000k. My MoT is due soon, is this an MoT failure?

Asked on 4 December 2023 by rifuddinC250

Answered by David Ross
The guidance for MoT inspectors on this point states that the headlamps must be 'matched', which is described as: "emit light of substantially the same colour and intensity, and are the same size and shape that they are symmetrical to each other", which means it is something of a grey area. It is possible that it will pass, but you should prepare for the eventuality that it will fail on this point and so you may wish to swap the older bulb to the same type.
Similar questions
What are the best replacement bulbs that give great light and long service?
Can I fit brighter headlight bulbs to my 2009 Ford Fusion Zetec? Will Halfords fit these bulbs?
My 2013 Volvo V40 offside daytime running light is out - would this be an MoT fail?