Description of daytime running lights

Daytime running lights are an indispensable element of a modern car, which is installed on almost all models by default. This type of lighting is designed to highlight the car in traffic during daytime driving and improve its visibility. The use of navigation lights was first introduced in Scandinavia, after which it began to be used in many countries. In Russia, turning on the light during the day has been mandatory since 2010.

What are daytime running lights

Daytime running lights - deciphering the abbreviation DRL or DRL. The definition sounds like this: it is part of the lighting equipment system, which is a device located in front of the car. Its main purpose is to improve the visibility of moving vehicles during daylight hours.

After making changes to the Rules of the road Lights must be turned on during the day. Several basic options are allowed as running lights:

1. Individual DRLs, initially included in the design or installed additionally in compliance with the standards.Most often, this is an LED light source in the form of strips or headlights, which has a high brightness and is visible from afar. At the same time, diodes consume little energy and have a long resource, which saves on replacing light bulbs.
   Modern cars are equipped with DRL by default.
2. dipped headlights can also be used as running lights. It turns on when starting off and turns off when stopped. The option is universal, since all cars have headlights, regardless of the year of manufacture and design. The only negative is that from the constant operation of the headlights, their resource decreases, since the diffuser is constantly heated.
3. high beam headlights can be used as a DRL, provided that it operates at 30% of maximum power. This mode is available in some models of cars, which allows you to use it as an alternative to running lights. In this case, it is important not to use this option at full power, too bright light will cause discomfort to other drivers and pedestrians.
4. Fog lights - Another permitted alternative to DRL. They turn on in the same way as low beams and are used while driving during the day. There are no restrictions on power and brightness, any regular version of an acceptable color (white or yellowish) is suitable.
   Fog lights are a legitimate alternative to DRLs.

By the way! In many European countries, fog lights cannot be used during the day. This point needs to be clarified when traveling abroad.

By understanding what daytime running lights are on a car and what they are for, you can choose the best use case that suits you the most. The main thing is not to forget to turn on the light if you need to do it at the beginning of the movement.

Advantages and disadvantages of running lights

Separate running lights have features, they have both pluses and minuses that must be taken into account. The advantages are:

1. The visibility of the car is good, as the DRL uses bright led light bulbs. They highlight the car in any weather, including on a bright sunny day.
2. Electricity costs are minimal, diodes require a minimum of energy. This reduces the load on the battery, generator and system as a whole.
3. The lights come on automatically when the engine is started and go out when the engine is stopped. The driver will not forget to turn on the light at the beginning of the movement, which will eliminate fines and ensure the necessary safety.
4. The resource of LEDs is from 40,000 hours and more. This is the most durable option, it will last for many years and will not require periodic light bulb replacement. In addition, the diodes retain their characteristics throughout their entire service life, the light does not become dim over time and does not change its performance.
5. Regular and independently installed elements (subject to proper installation) improve the appearance of the machine and make it more modern. In many models, this is a special-shaped LED block that serves as a decoration for the car.

Due to the brightness, the running lights make the car clearly visible.

This option has disadvantages that must be taken into account, they mainly relate to situations where navigation lights are installed independently:

1. DRL machine equipment allowed only after agreement installation of elements in the prescribed order. And this is a big investment of time and significant material costs. If you install the lights yourself, the traffic police inspector can issue a fine, even if all the requirements are actually met.
2. The price of a quality kit is about 10,000 rubles, and often even more. Cheap ones are not reliable, there are often problems with normal operation, and the resource is many times less than declared.
3. Arranging light sources in the front so that they look beautiful can be difficult. This is due to the design of the front part, which does not provide for additional lights, and with a number of requirements that must be met.

If running lights were installed on a car model in some versions, the easiest way is to buy used equipment and put it in a regular place. In this case, you do not have to agree on anything.

How are they different from dimensions

Many drivers turn on running lights instead dimensions. This is a violation of the rules, for which a fine of 500 rubles can be issued. The brightness of the side lighting is much lower and it does not provide the necessary visibility of the car during the day, as it is designed for twilight and darkness. The purpose of the dimensions is the designation of a car standing on an unlit roadside in order to draw the attention of other drivers and avoid a collision.

Side lights are needed to indicate the car in the dark.

Running lights should be bright, this is their main difference from the dimensions. They are located only in the front of the car, while the side lights should be at the back, and with a long vehicle length and on the side.

DRL can be used as an alternative to the dimensions when parking at night. This is allowed by the rules.

Read also: Marker and running lights: what are their differences

How to choose running lights

The diagram shows in detail the requirements for installing DRLs.

In order for this element to be not only functional, but also attractive in appearance, you need to remember a few simple recommendations and follow the diagram:

1. The location is selected in accordance with the parameters indicated in the picture. Most often there are problems with the distance between the lights, since in some models it is difficult to withstand 600 mm. In this case, a different position must be agreed upon before installation.
   Running lights can be placed in the bumper niche, this is the easiest mounting option.
2. The shape should be chosen based on the features of the front of the car. It is important that after installing the light sources, it retains an attractive appearance. There are vertical and horizontal stripes, oval and round options, as well as products of other shapes.
3. It is better to use models from well-known manufacturers with bright LEDs. It is important that everything you need to connect is included in the kit.
4. If there is no place for installation, you will have to make a hole in the bumper. In this case, it is worth choosing the most compact options, they will not take up much space and will look neat.

Recommended reading: How to choose the right running lights according to GOST, so as not to be fined

The kit must have a wiring diagram for daytime running lights. It is important to follow it and attach additional elements correctly.

Recommended for viewing.

Daytime running lights increase driving safety and improve the visibility of the machine during the day. If there are no standard DRLs, you can use low beam, high beam or fog lights. Any violations are subject to a fine, so the lighting must be turned on when the engine is started.