Welcome to the world of mysteries. a well converted car from a Right hand drive (RHD) to Left hand drive (LHD) might be as difficult has telling identical twins apart.
In some countries, you do not need to make such efforts at converting your car’s drive. However, in Nigeria, that’s not the case. One of the reasons, this is common practise in Nigeria, is because you can easily find some cars cheap in the United Kingdom. In the UK, they drive on the left side of the road, hence their cars are Right hand driven. So most dealers in pursuit of profits, perfer to import cars from UK into Nigeria and have them converted to LHD in accordance with Nigerian laws.
So how do you tell a car with a converted drive from one that’s not been converted?
I got to learn a lot while searching for a Honda CR-V (2nd Gen. 2002 – 2006). Here are a few pointers:
- Check the Vehicle’s VIN history
This is the easiest way to check if a car’s drive side has been converted. However, you will need to spend some money. If you are reluctant in incurring some costs while checking out the vehicle’s VIN history, then this option is not for you.
- Check the wipers postioning
The wiper motor positioning and direction of movement is a good give off. This option works best if the mechanic is reluctant at changing the wipers motor’s positioning. Trust me, many are lazy in changing it.
So what’s the give off?
Wipers are installed to cycle from Passenger side to driver side and for its tips to rest fully at the Passenger’s end at rest.
LHD vehicle wiper installation
RHD vehicle wiper installation
- Check the position of the inlet pipes to the evaporator unit
Vehicles that have their drives converted will require that the AC suction pipe be newly installed in a new location, usually at the new passenger side.
- Check the Sun shade
- Check the Hand brake positioning
- Check the Gear numbering
- Check the AC controls
- Check charging port