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.
The differences include the wipers being on the left while the turn signal is on the right. In the same way, the ebrake is now on the driver's side and the radio controls are now much closer. When it comes to driving, there are slight differences.
The time taken to complete the process varies from one company to the other. The average time is 4-6 weeks, after which you get the certificate of completion. This is followed by a wheel alignment after which a qualified engineer will conduct the inspection and test driving before the final road worthiness and other relevant certificates are issued. In some companies, the vehicle is taken to an independent inspection to confirm that the vehicle is compliant to all road safety requirements.
That is as far as the experience goes; there might be a few other issues like the local traffic laws and so on. However, should you go with the decision to convert, there are several things that you need to know. First, the engineer or the company that you assign your job matters a lot. While some companies go the extra mile by working hand in hand with the manufacturers to deliver high-quality products, there are some mechanics that do a shoddy job.
As already alluded to above, the conversion itself is not just taking the steering wheel from the left to the right. There are several other things involved. At the conversion facility, the car is dismantled and every part stored in a dedicated bay with the right labeling to prevent the mismatch. This is also done in a way so that the parts are safe and free of dust.
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.
The differences include the wipers being on the left while the turn signal is on the right. In the same way, the ebrake is now on the driver's side and the radio controls are now much closer. When it comes to driving, there are slight differences.
The time taken to complete the process varies from one company to the other. The average time is 4-6 weeks, after which you get the certificate of completion. This is followed by a wheel alignment after which a qualified engineer will conduct the inspection and test driving before the final road worthiness and other relevant certificates are issued. In some companies, the vehicle is taken to an independent inspection to confirm that the vehicle is compliant to all road safety requirements.
That is as far as the experience goes; there might be a few other issues like the local traffic laws and so on. However, should you go with the decision to convert, there are several things that you need to know. First, the engineer or the company that you assign your job matters a lot. While some companies go the extra mile by working hand in hand with the manufacturers to deliver high-quality products, there are some mechanics that do a shoddy job.
As already alluded to above, the conversion itself is not just taking the steering wheel from the left to the right. There are several other things involved. At the conversion facility, the car is dismantled and every part stored in a dedicated bay with the right labeling to prevent the mismatch. This is also done in a way so that the parts are safe and free of dust.
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.
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