Point of daytime running lights?

[GenesisCaptain]

I have the same rant for parking lights. I don't see the value of that switch position. parking lights are not a substitute for headlights, yet many people use them that way. Just have headlights turn on with the car, like a motorcycle. Problem solved. And, it eliminates the cost of the switch on the dash the downstream electronics.

 

[CanukV6]

I think I read some time ago that in Europe (and I think UK was mentioned) government requires rear DRLs in RED color.

In the UK and most of Europe Rear Fog lamps are standard on every vehicle since the 1980's. They are high intensity Red rear lights and are only allowed to be used in fog or poor visibility conditions. Their sole purpose is to give traffic behind far more notice of vehicles in front. Problem is they are bright enough to dazzle following drivers if used under normal conditions and drivers can be ticketed for improper use.

Regarding DRL's, I agree with many posts that they serve little purpose other than to protect good drivers from the stupidity of others who don't turn on their headlights (and taillights) in reduced visibility conditions. Central rear brake lights do assist you to tell the difference between tailights and brake lights.

 

[GWNorth]

Yes, Canada requires DRLs on all cars. NBD, and definitely improves visibility of oncoming cars. Many stats confirm the validity of same in northern climes. The Auto headlight setting on the Genesis will still turn on the headlights (and tail lights) when darkness falls.

 

[Darth Genesis]

Hi all.

Guess I'm a little late for this ... But I was really hoping to find an answer on how to defeat the DRL's ...

My concern is parasitic drain on this car - I just bought a brand new 900CCA battery. I have a short drive to work, about 25- 30 min. one way.

So, monitoring the new battery, I hook up a smart charger every 3 to 4 days, and even cranked to the 6amp maximum setting, sometimes it takes 10 hours 'till the "all OK" green indicator on the charger gets lit.

So I'd like to be able to choose to have DRL's or not ... Don't give a crap 'bout Canadian law, I got a brain. Plus I guess I'm a bit of an anal efficiency freak .

In reading a lot of these posts tho', I know safety is a concern, and I just thought of something that would be great (and probably easy to do) ... How about a sensor that detects the angle of the sun - You know, those days late afternoon, sun right in your face, can't see sweet F.A.? The sensor would turn on the tail lights. I do this myself naturally when driving straight into the sun ... for the guy behind me. It's surprising how many people don't ... Meaning, with the sun directly in your face, the guy in front can be seen at least a bit, if his taillights are on, which is way better than having brakelights magically appear 2 feet in front of your bumper every once in a while.

Guess I'll start a thread "How do we disable DRL's".

 

[STREETS]

DRL's add to fuel consumption?
The engine is running, regardless, the alternator is spinning- creating amperage- more than what car needs, regardless- turning on the lights or radio is creating more resistance on the engine? I would need an education lessen if this is in deep accurate.

 

[GenesisCaptain]

DRL's add to fuel consumption?
The engine is running, regardless, the alternator is spinning- creating amperage- more than what car needs, regardless- turning on the lights or radio is creating more resistance on the engine? I would need an education lessen if this is in deep accurate.

Yes, any electrical load adds to fuel consumption. The engine is running and the alternator is spinning, so there is a somewhat fixed parasitic load from these tow factors. However, after that, the resistance that the alternator puts on the engine is directly proportional to its current demand. So, any electrical load, no matter how tiny, adds resistance to the engine and therefore increases fuel consumption.

After that, we get into the philosophical stuff about whether an additional 5A load is even measurable in fuel economy difference. Probably, but probably only under perfect conditions in a highly-sensitive test lab.

 

[landtuna]

England has MUCH tougher drivers tests, and you can lose your license easier so fewer zombies make it behind the wheel.

After spending a good portion of my career working and driving in England I fully agree with this statement. You can depend on a driver there to give way (yield) if they are required to do so. You can also depend on them not to pull out in front of you. And once they pass you on the motorway (freeway) they will return to the "slow" lane without fail. And, instead of tailgating, they will politely flash their headlights if they want to pass. They are even very tolerant of scatterbrained Americans who can't figure out their round-a-bouts quickly.

Having said all this, it is more like driving in America when in London and other very congested areas but the rest of the country is a pleasure to drive.

Once you get used to driving over there you will find all sorts of issues with American roads and drivers.

 

[Buford T Justice]

I wish they would have just made the accent lights double as DRLs instead of having the high beams double as DRLs.
Because the accent lights look unique, I bet they would stand out more to drivers as well.

 

[GenesisKDM]

I wish they would have just made the accent lights double as DRLs instead of having the high beams double as DRLs.
Because the accent lights look unique, I bet they would stand out more to drivers as well.

I totally agree! Our high beam DRL messes up the look of our front end. I would be so much happier if I can just disable the DRL.