The Basic Facts Right Hand Drive Conversions
In some countries like New Zealand, vehicles have to be driven on the right hand side, as such, upon importation of a car from the U. S or other LHD countries; it has to be converted to RHD. However, with a good reason, you can still have your vehicle converted even when you are in a country that uses the right side of the road for driving like the U. S. In some cases, you need the approval of relevant authorities to avoid getting into trouble with traffic offices. The right hand drive conversions are now done by big professionals as long as you pay for the service.
Perhaps, the most noticeable difference in the RHD cars is their cosmetic difference. The steering wheel is at the right hand and not the left as in the case with the more common LHD. The main control functions remain the same. For instance, the gear pattern is not altered though you have to use the left hand for shifting; something you get used to in a short while. The right to a left arrangement of the Gas, Brake and Clutch remain the same.
Normally, the process began by first conducting a thorough inspection. This involves recording the vehicle condition and everything inside. In the process, any interior or exterior damage is noticed. Most companies prefer to conduct inspections in the presence of the owner.
In the same way, the driving experience is slightly different. The main difference comes at the point of overtaking. Unlike with LHD where you just peek, and if the road ahead is clear you overtake, with RHD, you have to slight slow down and allow a significant distance between you and the car in front to be able to get a clear view before accelerating to overtake.
When it comes to conversion itself, you need to deal with companies that are well known and have a reputation of delivering quality products. There are companies that have made a name by working hand in hand with manufacturers to convert vehicles and take pride in their work. The re-engineering procedure is not very easy and it requires experts who know what they are doing.
When selecting the company, you need to ensure that it is ADR compliant. It the company only does the conversion without complying with the ADR requirements, the registration becomes difficult. The ADR license cost can be as much as $10,000 for just a single vehicle. While some cars can be converted by many companies, you might only have a few companies to choose from for some brands.
The most significant factor with RHD is the difference in driving experience. Cutting corners and overtaking is not the same particularly in a country like the U. S where vehicles are LHD. In order to overtake the car ahead of you, you have to slightly slow down and allow for a distance through which you can have a clear view of the road ahead. The RH drivers have a limitation in terms of view.
Regardless of what you choose, it is necessary that you trust this job to a highly qualified mechanic so that everything is made up to standards. This is very necessary, even if it takes extra cash from your pocket. Never accept a bargain price for substandard work as it can mean the difference between life and death.
Perhaps, the most noticeable difference in the RHD cars is their cosmetic difference. The steering wheel is at the right hand and not the left as in the case with the more common LHD. The main control functions remain the same. For instance, the gear pattern is not altered though you have to use the left hand for shifting; something you get used to in a short while. The right to a left arrangement of the Gas, Brake and Clutch remain the same.
Normally, the process began by first conducting a thorough inspection. This involves recording the vehicle condition and everything inside. In the process, any interior or exterior damage is noticed. Most companies prefer to conduct inspections in the presence of the owner.
In the same way, the driving experience is slightly different. The main difference comes at the point of overtaking. Unlike with LHD where you just peek, and if the road ahead is clear you overtake, with RHD, you have to slight slow down and allow a significant distance between you and the car in front to be able to get a clear view before accelerating to overtake.
When it comes to conversion itself, you need to deal with companies that are well known and have a reputation of delivering quality products. There are companies that have made a name by working hand in hand with manufacturers to convert vehicles and take pride in their work. The re-engineering procedure is not very easy and it requires experts who know what they are doing.
When selecting the company, you need to ensure that it is ADR compliant. It the company only does the conversion without complying with the ADR requirements, the registration becomes difficult. The ADR license cost can be as much as $10,000 for just a single vehicle. While some cars can be converted by many companies, you might only have a few companies to choose from for some brands.
The most significant factor with RHD is the difference in driving experience. Cutting corners and overtaking is not the same particularly in a country like the U. S where vehicles are LHD. In order to overtake the car ahead of you, you have to slightly slow down and allow for a distance through which you can have a clear view of the road ahead. The RH drivers have a limitation in terms of view.
Regardless of what you choose, it is necessary that you trust this job to a highly qualified mechanic so that everything is made up to standards. This is very necessary, even if it takes extra cash from your pocket. Never accept a bargain price for substandard work as it can mean the difference between life and death.