DRL - Not Standard?!
Oct 26, 2023 10:35:54 #
Why aren't Daytime Running Lights standard on all US cars? So many cars have these lights that it makes non-DRL cars less obvious. They tend to blend into the background. It would save car makers money having one system for every car, rather than having to maintain two different systems.
While I'm talking about headlights, I wish LED headlights would be outlawed. It seems that all trucks - with their higher headlights - have those LEDs. Why do they need them on during daylight? When do they have to use their high beams during the day? I wonder if those headlights had to be approved. Probably not. I flip my nighttime rearview mirror down, and I sometimes tilt the whole mirror down when the lights behind me are too bright.
Sometimes, "safer" is actually more dangerous.
While I'm talking about headlights, I wish LED headlights would be outlawed. It seems that all trucks - with their higher headlights - have those LEDs. Why do they need them on during daylight? When do they have to use their high beams during the day? I wonder if those headlights had to be approved. Probably not. I flip my nighttime rearview mirror down, and I sometimes tilt the whole mirror down when the lights behind me are too bright.
Sometimes, "safer" is actually more dangerous.
Oct 26, 2023 10:38:31 #
Oct 26, 2023 10:47:10 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Why aren't Daytime Running Lights standard on all ... (show quote)
I've been driving since 1958. When has this not been a problem?
Oct 26, 2023 11:32:49 #
terryMc wrote:
I've been driving since 1958. When has this not been a problem?
DRL began in 1995 amid some controversy, most of it ridiculous. They have proven to be a worthwhile safety feature. Trains have headlights so they can be seen.
I got my driver's license in June, 1960.
Oct 26, 2023 13:03:50 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Why aren't Daytime Running Lights standard on all ... (show quote)
In Missouri drivers manual it says your headlights should provide visibility at 100yds, I have yet to see an sealed beam headlight that provideds enough light to see person at 100 yds.
I just installed new headlight housings with LED bulbs in my 99 explorer the originals were so cloudy they looked like candles!! I do need to adjust them a little lower and aim them with the right light slightly on the shoulder and the left just on the center line. I had HID bulbs in my 06 caravan they seemed brighter to me but they produced enough heat that the would melt the plastic housing in my 2018 Caravan so it has Xeon bulbs in it.
I probably will change the High Beam bulb to Led s later on. The bad thing is I can only adjust the height ! and they are a bitch to change.
Oct 26, 2023 14:15:30 #
BigOldArt
Loc: Seminole, FL
Why do we still speak about "parking lights"? For many decades reflectors have been available. In the USA at least, jurisdictions do not require the parked cars show "parking lights". Renaming and rewiring them as running lights, would make the regular headlights available for all the signalling uses they had before headlights were used a running lights.
Oct 26, 2023 15:03:16 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
In Missouri drivers manual it says your headlights... (show quote)
"Provide visibility" - so that pedestrians can see the car at night? There are similar laws about taillights. They must be visible from a minimum distance.
What makes a tail light street legal?
By law, all headlights and taillights must be DOT compliant to be legal for use on all roads and highways in all 50 states of United States. Headlights or taillights without DOT compliance are intend for off road use only and are not legal for use on all US roads and highways.
I hate those LED headlights.
Oct 26, 2023 15:08:53 #
jerryc41 wrote:
DRL began in 1995 amid some controversy, most of it ridiculous. They have proven to be a worthwhile safety feature. Trains have headlights so they can be seen.
I got my driver's license in June, 1960.
I got my driver's license in June, 1960.
Sorry, my fault. I was referring to the too-bright headlights part of the post.
Oct 26, 2023 15:13:13 #
terryMc wrote:
Sorry, my fault. I was referring to the too-bright headlights part of the post.
No problem.
Oct 26, 2023 18:12:09 #
jerryc41 wrote:
"Provide visibility" - so that pedestria... (show quote)
Then you would really love HID
Oct 27, 2023 01:01:51 #
Bret P
Loc: California
My car is 2002, so daytime running lights.
But I always drive with my headlights on, day or night!
I agree LED lights can be glaring, especially on trucks, big SUVs and folks who replace their halogens with LEDs, and/or don't aim them properly. The old reflectors for halogen don't really work correctlly with a replacement LED.
But I always drive with my headlights on, day or night!
I agree LED lights can be glaring, especially on trucks, big SUVs and folks who replace their halogens with LEDs, and/or don't aim them properly. The old reflectors for halogen don't really work correctlly with a replacement LED.
Oct 27, 2023 08:37:57 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Then you would really love HID
I installed HID headlights on two cars, and they were very good - while they lasted. They had a very good cut-off, so they didn't get in the eyes of other drivers. Both systems died too soon, though.
Oct 27, 2023 09:36:33 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I installed HID headlights on two cars, and they were very good - while they lasted. They had a very good cut-off, so they didn't get in the eyes of other drivers. Both systems died too soon, though.
May be you subjected them to shock a lot? HID doesn't last as long as LED but they last long enough only I think shock can kill them.
Oct 27, 2023 10:00:02 #
BebuLamar wrote:
May be you subjected them to shock a lot? HID doesn't last as long as LED but they last long enough only I think shock can kill them.
I do have some pretty shocking experiences as time goes by.
Oct 27, 2023 10:11:05 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Why aren't Daytime Running Lights standard on all ... (show quote)
I installed LED bulbs in both my Subarus as well as the previous one. The lights that came with my Subies were too dim for night driving especially for my wife who has problems driving at night.
My Legacy has a nice feature that should be on all cars. It’s Automatic High/Low beams when driving at night. When driving on a dark road, the high beams are on until the sensors detect an oncoming car, taillights, or highly reflective signs.
Your car may have it but you’d have to check the manual for that function’s operation.
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