... Until I see some statistical proof that these nonsensical..... (IN MY OPINION ).... DRL's have actually contributed to saving someones life, i will be remaining totally unconvinced....

Well, statistically there are only about 5% of cars equipped with DRLs involved in accidents, 95% of the cases it's cars without DRLs. (random number pulled from the hat, as most of statistics are. Don't worry, I work in market research).

But for common sense - better visibility always helps. Some time ago there was statistics about dark colored or green cars getting into specific accidents because they "blend in" with the background. Same you could say for cars without DRLs.

For me, there has been a couple of scares in traffic when some halfbrainer decided not to "burn his xenons" and drive without any lights on (saves the bulb and all that crap). Yes it was during the day - still couldn't see him coming. Also helps pedestrians see the car better.

I have the dim when indicating done on mine as well.

I have the light in my glovebox dim when I use my indicators - makes about as much difference to the visibility of them

That argument could be used for anything when it was 1st introduced though couldn’t it?

• Seatbelts
  
• Indicators
  
• ABS
  
• 3rd brake light
  

......as well as:

Radial tyres

Disc brakes

Halogen headlights

@Stoofa

Oncoming traffic can not see into your glovebox so that was a waste of time

do you remember what coding page it was on in vcds?

Go into VCDS

Select Control Module - Cent Elec 09 > Coding > Long Coding Helper > Byte 15 > Tick Bit 3 - Daytime Running Lights (DRL's) inactive with Turn Signals active > Exit > Do it

I don't have a problem with drl's as such. it's the brightness and the dazzle that you get from them in the day time. why cant they just run at the lower power setting all the time, there is no need for them to be so bright.

that's called plain old sidelights.

Great thread!

Glovebox light comment very funny!

Love my DRLs though. And am very happy that the car is so visible, especially as my wife takes the kids to school in it.

Go into VCDS

Select Control Module - Cent Elec 09 > Coding > Long Coding Helper > Byte 15 > Tick Bit 3 - Daytime Running Lights (DRL's) inactive with Turn Signals active > Exit > Do it

that's called plain old sidelights.

Then what's the point of a car with drl's fitted still having side lights then. If side lights are boring then so are drl's, they both do the same job at the end of the day. The only differance is drl's dazzle oncoming drivers as there so bright with no beam pattern like a headlight.

Then what's the point of a car with drl's fitted still having side lights then. If side lights are boring then so are drl's, they both do the same job at the end of the day. The only differance is drl's dazzle oncoming drivers as there so bright with no beam pattern like a headlight.

Only these poxy stupidly bright christmas tree LED ones.

VW and Vauxhall (probably others too) simply utilise the sidelight bulbs it seems.

Far less harsh garish and satisfactory light output IF you really consider them that important in the first place, which obviously many of you do.

Edited 8 February, 201313 yr by Mr Ree

@ meta55b

I only have DRL's on my car.

Not both

Then what's the point of a car with drl's fitted still having side lights then. If side lights are boring then so are drl's, they both do the same job at the end of the day. The only differance is drl's dazzle oncoming drivers as there so bright with no beam pattern like a headlight.

Just as a point of clarity: it's not only cars that use the roads. Pedestrians and cyclists (amongst others) do too. Seems that most of them need to be reminded that there are others on the road. DRLs do that quite nicely.

Personally I think that sidelights (front and rear) should be always on whenever the engine is running. I also think that manufacturers have gone over the top with "super-bright" LED DRLs and stupid shapes.

Just as a point of clarity: it's not only cars that use the roads. Pedestrians and cyclists (amongst others) do too. Seems that most of them need to be reminded that there are others on the road. DRLs do that quite nicely.

Personally I think that sidelights (front and rear) should be always on whenever the engine is running. I also think that manufacturers have gone over the top with "super-bright" LED DRLs and stupid shapes.

I agree that some sort of driving light should always be on including rear lights. It is definately easier to spot a vehicle with side lights or DRL's on so this can only be a good thing.

As for the fancy shaped LED's on modern cars i have to admit that i quite like them. They are bright but i havent ever been dazzled by them.

They are very bright but that just makes them easier to see. I can definately see a car with LED DRL's quicker than a car with normal sidelights purely because they are brighter and more prounounced. When its bright sunlight normal side lights can sometimes hardly be noticed.