Daytime running lights (DRL) are special LED headlights that turn on without the participation of the driver when the engine is running. Since 2011, changes have been made to the Rules of the Road (SDA) of the Russian Federation, according to which the driver is required to constantly drive with fog lights, DRLs or dipped beam headlights on. This change helps the driver to remain visible even in poor visibility conditions.

Why install additional running lights

In the photo - special LED headlights or, as they are also called, daytime running lights

The question of the advisability of installing additional DRLs is often raised by motorists. After all, you can turn on the dipped beam headlights or fog lights. But as practice shows, daytime running lights are more economical and brighter. In addition, diode DRLs help reduce fuel consumption, do not overheat the car engine, have a longer service life (conventional lamps burn out after a few months), do not blind passers-by and other drivers, and also have a protective housing that prevents dust and moisture.

Legal regulations for the installation of daytime running lights

Requirements for the selection and installation of DRL:

1. The number of running lights should not exceed two pieces.
2. DRLs are not allowed to be mounted on trailers.
3. Running lights should light up on their own.
4. The LED strip must be round or rectangular.
5. The size of the tape depends on the location on the car: less for the air intake, more for the bumper.
6. The brightness should fluctuate in the range of 150-330 lumens. The size and number of diodes can be selected independently. Also, if desired, you can install warm (yellow) point diodes.

Video about daytime running lights

Things to consider when installing DRL:

• The installation of running lights is not required, instead, you can turn on the "fog" or daytime running lights.
• No more than two.
• Wiring diagram without special requirements.
• DRLs should not be located more than 40 cm from the edges of the car body.
• The distance between the navigation lights must be at least 60 cm. If the width of the car is less than 130 cm, then the distance can be reduced to 40 cm.
• Daytime running lights must be directed forward. The horizontal Beta is 20 degrees and the vertical Alfa is 10 degrees.
• Strobe running lights must not be used.
• The circuit should work as follows: DRLs are started in automatic mode along with the engine and turn off after the main headlights light up. Except when the main lights come on for a short period of time to give a signal.

Do-it-yourself running lights on a car

Since the price of LED strips is not very high, and the installation scheme is quite simple, you can install the DRL yourself so as not to pay the master for the work. Below we will consider the option of mounting running lights inside the headlight.

The installation process is as follows:

1. First, dismantle the headlight assembly. Next, you need to soften the sealant to get inside. To do this, you can use a regular hair dryer. The headlight unit should be blown until the glass is peeled off. If it does not come out, then you can place the headlights in the oven chamber, preheated to a temperature of 100 degrees. Keep it for no more than 5 minutes, otherwise the block may be deformed.
2. Glass must be removed very carefully. For this, a thin screwdriver or a knife is suitable.
3. After the glass has been separated, the glass can be tinted immediately.
4. While the film dries, we dismantle all the internal parts of the headlight.
5. Next, we make substrates for a flexible LED strip. It is best to use aluminum plates. Make sure their surface is smooth and free of rust.
6. Using silicone sealant, we put the LED strip on the plate, and then we attach it to the inner housing of the diffuser.
7. We solder the LED elements and check that all diodes work.
8. At the end, glue the glass with a sealant and install the headlight in place.

If you purchased ready-made running lights, then you can install them in the grille or on the bumpers. Since the finished DRL has a sealed housing and special brackets for mounting.

The easiest way to connect purchased or hand-made daytime running lights is with a Philips control box. It is considered one of the best on the market, so you can buy a block without any problems at any auto parts store or order via the Internet. Its price is 1200-1500 rubles.

DRL connection diagram:

1. You need to choose a location for the control unit. It should be as close to the battery as possible and away from the heat source. You should not mount the block until you are sure that everything works.
2. Next, you need to stretch the wires of the headlights to the control unit. On some vehicles, you will have to remove the front panel to do this. Wires should not come into contact with sharp surfaces and heat sources.
3. Connect the red wire of the control unit to the positive pole of the battery, and the black wire, respectively, to the negative.
4. For the next step, you need to find a chain of parking lights. To do this, you will have to remove the cover of the headlight unit. There will be several different holes here. You can find the necessary wire using the Philips control unit. It has a special indicator that will tell you that this is exactly the wire. It is important not to confuse them with turn signals.
5. Turn off the side lights, and then connect the clamp connector to the wire of the side lights.
6. Connect the daytime running lights to the control unit. If everything was done correctly, then after ignition, the lights should light up.
7. If after the test run everything works, then you can securely fix all installed systems.

Making running lights with your own hands or choosing ready-made ones is everyone's business. Of course, it is worth considering that ready-made DRLs will be more versatile and reliable. But self-made running lights will cost much less and meet all standards.

Connect daytime running gear using the Philips control unit

In any case, DRL should be installed not only to avoid a fine or save a little fuel. First of all, to protect yourself. Studies around the world have proven that daytime running lights can prevent a large number of accidents. This is especially true for many regions of Russia, where accidents occur regularly due to excessive humidity and poor visibility.

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