Daytime running lights

tacr2man said:

Why bother with sidelights ? in murky conditions the outline is visible before sidelights are . so use them as parking lights , and if any lighting is needed at all put on dipped headlights Simples These DRLs and auto lights function means more and more clueless wonders are driving around at night with just the \DRLs on

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It's the ones with dipped headlights functioning as DRLs that are really the dangerous ones, especially as the dashboard lights often come on too. Have passed numerous vehicles that are completely unlit at the back, because the driver can see where he's going and so thinks the headlights are on.

What I had in mind was effectively a brighter side light for use in daylight conditions- basically the original definition of a DRL (and not high-intensity LEDs that seem placed only to blind oncoming drivers.) With the main headlights on, or when parked up on side lights, the standard-intensity sidelights would be in use.

While you can argue the pros/cons all day, and that people should just look where they're going (they should!) more and more vehicles are now lit during the day, which makes those of us that are unlit less conspicuous. When I'm cycling I always have my front light on for the same reason, and my motorbike just doesn't have a headlight switch.

I just drive on dip beam most of the time. As far as I can see this covers the purpose, costs nothing, takes no time to fit, and is not any extra thing to go wrong.

Put 21watt bulbs in your side lights.
Then put a big foam fist with a pointed finger on the roof pointing downwards , light this up with flashing carnival type lights and a flashing sign saying look at me, paint your vehicle a very bright colour , if you can make it glow even better, jam your horn on, that should do the trick.

LED sidelight bulbs are much brighter, last longer and draw far less power - so you can leave them on as DRLs. I assume all other drivers are blind/stupid, so the more noticeable I can make myself on the road, the better. Maybe it's just Belfast drivers who can't see a two tonne white Land Rover approaching and pull out....

Im sure they can , Im also sure having lights on wont change that.

Isn't the point of sidelights to indicate the width of the vehicle to begin with, and not actually illuminate anything (like you would use dipped headlights for? Doesn't this then make DRLs pretty redundant?
Personally, I tend to chuck my side lights on anyway.

It seems that Volvo did the same as I was considering on mine, which presumably worked well enough. I might do some testing with bulbs behind the side light lens and see if it makes any difference in the day. I have some surplus brake light bulb housings I might use if it works.

Wikipedia said:

Daytime running lamps implemented by a second, bright filament in the parking lamp bulbs, introduced mid-1970s in Scandinavia and the UK, and in other markets outside North America in the early 1980s

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Its illegal to fit anything other than 5 watt in there. What might happen is people wont see your indicators.

I have these military lamps fitted to mine, much more noticeable than standard lamps without being stupid about it.

nobber said:

Its illegal to fit anything other than 5 watt in there. What might happen is people wont see your indicators.

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That's why I was planning to use dual-filament bulbs- 21W for DRLs, switching over to 5W sidelights when the headlights are on.

The military lights look good but I was aiming for a standard outside appearance If it was a modified truck I'd be more open to making cosmetic changes.

Have you thought about simply replacing your current bulbs? Bulbs wear out over time and get dimmer, a lot of people thin k because its working that it must be down to crapness then they fit brighter bulbs because they think they have to, simply put, if your lights are not bright enough its down to two things, worn out bulbs and/or a faulty electrical system neither of which require a higher output bulb fitment to remedy the problem.

nobber said:

Have you thought about simply replacing your current bulbs? Bulbs wear out over time and get dimmer, a lot of people thin k because its working that it must be down to crapness then they fit brighter bulbs because they think they have to, simply put, if your lights are not bright enough its down to two things, worn out bulbs and/or a faulty electrical system neither of which require a higher output bulb fitment to remedy the problem.

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It's worth a try. I'll do some tinkering and see what happens

LED sidelight bulbs are not legal and you must not fit them, as I have ;-) They are also much brighter, but not as bright as the LED sealed indicator units.

Tbh I never saw the point of fitting DRLs to a car that didnt have them in the first place, just switch on your side lights. I fitted the LED set from WIPAC which are excellent.

I have also seen many people driving around with just DRLs on and nothing else.