Daytime running lights - halogen, LED or xenon? – guide
In addition to the well-known xenon daytime running lights, more and more modules in LED technology are appearing on the market. Not only do they use less energy, but they also last longer than halogen or xenon lamps. They work up to 10 hours.
The innovation of LED technology makes it possible to emit more light with less energy consumption. In addition to greater safety and fuel economy, LED lights enhance the vehicle's appearance by giving it a personal touch.
LED daytime running lights - they are energy efficient
“LED technology can significantly reduce fuel consumption,” confirms Tomasz Supady, expert at Philips Automotive Lighting. – For example, a set of two halogen lamps consumes 110 watts of energy, a set of standard daytime running lights from 32 to 42 watts, and a set of LEDs only 10 watts. To produce 110 watts of energy, 0,23 liters of gasoline per 100 km are required.
The specialist explains that in the case of LED daytime running lights, generating 10 watts of energy per 100 km costs us a measly 0,02 liters of gasoline. Modern headlights, available in automotive stores, do not present any difficulties for users due to automatic switching on and off. LED products are much more durable compared to xenon or halogen - they work 10 hours, which corresponds to 500-000 kilometers at a speed of 50 km / h. On average, LEDs last 30 times longer than conventional H7 bulbs used in headlights.
LED modules emit light with an extremely high color temperature (6 Kelvin). Such a light, thanks to its bright, white color, ensures that the car we drive is already visible on the road from a long distance to other road users. For comparison, xenon lamps emit light in the range of 4100-4800 Kelvin.
Beware of fake lights
When buying daytime running lights, you should pay attention to whether they have a permit, i.e. permission to use the product in that country.
“Look for E-embossed lights, like E1,” explains Tomasz Supady. - In addition, legal daytime running lights must have the letters RL on the lampshade. To avoid trouble, you should buy auto lighting from trusted manufacturers.
Experts emphasize that you should not buy lamps that are teeming with online auctions. An expert from Philips explains that the very attractive price of xenon or LED lamps should make us suspicious.
By installing counterfeit fixtures, usually made in China, we risk losing the registration certificate, because they will almost certainly not be approved. In addition, the low quality of the lamp drastically reduces its durability. Fake headlights often have problems with leakage and lack of effective heat dissipation. Such lamps simply shine worse, and in addition, they can interfere with drivers traveling from the opposite direction.
Installation of daytime running lights
Daytime running lights are required to be white. If we turn the key in the ignition, they should turn on automatically. But they should also turn off if the driver turns on the dipped beam, high beam or fog lights.
When installing them in front of the car, remember that they must be at least 25 cm from the ground and not higher than 150 cm. The distance between the modules must be at least 60 cm. They must be installed in a place no further than 40 cm from the side contour of the car.
Prizes
Prices for daytime running lights vary. Standard daytime running lights cost around PLN 50. Prices for LEDs are higher. They depend on the quality of the diodes used in them (certificates, approvals) and their quantity.
in the module. For example: premium models with 5 LEDs cost around PLN 350.
Good to know
According to the European standard ECE R48, from February 7, 2011, car manufacturers are required to install a daytime running light module on all new cars. Remember that low beam is used for driving at night, in rain or fog.
Petr Valchak
