Headlights and rear lights on the Dacia Spring score strikingly low in technical inspections due to incorrect alignment and defects. This regularly leads to rejection at the APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring – the Dutch periodic vehicle inspection). The APK is the annual technical inspection that every car in the Netherlands has to undergo. These problems arise from a combination of cheaper components, condensation in the light units and faster wear of the reflectors. But how can you prevent your car from being rejected? Read on for concrete solutions and practical tips.
Why do the Spring’s lighting systems fail more often?
The TÜV report shows that the lighting systems of the Dacia Spring develop defects faster than average. The systems cause more problems than in comparable electric vehicles. This is mainly due to the choice of budget-friendly components. The bulbs and reflectors used wear out more quickly than in more expensive electric vehicles in the same category.
Moisture build-up in the light units occurs regularly. This not only causes condensation, but also affects the reflective surfaces. As a result, these reflectors lose their effectiveness sooner, which directly impacts light quality. This poses a greater risk for vehicles that have already been in use for several years.
The electrical systems also play a role. A weak 12V auxiliary battery can cause lighting faults. CAN bus errors make the communication between systems falter. The CAN bus system is the electronic network that allows all the components of the car to communicate with each other. As a result, the lighting does not always function correctly. This can happen even when the bulbs themselves are still fine.
‘ This mechanism does need to be checked regularly. ’
How do I adjust the headlights correctly?
Incorrectly adjusted headlights are a common reason for rejection at the APK. The Spring has a relatively simple adjustment mechanism. This mechanism does, however, need to be checked regularly. You can approach this in two ways.
The first option is to check and adjust the headlights yourself. Park the car on a flat surface facing a wall or garage door, preferably in the evening. Switch on the dipped beam and mark the centre of the light beam. Measure the height from the ground. Then drive exactly five metres backwards and check whether the light beam is at the same height. If it is too high or too low, you need to adjust the headlights using the adjustment screws behind the light unit.
The second option is to seek professional help. At most garages, headlight adjustment costs between 25 and 50 euros. This is especially advisable if you are unsure about the correct setting, or if the car failed the last inspection because of the lighting.
Why do the brake lights fail so often?
Brake lights and rear lights are a weak point on the Spring. Owners regularly report that one or more brake lights suddenly stop working. This is often related to the brake light sensor, which is prone to faults.
The sensor registers when you brake and activates the brake lights. If the sensor is defective, the brake lights remain off, even though the bulbs themselves are still fine. This is dangerous for the traffic behind you and leads directly to rejection at the APK.
In addition, wear on the contact points in the light unit also occurs. Due to vibrations and heat build-up, these contact points can corrode or come loose. In that case, replacing individual bulbs will not help; the entire light unit then needs to be checked.
Symptoms of failing rear lights
- Warning light on the dashboard indicating a lighting problem
- One or both brake lights no longer work
- Rear lights flicker or dim
- Visible moisture build-up in the rear light unit
What should you do if the lighting fails the APK?
If your car fails because of lighting, you must repair the defects within a month and have the car re-inspected. The cost of repairs is usually manageable. Replacing bulbs costs on average between 20 and 40 euros. Headlight adjustment costs between 25 and 50 euros.
If a complete light assembly is needed, the price is between 150 and 300 euros. This is considerably lower than for many other electric vehicles, where dealer parts are often more expensive. For the Spring, there are also aftermarket parts available that work well.
Do make sure you have a reinspection carried out after repairs. You pay a reduced fee for this, usually between 20 and 30 euros. Before you go to the inspection station, check that all lighting functions work. Test dipped beam, main beam, indicators, brake lights and fog lights.
Preventive maintenance prevents problems
You can prevent many lighting defects by carrying out regular checks. Check every month that all lights are working properly. If needed, ask someone to stand behind the car while you activate the lights.
Replace bulbs proactively before they fail completely. If one bulb goes out, there is a good chance that other bulbs of the same age will soon fail as well. This prevents unpleasant surprises at the APK.
Keep the light units clean. Dirt and insect remains on the headlights reduce light output and can lead to rejection during inspection. A simple clean with warm water and a soft cloth already makes a big difference.
Checklist for monthly lighting checks
- Check dipped and main beam on both sides
- Test all indicators, including the side repeaters
- Activate the brake lights and check that both work
- Switch on the fog lights (front and rear if fitted)
- Inspect the light units for visible moisture build-up or damage
Software updates can help
Some lighting problems on the Spring are electromagnetic rather than physical in nature. This means that a software issue may be the cause. Dacia has released software updates for certain model years that resolve lighting faults.
Contact a Dacia dealer to check whether updates are available for your vehicle. Also pay attention to any recalls. Vehicles built between July and October 2022 were subject to a recall due to charging issues. Although this is not directly related to lighting, the associated electrical system can still affect the lighting functions.
Resetting the instrument cluster display sometimes also resolves temporary faults. This can be done by disconnecting the 12V battery for a few minutes so that the system restarts completely. This is a simple procedure you can carry out yourself.
What should you check on a used Spring?
If you are considering buying a used Dacia Spring, thoroughly check the lighting before you close the deal. This prevents expensive surprises shortly after purchase.
Check all lighting functions during a test drive, both in daylight and in the dark. Pay attention to the quality of the light beam and any inconsistencies between left and right. Inspect the light units for misting or water droplets, which indicate leakage.
Ask about the service history. Have the bulbs been replaced recently? Was the headlight alignment checked at the last inspection? This information shows how well the previous owner has maintained the car.
Pre-purchase lighting check
- Check all lighting functions at the front, rear and sides
- Look for moisture build-up or damage to the light units
- Test whether the brake light sensor responds correctly
- Inspect the headlights for sagging units or loose components
- Ask about recent repairs or replacements to the lighting system
‘ The cost of repairs is relatively low, but the consequences of defective lighting can be serious. ’
Safety comes first
Lighting defects are not just an inspection issue; they have a direct impact on road safety. Poor visibility for other road users significantly increases the risk of accidents. Correct lighting is vital, especially at night and in bad weather.
Reduced headlight quality limits your own visibility. This makes it harder to see obstacles, pedestrians or road markings in time. Defective brake lights may be even more dangerous, because other drivers are not warned of a sudden stop.
Always take lighting problems seriously. The cost of repairs is relatively low, but the consequences of defective lighting can be severe. Regular checks and timely maintenance keep both you and other road users safe.
On the Carnews website you can find more information on common problems with electric cars, maintenance tips for the Dacia Spring and advice about APK inspections. Discover even more practical articles that help you get the most out of your car.
Frequently asked questions
The most common lighting defects on the Dacia Spring are prematurely failing headlights and rear lights, often combined with wear to the reflectors. Condensation or misting in the headlight and rear light units also occurs regularly, which reduces light output. You can detect problems early by testing all light settings (dipped beam, main beam, brake lights, indicators) every month and visually checking for moisture, dull or damaged reflectors, and differences in light intensity between left and right. If the lighting flickers or you get unexplained fault messages, it is wise to have the 12V battery and possibly the software checked.
Yes, there are a few typical causes: relatively cheap bulbs and reflectors that wear out faster and therefore provide less light. In addition, condensation in the headlight and rear light units occurs more often than average, which can cause faults. Problems with the 12V battery or electronic CAN bus errors can also lead to lighting malfunctions. Regularly checking for moisture, verifying that all bulbs work, and replacing bulbs in good time helps prevent most problems.
You can in principle fix simple lighting defects yourself, such as replacing bulbs and checking for moisture in the units, if you are handy and follow the manual. For more complex problems, such as electrical faults (e.g. CAN bus errors or 12V battery problems), professional help is strongly recommended. Always make sure that the lighting works correctly and is properly aligned after your repair. If in doubt or if faults persist, a visit to a Dacia dealer or an approved garage is essential.
Lighting defects on the Dacia Spring reduce the visibility of and for the car, which increases the risk of accidents, especially in the dark or in poor weather conditions. Defective headlights, rear lights or brake lights are considered grounds for rejection at the APK. The car will not receive a valid APK certificate until the lighting has been repaired. This means the vehicle may not be driven on public roads until the defects have been remedied and the car has passed the inspection again.
Check all bulbs (headlights, rear lights, brake lights and indicators) every month to make sure they work and look for condensation in the units. Keep the headlight lenses and reflectors clean and free of dirt, and have any moisture problems remedied in good time by a garage. Replace wear-prone bulbs preventively (for example every 2–3 years) instead of waiting for them to fail. Finally, make sure the car always has the latest software/firmware updates from Dacia, as these sometimes resolve electrical and lighting-related faults.