Headlights.. Daytime

mich800 wrote:

ktmrfs wrote:



there is I believe a big flaw in DRL is some vehicles, specific mfg include toyota and ford. If the DRL are on, the dash lights are also on. BAD BAD BAD. In vehicles I have had with DRL if the DRL were on, the dash lights were OFF. Hence when it got dark it would be pretty obvious to the driver the headlights weren't on, or at least the driver should be wondering why he/she can't see the dash cluster!! In this case, IMHO the vehicles should be required to have automatic headlights as well.

Personally, I like our GM vehicles with the combination DRL and automatic lights. headlights come on with the wipers, and even going through shadows in the road.

The dash lights on my F250 are not on unless my headlights are on. they do not come on with the DRL.

Same with my Prius. :h

ktmrfs wrote:



there is I believe a big flaw in DRL is some vehicles, specific mfg include toyota and ford. If the DRL are on, the dash lights are also on. BAD BAD BAD. In vehicles I have had with DRL if the DRL were on, the dash lights were OFF. Hence when it got dark it would be pretty obvious to the driver the headlights weren't on, or at least the driver should be wondering why he/she can't see the dash cluster!! In this case, IMHO the vehicles should be required to have automatic headlights as well.

Personally, I like our GM vehicles with the combination DRL and automatic lights. headlights come on with the wipers, and even going through shadows in the road.

The dash lights on my F250 are not on unless my headlights are on. they do not come on with the DRL.

This thread might help:

DRL for Ford F-series trucks

ktmrfs wrote:

wilber1 wrote:

BillyW wrote:
The other side of the coin, and I've done this before, is that people who are not that familiar with their vehicle driving with DRL, never bother to turn on their lights, thus they are running without tail lights. I see it all the time.

Also, a big part of my commute is at highway speed near a river. At certain times of year headlights guarantee that you'll be spending a long time removing bugs from the windshield and grill. In our case, there's enough bugs to render the windshield almost dangerous.

This is true, I see it as well and I think that is why DRL's are evolving. The new LED systems don't provide enough light to illuminate the road but do make you visible to other cars, cyclists and pedestrians. If you actually want lights to see anything, you have to turn your headlights on. They also also use a small fraction of the power that headlights use.

there is I believe a big flaw in DRL is some vehicles, specific mfg include toyota and ford. If the DRL are on, the dash lights are also on. BAD BAD BAD. In vehicles I have had with DRL if the DRL were on, the dash lights were OFF. Hence when it got dark it would be pretty obvious to the driver the headlights weren't on, or at least the driver should be wondering why he/she can't see the dash cluster!! In this case, IMHO the vehicles should be required to have automatic headlights as well.

Personally, I like our GM vehicles with the combination DRL and automatic lights. headlights come on with the wipers, and even going through shadows in the road.

It is just some, maybe cars starting about 15 years ago with digital dash boards, when the car is on the dash is illuminated. There is typically a small icon lit on the dash when the lights are on.

wilber1 wrote:

BillyW wrote:
The other side of the coin, and I've done this before, is that people who are not that familiar with their vehicle driving with DRL, never bother to turn on their lights, thus they are running without tail lights. I see it all the time.

Also, a big part of my commute is at highway speed near a river. At certain times of year headlights guarantee that you'll be spending a long time removing bugs from the windshield and grill. In our case, there's enough bugs to render the windshield almost dangerous.

This is true, I see it as well and I think that is why DRL's are evolving. The new LED systems don't provide enough light to illuminate the road but do make you visible to other cars, cyclists and pedestrians. If you actually want lights to see anything, you have to turn your headlights on. They also also use a small fraction of the power that headlights use.

there is I believe a big flaw in DRL is some vehicles, specific mfg include toyota and ford. If the DRL are on, the dash lights are also on. BAD BAD BAD. In vehicles I have had with DRL if the DRL were on, the dash lights were OFF. Hence when it got dark it would be pretty obvious to the driver the headlights weren't on, or at least the driver should be wondering why he/she can't see the dash cluster!! In this case, IMHO the vehicles should be required to have automatic headlights as well.

Personally, I like our GM vehicles with the combination DRL and automatic lights. headlights come on with the wipers, and even going through shadows in the road.

ktmrfs wrote:
given the push for mpg, I suspect that if DRL had ANY measureable negative effect on economy GM would NOT have DRL on ALL their U.S. vehicles, since they are not required in the U.S.

Maybe that's why there is always one DRL out on GM products... to save gas!!!

BillyW wrote:
The other side of the coin, and I've done this before, is that people who are not that familiar with their vehicle driving with DRL, never bother to turn on their lights, thus they are running without tail lights. I see it all the time.

Also, a big part of my commute is at highway speed near a river. At certain times of year headlights guarantee that you'll be spending a long time removing bugs from the windshield and grill. In our case, there's enough bugs to render the windshield almost dangerous.

This is true, I see it as well and I think that is why DRL's are evolving. The new LED systems don't provide enough light to illuminate the road but do make you visible to other cars, cyclists and pedestrians. If you actually want lights to see anything, you have to turn your headlights on. They also also use a small fraction of the power that headlights use.

dodge guy wrote:

Fordlover wrote:
fuel economy concerns don't bother me, but people who drive at night with only their DRL's on do. No taillights, and depowered DRL headlamps are a real danger on the road. I just prefer auto headlights, they come on automatically when conditions are less than ideal.

Yep, that is the side effect of DRL's. Many people fail to turn on their headlights. And of course those as the people that shouldn't be driving. Lights or not they are not paying attention!

The head lights in my 2001 Ram are automatic, I turn them on when I get it and off when I get out!

The other side of the coin, and I've done this before, is that people who are not that familiar with their vehicle driving with DRL, never bother to turn on their lights, thus they are running without tail lights. I see it all the time.

Also, a big part of my commute is at highway speed near a river. At certain times of year headlights guarantee that you'll be spending a long time removing bugs from the windshield and grill. In our case, there's enough bugs to render the windshield almost dangerous.

Fordlover wrote:
fuel economy concerns don't bother me, but people who drive at night with only their DRL's on do. No taillights, and depowered DRL headlamps are a real danger on the road. I just prefer auto headlights, they come on automatically when conditions are less than ideal.

Yep, that is the side effect of DRL's. Many people fail to turn on their headlights. And of course those as the people that shouldn't be driving. Lights or not they are not paying attention!