The theme of daytime running lights is quite relevant among motorists. Many drivers assemble these systems with their own hands to save money. There are many such home-made options that are more elements of tuning than a functional solution. These products will not bring benefits, and sometimes they can do harm. Such lights are often made from any improvised materials. Also on the market you can find many models from China.
Many still believe in the power of the latest technologies and, due to the poor orientation in these technologies, fall for the marketing tricks of the Chinese brothers, who indicate higher characteristics than they really are. It is worth figuring out how to choose running lights on a car, which models are considered the best, and what car owners write about them. The installation and connection theme is also very important.
Functions of daytime running lights
DRLs are designed to indicate a car on the road in the afternoon.
There is a regulation in which it is indicated that the glow should be at an angle of 30 degrees, where 10 should be above the horizontal, and another 20 below. According to the same regulation, the illuminated area should be about 40 cm
2 - this will help to avoid buying not very effective light sources. Often these are spotlight models.
Those who know how to choose daytime running lights acquire equipment whose light is already visible from a distance of up to 200 m even on a clear and sunny day. DRL, unlike automotive optics, have a lower angle of illumination. According to their tasks, these light sources should create the effect of a flashlight that shines into the eyes of a person from a great distance.
Types of Daytime Running Lights
In different countries, the types of these lighting devices are understood in completely different ways. It may well be the dipped beam, which is turned on at the time of starting the engine. To reduce the intensity of the glow, it works at a lower voltage.
They also distinguish between front emitters or turn lamps, which are independent of the electronic filling of the car, which operate continuously. But this is confusing for other drivers and can lead to an emergency.
Since November 20, 2010, in the SDA in Russia it is indicated that it is necessary to use DRL at any time of the day or night and on any roads. As running lights, anything can be used, down to the dipped beam or fog lamps.
By the way, the latter perfectly illuminate the roadside. Their light is quite bright, and a car with them becomes more noticeable on the road in any conditions. But they have a serious drawback.
Fog lights can blind other road users.
In Canada and the USA, the main beam is allowed to use high beams, but muffled. Some manufacturers specifically install optics with high beams under reduced pressure.
Running lights are first and foremost traffic safety, so do not save on this equipment or create an absurd construction with your own hands. If you know how to choose the right daytime running lights, you can purchase an inexpensive and effective kit.
Choosing LED Lights
Such DRLs are a very effective way of marking a car on the road. This is a spectacular tuning, as well as the opportunity to avoid fines. Today, DRLs are a very relevant norm of passive safety. Statistics show that with their introduction, the rate of accidents on the country's roads has significantly decreased.
For those who do not know how to choose LED daytime running lights, preference should be given to models where the light is stable, bright and powerful enough. But first things first.
Why LEDs? Because their brightness is much higher than most ordinary daylight. LED kits today are in great demand. They are noticeable under any conditions, and even in the brightest sun.
For those who do not know how to choose running lights on a car, it is worth saying that the blocks have certain characteristics. It is on them that choice should be based. Below we will consider the main characteristics of the DRL blocks.
Shape, dimensions, design
So, one of the characteristics is the shape and size. Kits of navigation lights can have different parameters and look like two replaceable or non-replaceable components. As for the design, it all depends on the designers.
Modern models can be not only classical, but also curved, triangular in shape or any other. The main criterion in choosing the shape and size is the bumper, its design features. The place where DRLs will be installed is also important.
Number of LEDs
Often a system consists of two blocks. Each of them may contain a certain number of diodes. This amount affects the brightness of the glow, as well as the appearance. In some models, there can be from 1 to 12 diodes per block. In the standard version, 5 diodes are available, but this solution is not suitable for all models and brands of cars.
Diode Arrangement
LEDs can be installed at the top, bottom or in the middle. On most models, manufacturers use the latter option, but non-standard devices are also on sale.
Luminous flux
For those who do not know how to choose running lights on a car, it is worth saying that when choosing it is important to maintain a balance between day and night.
If the LED is sufficiently bright, then during the day it can increase the visibility of DRL, at night a bright element will dazzle the driver. Today, most models have begun to use special microcontrollers that adjust the brightness.
Types of LED DRL
LED running lights can be divided into universal and standard. The first ones are created for most models and brands of cars. These systems are quite unpretentious, and even a child can install them. For those who do not know how to choose running lights on a car, this is a good option.
Standard solutions are specially created for a specific make and model of the car. Both the first and second types are produced by several world famous brands. Thanks to this, without any problems, you can choose a suitable set for any budget size. There is another classification - according to it, the running lights are divided into external solutions and with installation directly in the head optics.
So, the external ones are installed in a separate housing. Their main advantage is simpler installation and low price. Self-installation and connection is also possible. But they are very vulnerable to various mechanical damage and have a not too remarkable appearance.
The second option makes it possible to use quite powerful light sources, but at the same time completely preserve the design of the car that was developed at the factory. Installation of these solutions requires a specialist to comply with some important rules, as well as time and money.
Advantages and disadvantages of LED running lights
Among the advantages of such solutions, one can single out an increase in the level of safety on the roadway, a significant reduction in accident rate. Also, these kits have minimal energy consumption. Diodes have a long service life, and the wear of the system is almost zero.
Daytime running lights and an auto-inclusion controller greatly simplify the life of the driver - absolutely no intervention is required from the car owner.
On sale there are many models of different shapes, sizes, characteristics, which are suitable for almost any conditions. Installation of systems is simple. DRL services are practically not required, and the light does not blind drivers.
Among the disadvantages is the cost, because it is simply impossible to buy a quality product cheaply. Reliable, durable and high-quality kits require investment. However, such investments will quickly pay off, because the resource of low-beam lamps will be preserved.
Another drawback is that in some car models there are no connectors. However, this problem can be solved with minimal effort. You can install running lights on the car with your own hands. The connection diagram is very simple and straightforward.
Market Review
What are they, good and best DRLs? Do they exist at all? Let's try to find out. We will start with Chinese brands. So, these lights have already turned from new products to everyday life. Some motorists prefer Chinese models, others buy expensive products from Hella or Philips. It is believed that everything that has been done in China is nonsense. It's not like that at all. Among the Chinese there are worthy as well as honest manufacturers.
What to choose running lights on a car
Often motorists are offered an "eagle eye", "dragon's eye" or something else like that. At first glance it might seem that these are the best solutions. But most of the specimens differ in terrible wiring and poor-quality aluminum housing. The trouble is such designs in the absence of heat dissipation. As a result, the diodes “degrade”. If such lights are needed, then it is worth buying models from Hella. They are the best. It's expensive, but worth it.
There are also running lights on flexible tape. These devices are most often made by the Chinese. They cannot be called the best. Yes, and as running lights they are frankly weak. There are no aluminum boards or even radiators. The advantage is tightness, but they are suitable only for interior lighting. Hella has already begun to develop such headlights - it is worth waiting for the release of a high-quality model.
They also offer running lights in cases with plastic glass. Everything is very ambiguous here. You can buy a good model or run into a fake. And this is now not only about Chinese products, but also about well-known manufacturers. The first-generation Philips running lights had excellent performance, however, due to overheating and poor heat dissipation, the plastic glass simply melted.
Still sold lights in a case with linzovannymi glass. This solution is most preferred. If someone does not know which is better to choose daytime running lights for a car, then this is the best choice. Among the manufacturers - Philips, Osram and others. Here, and glass, and aluminum, and this is the best combination.
DRL in the form of plates on LEDs is something that should be avoided. They are suitable only as a backlight. There is no protection against dust, liquids, radiator. Service life - 3 months with intensive use.
Lights that can be installed in fog lights are the best they offer. Here, a 10 W LED, glass lens, aluminum housing and universal mounts.
The best running lights DRL: review and reviews
This review should start with brands from the Middle Kingdom, or rather, with Aliexpress. On the site you can find terrible kits, but there are also good, if not the best DRL models. Good Chinese lights will not be cheap.
Golden DRL Road type 2015
This is one of the best running lights from the brothers from the Middle Kingdom. Model from 2015. The body is made of aluminum. The manufacturer claims that this solution can be used as a fog lamp, but this is not so.
This DRL has practically no disadvantages. The power of each block is 10 watts.
There are two modifications in color temperature. This is a warm white glow of 3000 K and cold white with a temperature of
6000 K. The device has excellent heat dissipation. The brightness of the flow is 980 Lm.
A model is preferable, but not all models can fit it. As for the reviews, they say that the car with them is indicated perfectly. The glow is visible from a distance of 180 meters. The opening angle is in accordance with domestic regulations. The price is 700 rubles per block.
Philips Daylight 9
This solution is one of the best, but from a global brand. The model has all the necessary characteristics. It combines a good design and excellent visibility. You can install this model on most cars.
In blocks 9 diodes are applied. Together with the latest lensed optics, the angle of illumination of the road is quite large. Installation is very simple. Special latches prevent theft of modules.
The modules are equipped with electronics, which is compatible with most types of vehicles, including electric cars. The case is traditionally made of aluminum, and the lenses are carefully polished. Car owners using such products say that the light is very bright and the case does not heat up at all. Price - from 3500 to 5000 rubles. Now it’s clear how to choose DRL. Running lights and dipped beam - this is a necessary part of any car, because safety depends on it.
So, we found out what daytime running lights of a car are, which ones are better to choose and how much they cost.