How to choose and install daytime running lights on a car with your own hands

To highlight the vehicle on the road during daylight hours, it is equipped with daytime running lights. Their installation is optional, since you can use the headlights, but this lighting has a number of disadvantages. You can choose, install and connect DRL in a car with your own hands, even without special knowledge in electrical engineering

What are daytime running lights

Daytime running lights (DRL) are a light source that is directed forward and improves the visibility of the vehicle (TC) when driving during daylight hours. In 2010, a decree was issued in Russia, which states that all vehicle owners must move in the daytime with the dipped headlights on. If we look at the statistics, the number of accidents after the entry into force of the decree has significantly decreased. From this follows the high efficiency of the use of DRL. In addition, such lighting allows you to give the car a certain personality.

DRL appointment

So, we found out that LED lights allow you to mark the car on the road during daylight hours, and this is especially important in bright sunny weather or in summer rain. If you turn on the side lights, the vehicle will remain unnoticed due to the lower intensity of the emitted light. The light from the dimensions is suitable for night time. Some motorists may have a question - what is the difference between DRL and low beam headlights? Yes, you can drive with low beam, it is not prohibited by law, but there are some nuances that you need to know about:

  1. The service life of lamps and optics in general is reduced. When using expensive lighting equipment, its replacement will require considerable financial costs.
  2. When the dipped beam is turned on, the side lights are simultaneously turned on, the dashboard is also illuminated. This leads to an increase in energy consumption and, accordingly, increased fuel consumption.

From the above, we can conclude: buying and installing DRL will be the right decision. There is an opinion that this type of lighting can be replaced by fog lamps (PTF), but in reality this is not the case. For foglights, the power consumption is similar to the power of the dipped beam headlights.

Daytime running lights allow you to mark the car on the road during daylight hours and make driving safer

Advantages

The considered design consists of LED elements. DRLs are endowed with a special mode of operation when they are connected when the motor is started. This can be done by choosing one of the lantern connection schemes below or by installing equipment with a control unit. When the dipped beam headlights are turned on, the DRL power is reduced by 50%, as a result of which this light source works as an additional size. Equipping a car with running lights simultaneously solves several problems:

  1. You do not need to constantly remember to turn on the headlights.
  2. LEDs are characterized by much lower energy consumption compared to conventional bulbs used in headlights.
  3. Compared to high beam, DRL does not blind oncoming drivers.
  4. The light beam of daytime running lights has an increased light spot size.

One of the important advantages of DRLs is their special design for marking vehicles on the road. Compared to dipped headlights, they provide more light, which is noticeable to other drivers.

The DRL installation has a number of advantages, one of which is the high brightness of the glow, in contrast to the dipped beam

How to choose

Many car owners are wondering about the choice of DRL. There are many options for this lighting system, and sometimes it is not very easy to make a choice. To make the right decision, you need to consider the size, shape, location where the equipment will be installed. In addition, attention is paid to the brightness of the glow and the manufacturer. Let's dwell on each moment in more detail.

In shape, as well as in size, DRLs can be very diverse. The shape of the body of LED equipment can be round, oblong, triangular or square. It is also possible to construct from separate parts, interconnected by a wire. Before purchasing and installing this or that option, you need to find out whether it will fit in size and how it will look on your car. It is important to determine the installation site in accordance with GOST and taking into account the car bumper. Today, the most popular are rectangular DRLs in a molded case. They can be installed on almost any car, which will make it more attractive.

Now for the brightness of the glow. Basically, the system under consideration consists of two blocks, which are mounted on the left and right at the front of the car. Each of the blocks includes a certain number of LEDs (1–12 pcs.). Depending on the number of elements, the brightness of the glow will be different. The standard block of daytime running lights consists of 5 LEDs, but this option is not suitable for every car. The arrangement of elements can be performed at the bottom, top or in the middle. An important point: the color of the glow of the diodes should be white, that is, with a temperature of 5-6 thousand K (Kelvin) and a luminous intensity of 400 cd (candela).

The service life, characteristics and overall performance of the LED equipment will depend on the manufacturer's choice. The most popular in the field of optics are companies such as Hella, Osram, Philips. The equipment of these companies is of high quality and reliability. There are a number of other manufacturers, but they are inferior in light performance to the brands overpowered above.

DRLs have various shapes, characteristics, design features, can be installed in different places in the front of the car

How to choose the right DRL? The main rule that should be followed is the high luminance of the LED elements. It is advisable to choose those devices that have a current consumption of 0.5-1 A. At the same time, power is not always an indicator of the efficiency of daytime running lights. Some experts are of the opinion that the light beam of LED lights should be in the range of 550-700 cd. It is this luminous intensity that makes the vehicle visible from a distance of more than 1 km. In addition to the rectangular shape, the round one is no less popular, since such running lights are characterized by the efficient operation of reflectors.

Preference should also be given to those devices, the body of which is made of aluminum. This allows them to be equipped with more powerful LED elements, since the metal is endowed with high heat dissipation, which contributes to better cooling when installing light sources with high efficiency. If we consider the best option from the point of view of installation, then attention should be paid to those devices that have a direct connection to the battery, bypassing the ignition system. The principle of operation of such equipment involves switching on when a certain voltage of the vehicle's on-board network is reached.

Legal regulations for the installation of DRL

It is important to know and take into account the requirements for the selection and installation of LED lights:

  • the number of LED blocks should be no more than 2 pcs.;
  • installation of DRL on trailers is prohibited;
  • the inclusion of running lights should be automatic;
  • the lighting unit must be round or rectangular;
  • depending on the location of the DRL, the size may differ: smaller devices are installed on the air intake, on the larger bumper;
  • LED units should have a brightness of 150-330 lumens, while the number of elements and their size are selected independently.

During the installation process, it is important to consider:

  • instead of running lights, you can use high beam headlights or fog lights;
  • there are no special requirements for the connection diagram;
  • daytime lights should be located at a distance of no more than 40 cm from the edge of the car body;
  • the distance between DRLs must be at least 60 cm, and if the vehicle is less than 130 cm wide, it can be reduced to 40 cm;
  • when installing, the running lights are directed forward, while the horizontal angle should be 20 ˚, vertical 10 ˚;
  • the operation of running lights with a stroboscopic effect is prohibited;
  • LEDs should light up when the engine starts and go out after turning on the head optics.

It is worth noting that self-installation of DRL is permitted and legal in accordance with RF Resolution No. 720, which is dated September 2009. In this case, it is important not to fall under the restrictions of GOST, which requires certification of compliance with any changes in the vehicle design.

Installation of DRL on the car must be carried out taking into account the current rules

How to install on a car with your own hands

First of all, it should be said that for the installation of the system in question, the following list of materials and tools will be required:

  • pliers;
  • nippers;
  • soldering iron;
  • insulated two-core wire;
  • LED blocks;
  • relay for 12V;
  • reed switch;
  • single core wire;
  • plastic clamps.

The list may be different depending on the scheme and place of installation. In the case of using Chinese-made DRLs, it is recommended to treat the case with a sealant before installation to avoid water ingress. Consider several options for schemes with which you can connect DRLs.

Daytime running lights connection diagrams

One of the simplest options is to automatically turn on the running lights when the ignition is turned on and the engine is started. The circuit does not have any additional elements: LED equipment is connected to the power supply of the on-board network: plus for the ignition switch, minus for ground (body). With such an installation, no special skills and knowledge of electrical engineering are required.

A circuit that implements the inclusion of daytime running lights automatically when the ignition is turned on

There is another scheme that is similar to the first, but the difference is that the running lights turn off when the dipped headlights are turned on. The differences are that the positive wire is connected, as in the previous circuit, and the negative wire is connected to the "+" of the dipped-beam lamps. The operation of such a circuit is due to the fact that ordinary lamps are characterized by a higher current consumption than LEDs and a lower resistance. As a result, the lamp will not work even at full capacity, and this will not affect the operation of the running lights in any way. At the moment the dipped beam is turned on, a "+" will appear on the negative wire of the DRL, which will turn them off. But at the same time, turning on the high beam will lead to the launch of the running lights. In this case, the DRL can be connected to the dimensions.

The scheme in which DRLs are started when the side lights are turned on

For the following circuit, you will need an element such as a reed switch. In it, DRLs work when starting and running the engine. We connect the negative wire from the LED equipment to ground, and the positive wire to 30 contact of the relay, 87 contact to the "+" battery or any wire with a large cross-sectional diameter, 85 contact of the relay is connected to the total ground, 86 to one of the reed switch contacts. The second output of the reed switch is connected to any “+”, for example, from a battery or a generator. Next, we start the engine and by moving the reed switch we find the position at which the relay will work and the LEDs will work. We mount the reed switch, which is previously placed in a heat-shrinkable tube, using a plastic tie to the generator in the appropriate position. If there is no reed switch, then you can slightly alter the circuit by connecting 86 contact with the oil pressure lamp, which is located on the instrument panel. As a result, the running lights will come on when the engine is started.

DRL can be switched on when starting the engine by using a reed switch

Installation locations

Many car owners do not install LED lighting according to the rules. Therefore, you need to figure out where you can install this type of lighting equipment:

  1. One of the installation methods is on the bottom of the radiator grill. The car owner chooses running lights based on his preferences.
  2. Installation of DRL from the bottom or top of the radiator grill, while using LED strips. This is one of the options that is not considered by law as DRL, since the LED strip is more a tuning element than a lighting element.
  3. Installation of LEDs along the perimeter of the radiator grill. The variant does not comply with the vehicle safety rules.
  4. Installation of LED strip in head optics. It is widely used on tenth generation VAZ cars. This method of installation meets the requirements of operation and is approved for use.
  5. Installation of daytime running lights in places provided for PTF (fog lights). This option is approved for operation and meets safety requirements. In most cases, circular lanterns are used for this method. But since fog lights can be used instead of running lights, this option is not very popular.

Installation and connection process

We start work with the selection of a place. At this stage, it is important to take into account not only the dimensions of the vehicle and the method of fastening, but also the recommendations for installation. Running lights must be located at a height of 350 mm to 1500 mm from the roadway. The minimum height is 250 mm, but if the car is operated with a load, the body will lower. This point must be taken into account. Depending on what type of vehicle the DRLs are installed on, the optimal height parameter can range from 400 mm to 800 mm.

The DRL kit, depending on the specific model of the device, consists of LEDs, wires, mounting brackets, instructions and a control unit

The next stage is the installation of running lights. When purchasing equipment, the kit must contain everything you need: LEDs, wires, instructions and other materials. When installing the DRL in the radiator grill, it will need to be removed. The place where the bracket will be mounted must be washed and degreased. Then double-sided tape is glued, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the staple. After removing the protective layer, a bracket is attached to the tape. Before the clamp is fixed, pull the wire that goes from the body. Experts recommend making the mount more reliable and not relying only on tape. In this case, holes are drilled, and the fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws. Even when mounted on tape, fixing on self-tapping screws is performed.

One of the popular DRL installation locations is the grille.

The next step is to install the control unit. It is best to locate the unit near the battery, but away from the engine to avoid overheating. Since the enclosure is sealed and waterproof, no additional protective measures are required. The unit is connected according to the standard scheme:

  • The red wire is connected to the “+”, the black one to the “-” of the battery.
  • The orange wire should be connected to the dipped headlights or dimensions. The purpose of the orange wire is to turn off the DRL when the headlights are turned on. If you do not connect this wire, then the LEDs will shine too brightly and dazzle oncoming drivers.
  • When the head optics are turned off, the LEDs should glow brightly.
  • The lanterns are connected to the unit with a corresponding cable on a detachable connection.

Standard connection of DRL to the battery terminals, which is the most reliable power supply option

After the work done, it is necessary to check whether everything has been done correctly. When the engine starts, the DRL should light up, when the headlights are turned on, they should dim, and when the engine is turned off, they should completely go out. If the LEDs glow for about 20 seconds after the engine is turned off, then this is considered normal. After you have checked and made sure that the system is working correctly, fix the central unit and fix the LED blocks. To do this, they are inserted and snapped into the mounting bracket.

Next, the wiring is neatly laid under the hood and secured with plastic ties. Important: Do not attach wires to the fuel line, pressure hoses and radiator pipe. Upon completion of all operations, the grill is installed in place. Above, the option with a control unit was considered. If there is none, then you will need to install the relay along the dipped beam circuit in accordance with the above diagrams.

The DRL control unit is located near the battery, but away from the engine to avoid overheating

DIY control unit

If you are familiar with electrical engineering, then why not assemble the DRL unit yourself. The principle of operation of such a unit is that it receives voltage when the ignition is turned on, and it determines the operation of the engine by the frequency of pulses on the ignition coil. If the time of the presence of the pulses is more than 5 s, then the DRL is automatically turned on. If there are no pulses within the specified time, then the lighting will not turn on. In addition, the unit turns off the LEDs when the head light is turned on.

It is connected as follows:

  • power is taken at any point where it is present when the ignition is turned on;
  • to count the pulses, the connection is made to the ignition coil;
  • the signal to turn on the main lighting is taken from the point at which 12 V appears when the head light is turned on;
  • at the output of the device, a car relay with a consumption current of no more than 200 mA at a voltage of 12 V is used, while the switched current should be 30–40 A;
  • connect the negative wire to ground.

With sufficient knowledge in the field of electronics, you can assemble a diagram of the DRL control unit with your own hands

DRL connection through the generator

Consider how you can power the daytime running lights from a generator using a standard automotive relay (5 pins). The connection process is as follows:

  • The 30th contact of the relay is connected to terminal D of the generator;
  • The 80th is connected to the "+" of the dimensions;
  • 87th - connects to "+" LED blocks;
  • 86th - body weight.

In addition to the relay, the circuit assumes the use of a button, which must be connected in a circuit between the 30th contact of the relay and the generator. As a result, the device will work as follows:

  • When the engine is started, "+" goes from the generator through the button to the 30th contact of the relay. Further, the current flows to the "+" contacts of the daytime running lights, which leads to the lighting of the LEDs.
  • When the side lights are turned on, a voltage arises between the relay contacts (85 and 86), the coil is triggered and the contacts (30 and 87) are closed. At the 87th pin, there is no voltage and the DRLs are turned off.

Installation and connection to standard headlights

Daytime running lights can be built into standard optics, for example, in PTF. To do this, you only need to redo the fog lights so that they turn on the right way, while the fog lights themselves will still work. To implement the plan, you will need two relays for 4 and 5 contacts. The connection is made as follows:

  • 85 contact of the first relay is connected to ground;
  • 86 contact goes to “+” side lights or low beam;
  • Contact 30 is connected to 87 of the second relay;
  • from contact 87, there is a connection to the “+” headlight output, while the PTF connection remains intact;
  • 86 contact of the second relay is connected to the generator “+”;
  • The 30th contact of the second relay is connected with a wire to the “+” battery through a fuse;
  • Contact 85 of the second relay is connected to ground.

It is worth noting that when the 86 contact of the second relay is connected to the generator, the DRL will start working as soon as the engine starts. If the connection is made through the ignition switch, the LEDs will light up after the ignition is turned on. Both options will be correct, and the choice is yours.

As you could understand, DRL connection is possible in different ways. In this case, either a relay or a special control unit for the lighting system can be used. Which option to give preference, everyone chooses independently. Above, it was described not only what daytime running lights are intended for, but also possible installation methods and connection diagrams. As a result, it will not be difficult to equip your car with such lighting.

Video: An example of installing joint optics of DRL and PTF on a Dacia Renault logan

Installing daytime running lights on a car is not a complicated procedure and can be done by anyone if necessary. The main thing is to familiarize yourself with the possible connection diagrams, installation locations and perform a neat installation, adhering to certain rules and recommendations.

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