After the success of exhibiting its MLT 1000 headlight at PMM’s trade show Mechanex, MAHA is happy to showcase the MLT range to PMM readers.
Headlight technology has improved at such a pace that it is almost impossible for the human eye to judge a headlight pattern and assess whether a headlight is in the correct position. Accurate headlight alignment ensures motorists have excellent vision while driving at night, while also preventing oncoming traffic and pedestrians from being dazzled.
Independent technicians and MOT testers, therefore, require a precise headlight alignment tester to ensure they can do their job to the best of their ability, while supporting the safety of their customers and those around them.
Analogue solution
Maha’s MLT 1000 is an analogue headlight alignment tester that is said to produce quick and reliable testing and results. It displays a vehicle’s headlight on a projection surface with a percentage scale with accuracy.
The MLT 1000, along with the MLT 3000 digital headlight alignment tester, is DVSA-approved.
Following installation, a member of the company’s service team will illustrate how the tester works, how to maximise its potential and how to keep it in working order. What’s more, a company engineer will pay the customer a visit every six months (subject to contract) to calibrate the equipment, to ensure it remains in peak condition.
Another attribute of the headlight alignment tester is its device design, offering a long-life precision guide pillar, even if used frequently. Also, a counterweight is integrated into the pillar, said to allow the measurement housing to be lowered and raised with one hand in a smooth gliding movement, supported by a ball bearing.
The MLT 1000 can be easily positioned in front of a vehicle; a large fresnel lens enables the unit to be positioned in front of a headlight correctly and simply. For exact alignment to a vehicle’s longitudinal axis, a laser alignment unit is available as an alternative to a mirror. It also moves between a vehicle’s headlights, with full directional stability, thanks to individual rails.
Handling matrix LED bulbs
The technology featured in the headlight alignment tester series reduces the possibility of human error but also the reliance on technicians. As technology has progressed with the introduction of matrix LED headlights in passenger vehicles, it’s more important than ever headlight alignment testers are brought into an independent workshop.
There are still some workshops that continue to use a 30-year-old headlight tester, mounted to an MOT bay, but that simply won’t do the job anymore – the lens won’t be capable of measuring new matrix LED bulbs. On the MLT 3000, for instance, via camera technology, electronic software can make the decision whether a headlight, irrespective of how many LEDs are present, is aligned correctly or not. It changes how people interpret what they’re seeing (subject to DVSA’s pending specifications).
The MLT 3000 is available as a single purchase but is also a EUROSYSTEM module; therefore, technicians can add the headlight alignment tester to Maha’s range of workshop equipment, such as the MBT 2250 brake tester.
