After-market DLRs.

patman99

I have been given some daylight running lights (basically 2 flexible strips of white LEDs).

Before I fit them, I want to check out something.

I have read that they need to be wired to come on with the ignition, but go off (or dim) when I switch on dipped headlights.

I have seen cars with factory-fitted DLRs that not only stay on with the side lights but also stay on and at full brightness when the headlights are also on.

So what is correct ?. I will be wiring them to come on WITH the sidelights (as have a number of people) and want to know if I will be breaking the law before I start installing them.

Tilt

Any particular reason for fitting them? DLRs were invented for drivers who don't know how to use their lights correctly. Some think that just because it's daylight, they never have to use their lights... even when it's pelting down with rain.

Unless you fall into that category, I wouldn't bother.

forgotmyname

Also check the distance from the indicators. They may need to dim when indicating also.

Mankysteve

The aftermarket ones look ugly I would save my money and not bother, but if you really must make sure you know how to do car electrics properly. They must either dim to side light brightness or go out when the side lights come on.

neilmcl

Why don't you do what every other idiot seems to be doing these days and stick your front fog lights on instead

Hintza

Or as they are staring to do around here and that is drive with rear fogs on 24/7 :mad:

Building_Surveyor

Personally I don't see the point in DRLs. If the car didn't come with them I wouldn't bother.

Iceweasel

The vast majority of folks in the UK who have after-market DRLs have just wired them into the sidelight circuit which is completely wrong.

I hesitate to say illegal - as the police don't seem much bothered about any of the light useage offences I see on a daily basis - mostly illegal use of fog-lights both front and rear.

I can only advise to do it correctly - which requires the proper wiring kit to be correct.

To advise anything else would be like condoning speeding.

If they are not wired properly they stay on when you select dipped headlamps and they are therefore much too bright.

This would be a MOT question - but I'm not sure if the VOSA have caught up yet.

There is little evidence of such proliferation of incorrect wiring of DRLs in the rest of the EU.

I suspect that many folks (perhaps not the OP) fit DRLs to make their car appear 'newer' - which is a British obsession anyway - which is not helped by having year designator numberplates - so the one-upmanship of a new car is encouraged.

Whether you want to or not there will be the perception that you have done something 'naff' - which is sad - because they are meant to be a safety feature.

So don't do it unless you are going to do it right.

patman99

Thanks for the answers. My friend fitted some to his Picasso and these were some spares he had lying around. I don't think I will be fitting them and will be letting him know about the legality of fitting aftermarket DLRs.

AndyPK

If you fit them connect the + wire to ignition (or side lights if u prefer) and the - wire to dip beam.

Should be close enough to compliment.

What car is it?

DTDfanBoy

You haven't seen factory fitted DRL's that stay on full when headlights are on as that is illegal, they all come out of the factory with a dimmer built in or simply switch off when the headlights are on.


What you have seen is DRL's that have been fitted by clueless Chavs :cool:


What useful purpose would they serve if wired to only operate when your headlights or sidelights are on. All they do is dazzle other road users and make you look like a complete tool :rotfl: