DRL daytime running lights - an unnecessary element or a necessary vehicle equipment?

While the European Union is trying to harmonize certain rules, in many countries some rules are recommended, in others they are mandatory, and in others there are none at all. When are DRLs or daytime running lights allowed? How to use them? And when should other types of lighting be turned on? You will find the answers in the content of this article!

What are daytime running lights in cars? Don't confuse them with low beam

This is a specific type of lighting for vehicles, which has been installed in cars manufactured around the world for several years. They cannot be confused with low beam, position, fog, or side light because they are a completely different type of lighting. Regulation No. 48 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe governs daytime running lamps. 

The purpose of installing fluorescent lamps in cars

This type of light bulbs and car lamps do not have the same power as dipped beamtherefore does not meet the requirements for lighting the road in front of the car. You may start to wonder why install daytime running lights? Daytime running lights improve the visibility of the car for other drivers traveling from the opposite direction, the location of these lights and the power of the bulbs, which is a maximum of a few watts, are responsible for everything.

When can daytime running lights be used?

Given their power, it makes sense that they can only be used during the day (hence their name). But what does this mean? The fact is that the driver should not use daytime running lights at dusk. What is twilight? There is no single definition here, if you do not take into account the concept of civil twilight. what he? We are talking about the angular value of the distance to the center of the solar disk, which should be 6 degrees from the horizon. 

But how to read this distance in everyday driving conditions? 

The conclusion is therefore clear that it is better to turn on the dipped beam early than to endanger yourself by reducing visibility.

This is especially important in cases where vehicles are equipped with an automatic light switch-on system using a twilight sensor. However, it is not always perfect, and fog, sudden cloud cover or rain can interfere with its operation. Therefore, in such situations, it is better to turn on the daytime running lights manually.

Benefits of using daytime running lights

Why is it advantageous to use DRL lighting? There are several reasons for this:

• high beam headlights turn on as soon as the "ignition" position is activated, making it impossible to forget to turn them on;
• they have a very pleasant color for other drivers and are installed at a height that prevents glare;
• they consume much less electricity, therefore, reduce fuel consumption;
• they are very durable and burn much less frequently than traditional light bulbs.

Types of lights and daytime running lights

The driver who has chosen this type of lighting can choose one of two types. It:

• LED daytime running lights;
• dual function headlights instead of traditional fog lights.

In vehicles built before February 7.02.2011, XNUMX, XNUMX, there was no obligation to install such lighting elements, so the owner of such a car can decide for himself what equipment he will install. A large number of drivers simply opt for LED daytime running lights, which are mounted at a certain height, usually outside the range of the original lights.

In the second case, daytime running lights are installed instead of standard headlights. This is a convenient solution, since there is no need to install additional handles on the front bumper of the car. It is easier to keep the original style of the car.

Rules for self-assembly of daytime running lights

If you want to get a complete idea of ​​which daytime running lights to choose for your car, first read the conditions for their installation:

• implementation of the same height of fixtures;
• location within the contour of the car, but no further than 40 cm from the edge of the contour;
• symmetrical arrangement about the axis;
• height from the ground to the lamp within 25-150 cm;
• the distance between the lamps is 60 cm or 40 cm if the vehicle width is less than 130 cm;
• should start automatically when the key is turned.

Which lamps to choose for daytime running?

Now you know how to turn on the daytime running lights, we have already discussed how to install daytime running lights, so it's time to choose specific models. What is important when introducing such lamps into a car on your own? 

First of all, we are talking about approval, which is confirmed by the letter "E" along with the identification numbers of the country of origin. In addition, the lampshade must bear the RL marking, which is a certification mark. Without this, the policeman can take away the registration certificate of the vehicle.

Daytime running lights in turn signals

If you want to choose daytime running lights in the turn signals or on the front bumper, consider their brightness as well. It is defined in lumens and usually does not exceed 800 lm. This offer is for the most demanding car users. 

Durability of daytime running lights 

Just as important as the power of daytime running lights is their durability. resistance to external factors. Water resistance is indicated in IP units, full protection against water and dust. Devices with the IP67 mark can be immersed in water without fear of damage.

Stabilizer in the daytime running light module 

Last of all, this is the installation of a voltage stabilizer, which will prevent the light bulbs from burning out when the voltage drops or fluctuates. The daytime running light module is not always supplied with it, but it can be installed independently.

When using daytime running lights, remember to turn them on when it gets dark or when visibility becomes much worse. Thus, you will take care of your safety and the safety of other road users.