On a cold evening in November, I got into my Mk2 Ford Focus to drive home.

When I turned the headlights on, both low-beam bulbs blew, one after the other.

I had a 24 mile journey ahead of me, mainly on busy, unlit roads. I decided it was best to get an RAC mechanic out, rather than try to drive all the way with high beams on.

I expected a long wait, especially with the current Covid-hit staff problems, so I wasn't surprised when it took just over 2 and a half hours for the mechanic to arrive.

The mechanic checked the electrics and confirmed it was just 2 failed bulbs. He supplied and fitted replacement bulbs. Both lights seemed to be functioning in the well lit car park, so I continued on my journey home.

Once I was away from street lights I became aware that the level of light from the dipped beams was inadequate. The spread of the beam was poor and didn't reach much further than 5 yards from the front of the car.

I continued driving home, having to drive with great caution where I couldn't use high beam.

When I got home, I reported the issue, thinking that perhaps he'd fitted the wrong bulbs.

Another mechanic was sent out the following morning. Without even lifting the bonnet he could see that both bulbs had been fitted upside down!

He quickly refitted the bulbs the right way up and all was well.

So clearly, the answer to my first question (at the top of this post) is;

It takes 2 RAC mechanics to change a light bulb.

But this experience does raise 2 more questions;

I'm staggered that such a error is actually possible. Is this an easy mistake?

Finally, would I have any comeback from the RAC if the police had given me a ticket for inadequate lighting?

Well, you can hardly blame him, it would have been dark when he did it! LOL It is difficult to install upside down as there is a locating lip in the bulb to prevent exactly that kind of thing (though not impossible). Once he did one side wrong, he just duplicated his error on the other side. I'm sure the police would have been sympathetic on proof that the RAC guy fitted them incorrectly.

Besides, it's not as if you were attending a 'party' during lockdown, or simply driving to test your eyesight LOL

Welcome to the forum...

Only one RAC mechanic would have been required, if the second mechanic had been the first one attending the first call. 😂

Can't believe I didn't think to ask if the first mechanic could change a light bulb!😕

They do all have a bit on them to locate correctly but it’s often quite easy to get the clip back on with bulb in incorrect position. Also on many cars the access to do it is tricky so you have to feel but can’t see what you are doing. So it’s a bit annoying he did that but it can be a fiddly difficult job on many cars.

How much did they charge for the bulbs? One day on way to work I noticed headlamp gone. At lunchtime I bought bulb in Poundland and fitted it. After driving 33 miles home that evening it had already blown. 

-That's the good bit!

They charged me £38 pound for 2 bulbs!

So I kick off a bit about their service and they refunded the lot!!

13 minutes ago, t100martin said:

-That's the good bit!

They charged me £38 pound for 2 bulbs!

So I kick off a bit about their service and they refunded the lot!!

You get bulbs for free, fitted for nothing, and you kick up about it on here?? Who do you think you are? Me?? LOL