DRL (daytime running lights). New to the range - Flexible LED daytime running lights DLED Daytime running lights ng
Why should you install daytime running lights?
Before understanding the issue, it is necessary to evaluate the importance of having daytime running lights in every car. In order to correctly assess their purpose and the need for installation, let us turn to the most important regulation of all road transport interactions - the traffic rules of the Russian Federation. As of November 20, 2010, all road users are required to turn on their daytime running lights. Considering there is no need to constantly turn on the headlights or low beams, the driver’s task becomes somewhat simpler. However, the legislative framework still provides for the replacement of these signals and makes us seriously think about re-equipping the car and looking for opportunities to buy daytime running lights in Moscow.
What is the operating principle of daytime running lights?
Daytime running lights are car lamps located on the front of the car and are designed to provide high-quality visibility on the road even during the day. DRLs should not be confused with the already mentioned side lights, since the light of the latter is much dimmer and is not intended for use in moving vehicles at all. It’s not for nothing that they are called parking lights, and are also used at night, because other road users need to assess the size of your vehicle. DRLs also have a completely different glow from other lighting fixtures - intense white. Such light has a number of advantages, including aesthetic ones.
If you are planning to get a DRL in Moscow, then in addition to improved visibility, pleasant surprises await you in the form of the opportunity to decorate your car with the so-called light tuning. To do this, the lights are simply mounted in stationary optics.
Through much experimentation and much trial and error, most northern countries, such as Scandinavia, have come to appreciate the importance of mandatory use of daytime running lights. The risk of accidents has decreased, drivers have a chance to timely notice and prevent accidents caused by poor visibility and weather conditions. Such an innovation as daytime running lights in Moscow and beyond will significantly improve the safety of both drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Several arguments in favor of daytime running lights
Ergonomics. If you had to consume a lot of fuel to keep your headlights low beam, then using the DRL you will forget about this problem. Daytime running lights, compared to other lighting devices, consume several times less energy.
Ease of installation
It doesn’t matter if such lights were not originally provided for in your car. There are kits on sale with powerful LED lights and a control system that allows you to switch from low beam to DRL. However, when installing it yourself, you should carefully check the distances so that all parameters comply with regulatory requirements.
As soon as you decide to buy a DRL in Moscow of any complexity and cost, contact us - we will be happy to help you!
Well, we got excited about “all”: demand has created such a supply that it is simply unrealistic to buy and test all the models. This, by the way, was clearly visible at the Automechanika and Interauto exhibitions held in Moscow. We decided to select samples with different characteristics: cheap and very expensive, with and without control units, rectangular and round, plastic and metal...
Everyone unanimously promises increased road safety and energy saving (the latter is absolutely true). Moreover, the smaller the contribution to safety, the greater the savings - not only energy, but also money. No wonder: weak LEDs are cheap and consume almost no electricity. Not blinded by the light (often very dim), your eyes literally run wild, but it is clear: you can choose a flashlight that is most suitable in design and mounting method for any car.
In general, there were a dozen products, both branded and no name. The latter is in the literal sense: neither the manufacturer nor the country of origin advertised themselves. But many loudly declare full compliance with the requirements of ECE R48. But there is one trick here: the mentioned EU rules (and the corresponding GOST R 41.48–2004) apply to the installation of these lights, but not to them themselves. But the requirements for DRLs are set out in another document: ECE R87 (GOST R 41.87–99). It says exactly how brightly and where the correct flashlights should shine, what the color of their glow should be and the visible surface area.
It is these requirements that most manufacturers of cheap DRLs stumble on. Only very powerful and expensive LEDs can provide the luminous intensity of each flashlight within the range of 400–800 cd. It’s easier with the total visible luminous surface, which should be at least 40 cm². But, apparently, the authors of a number of products do not attach importance to such “trifles” - after all, their flashlights are dim anyway, and where there is one violation, there are two...
YOU WILL NOT CHECK THE REAL BRIGHTNESS OF THE DRL IN THE STORE. CHOOSE FLASHLIGHTS WITH A METAL CASE: POWERFUL LEDS ARE ONLY INSTALLED IN THIS CASE.
The products are arranged in ascending order of their cost.
Super 6 LED sports TTX-1015
Origin China
Approximate price 475 rub.Number of LEDs 6
Current consumption 140 mA
Luminous intensity 18 cd
Diffuser dimensions 115 × 10 mm
The frail LEDs in the plastic casing shine extremely dimly, the mounting is unreliable, and the luminous area is almost half the normal size. They are attached to the bracket with Velcro, and it is attached with two self-tapping screws.
LED Daytime Running Light BF-201
Origin unknown
Approximate price 1000 rub.
Number of LEDs 4
Current consumption 120 mA
Luminous intensity 80 cd
Diffuser dimensions Ø 70 mm
Plastic flashlights are attached to brackets with adjustable angles and to the bumper with self-tapping screws. The light is weak. Thank you, at least we didn’t save on the reflector area.
SONG-YE
Origin unknown
Approximate price 1045 rub.
Number of LEDs 8
Current consumption 360 mA
Luminous intensity 27 cd
Diffuser dimensions 155 × 17 mm
The instructions say: 100% Waterproof, but the pictograms on the box prohibit washing plastic lanterns in any way other than with a sponge, and without shampoo! The light is weak.
Maxlight M320D
Origin unknown
Number of LEDs 20
Current consumption 260 mA
Luminous intensity 108 cd
Diffuser dimensions 185 × 25 mm
The yellow wire indicated in the diagram for connecting to the side lights... is missing! The light is rather weak, but the luminous area is within the standard. Fastening of plastic lights is on a bracket, with adjustment.
DRL F1
Origin unknown
Approximate price 1425 rub.
Number of LEDs 8
Current consumption 480 mA
Luminous intensity 54 cd
Diffuser dimensions 150 × 20 × 50 mm
(curved in the shape of a club)
The instructions indicate the possibility of automatic disconnection from the dimensions, but it is not shown in the diagram or in real life. The light is dim, the size of the light spot is normal. Fastening to a vertical wall, on two through hollow bolts (wires are routed through them). The body is plastic.
Egolight PL-8
Origin China
Approximate price 1615 rub.
Number of LEDs 8
Current consumption 100 mA
Luminous intensity 55 cd
Diffuser dimensions 155 × 20 mm
These plastic DRLs have no brightness at all. Mounting on brackets, with adjustable angle of inclination, then - Velcro or self-tapping screws.
LED Daytime Running Light NIUDI ND-06
Origin China
Approximate price 1990 rub.
Number of LEDs 5
Current consumption 600 mA
Luminous intensity 140 cd
Diffuser dimensions 220 × 30 mm
It provides the ability to automatically turn off when the side lights are on, but there is ambiguity in the color designation of the wires. There are sealed connectors. Alas, the light is weak, and even one and a half extra luminous area does not help matters. Fastening of plastic lanterns is at the corners.
DRL Tiger Narva - Choice of air defense!
Origin China
Approximate price 2900 rub.
Number of LEDs 4
Current consumption 470 mA
Luminous intensity 533 cd
Diffuser dimensions 125 × 25 mm
The included ECU automatically turns on when the voltage is above 13.7 V (this allows you to connect directly to the battery) and turns off when the headlights are turned on. The brightness meets the standards, as does the area. Aluminum lamps are mounted on brackets with latches.
STARLED AL-WL9B
Origin unknown
Approximate price 3000 rub.
Number of LEDs 9
Current consumption 1280 mA
Luminous intensity 554 cd
Diffuser dimensions Ø 37 mm
The projector optical system and powerful LEDs in an aluminum casing helped to meet the requirements for the brightness of the flashlights, but the luminous surface area is small. Mounting - on a bracket (at any angle) or with a rear bolt.
OSRAM LED LIGHT@DAY - Choice of ZR!
Origin Romania
Approximate price 5500 rub.
Number of LEDs 2 (with light guide)
Current consumption 1170 mA
Luminous intensity 640 cd
Diffuser dimensions 160 × 30 mm
The supplied ECU allows you to implement both a complete shutdown when the lights are on, and a decrease in brightness. Aluminum DRLs automatically turn on when voltage is above 13.6 V. Sealed connectors, fuse. Fastening - on brackets with latches.
Philips LED DayLight8
Origin Taiwan
Approximate price 7000 rub.
Number of LEDs 8
Current consumption 1060 mA
Luminous intensity 566 cd
Diffuser dimensions 160 × 18 mm
A high-quality product in aluminum cases automatically turns on when the voltage in the on-board network increases above 13.5 V. Automatic shutdown or dimming of brightness is implemented when the lights are on. Fastening - with latches to the bracket and two self-tapping screws. Eh, if only these lanterns were cheaper...
HELLA LEDayFlex 8
Origin Taiwan
Approximate price 13,380 rub.
Number of LEDs 8 (in eight separate housings)
Current consumption 1000 mA
Luminous intensity 690 cd
Diffuser dimensions Ø 30 mm
Here the ECU only implements a shutdown when the lights are on, but it needs to be connected to the ignition terminal, not the battery. Attention: the black wire is... a plus! The expensive kit contains neither brackets nor a cable for connecting to the on-board network. The brightness of aluminum flashlights and the total luminous area are normal. If you have skillful hands, you can assemble some kind of design from flashlights, but you will have to tinker with the installation.
QUESTION ANSWER
- How to choose the best form of DRL?
Generally speaking, this is a matter of taste. But we must keep in mind the requirement of GOST 41.87–99: the total area of the luminous surface of the DRL must be at least 40 cm². For rectangular lanterns it is easy to measure it with a ruler, but round ones should have a diameter of at least 50 mm.
- How can I connect the DRLs myself so that they light up when the ignition is turned on, but do not light up when the headlights are on?
Let's offer a couple of simplest solutions. In the case of low-power DRLs, you can get by with just one diode, see. scheme 1:
For higher current flashlights, please note scheme 2: You only need one additional automotive relay with normally closed contacts. In any case, the craftsman’s task is to find in the on-board network a wire to which power is supplied when the ignition is turned on, and another one that goes to the headlight bulb or low beam. If you purchased a product with an electronic unit, you only need to make a tap from the light bulb. And connect the remaining two wires directly to the battery terminals. Do not confuse the polarity - it is indicated in the instructions.
Initially, DRLs (daytime running lights, another name is drl lights) were invented in Canada and were first used there. The first DRLs looked a little different: the high beam lamp was used as a light source, which burned 50% “quieter”, or only the low beam was turned on. In both the first and second cases, only the headlights and side lamps worked, and the taillights did not light (only the brake lights worked, which were not “masked” by the side lights).
Principle of operation
When the general (low) beam was turned on, all the lights in the car came on, including the low beam and side lights. At the same time, the service life of the lamps decreased, the load on the generator increased, thereby we get an undercharged battery and a short service life of marker and lighting lamps. By using DRLs as a source of daylight, we get a longer service life of the car's standard lamps and a always charged battery. Also, with a low load on the vehicle’s on-board network, fuel consumption decreases. 
In our store you can order and buy daytime running lights in Moscow. By consuming a minimum of electricity, DRLs save voltage in the on-board network, thereby maintaining the battery in a charged state. Modern DRLs are made using COB (light emitting diode) technology, are lightweight, have minimal current consumption and have a long service life. Also, daytime running lights in Moscow have a reasonable price. DRL is a practical and irreplaceable thing for every car owner.
Legality of daytime running lights
The traffic rules that are in force today require driving vehicles with their headlights on. Among the equipment designed for car lighting, daytime running lights are popular. Why have they become so widespread? It's all about the advantages of LED lights, which include:
- universal installation method for all cars
- small size running lights
- bright light at low power consumption, etc.
Advantage of DRL
LED modules have a significantly longer lifespan than halogen modules, because their quality is much superior to conventional light bulbs. Daytime running lights are a one-piece unit that most often looks like a ready-to-install unit. You are unlikely to be able to find LED lamps separately from the entire DRL design, which is why daytime running lights are usually changed completely. In the assortment of our online store you will find various models of DRLs, which you can buy by leaving a request on the website or by calling. Our consultants will help you choose the right model and install it for high-quality car lighting.
As you know, after the adoption of the traffic rules law in 2010, all vehicles must drive with daytime running lights during the daytime. If vehicles are not equipped with running lights by the factory, then they must be installed taking into account the requirements and GOST or drive with low beams or fog lights on. This bill in the traffic rules caused a lot of noise and many drivers began to actively discuss this issue on forums on the Internet.
What exactly does the traffic regulations say about running lights in 2018? Are there GOST requirements for installing DRLs? Is there a penalty for daytime running lights? Let's try to understand these and other important issues that concern motorists in this article.
It's probably no secret to anyone that a car with daytime running lights on attracts more attention from citizens than a car whose headlights are off. It is for this reason that the traffic police inspectorate proposed to make an addition to the traffic rules. An alternative if there is no DRL on the vehicle is low beam or fog lights.
When comparing running lights to the existing headlights in a car, DRLs have a number of advantages. In order for the headlights to light, there must be a supply of electricity, which is generated by a generator. While driving on the highway, the generator, due to its constant speed, actively recharges the battery. In this case, the headlights are not energy-consuming. If the vehicle moves around the city, where there are regular traffic jams and traffic lights in which you need to stand idle, then under these conditions the battery partially loses its charge and is discharged. The generator does not have time to recharge the battery, and the load of all turned on electrical devices makes itself felt.
An old vehicle may not be able to cope with such a constant electrical load, so both the generator and the battery may quickly fail, and problems with the wiring may arise.
DRLs consume significantly less electricity than car headlight bulbs. In this regard, factories began to integrate daytime running lights into front lighting devices. As for side lights, their light brightness is significantly low, so they will simply be invisible and, accordingly, there will be no effect from them. That is why they cannot be used in place of DRLs.
DRL according to GOST
The vehicle technical regulations provide clear information about the definition and requirements for installing DRLs on a vehicle.
DRLs are definitely white headlights with possible shades of yellow or blue, which are installed at the front of the car.
For proper installation, it is necessary to comply with GOST daytime running lights:
- installed at the front of the vehicle;
- the distance from the ground should not be less than 25 cm and not exceed a height of one and a half meters;
- they must be located at least 60 cm from each other;
- from the edge of the car body to the place where the lights are installed should not be more than 400 mm.
If the vehicle does not have running lights and they were not intended to be installed by the factory, then the driver must turn on either the low beam or the fog lamps.
The driver can install DRLs at his discretion if they are not available. There is now a large selection on sale; they come in three types: incandescent lamps, halogen lamps and LED lamps. Of course, the leader is LED or LED-DRLs because they are energy efficient and require 10 times less electricity.
What does the traffic regulations say about running lights?
Based on the 2016 traffic regulations, namely clause 19.5, all cars must have DRLs or low beam lights or fog lights on while driving, both in the city and on the highway. By complying with these requirements, you can ensure safety on the road for pedestrians and motorists.
If the rules for using daytime running lights are not followed, the fine for such a violation for the driver will be 500 rubles (Article 12.20 of the 2016 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
Based on traffic regulations, it is mandatory to use DRL:
- if minor children are transported;
- by motor vehicle, as it is difficult to see from afar;
- when transporting oversized items or dangerous and explosive substances;
- on minibuses and public transport to attract special and comprehensive attention.
How to install DRL?
You can install LED running light devices yourself and without resorting to the services of auto electricians and specialists. To do this you need to follow a few simple rules. Of course, LED devices are installed as a set - two pieces. The main task during installation is to correctly connect them to the vehicle's power supply. It is necessary that they light up when the ignition is turned on and vice versa turn off when the ignition is turned off.
An approximate diagram for connecting daytime running devices is shown in the following image:
Nowadays there are a large number of different ready-to-connect LED DRLs on sale in the markets. In the accompanying manual, as a rule, everything is explained clearly.
Finally
Daytime running lighting devices are aimed at increasing the attention of traffic participants. This provision of the traffic rules helps maintain road safety. It should be borne in mind that in the event of an accident, the victim, with DRLs found not to be turned on, may be found guilty.
The range of daytime running lights (abbreviated as DRLs) is almost the same everywhere and mainly consists of Chinese products produced without a brand. The majority of all goods are purchased in the main Chinese supermarket Aliexpress, in which the transaction is controlled by a third independent party. In the Aliexpress online store you can see purchase statistics for each type of product; based on these statistics, I will select the 10 most popular DRL models.
In Russian stores, the assortment is almost the same as Aliexpress, with the exception of branded goods that are in a higher price category, so a large number of Russians make purchases in China, bypassing domestic intermediaries.
When shopping, we often make decisions based on how many people bought the item. But, unfortunately, a large number of people can be wrong. We can see this by the number of bad DRLs purchased on Aliexpress.
- 1. Sample No. 1
- 2. Sample No. 2
- 3. Sample No. 3
- 4. Sample No. 4
- 5. Sample No. 5
- 6. Sample No. 6
- 7. Sample No. 7
- 8. Results
Sample No. 1
The most popular is the model of daytime running lights for 300 rubles, the price also includes free delivery to Russia. The number of sales is 5200 pieces. It turns out that the cost themselves is about 150 rubles, 75 per piece. You won't get anything good other than a plastic case. Why do people buy them, is greed and stupidity stronger than common sense, what for 150 rubles. They won’t get anything except a piece of guano. Chinese marketing and the buyer's hope for a miracle are at work here. Firstly, colorful photos are posted with other bright lights, the buyer thinks that they shine so well. But at the end of all product photos, there is a small photo that captures a meager real light flux.
Signs why they are bad:
- There are no cooling fins at the back, which means there is nothing to cool.
- LEDs, 8 pieces of type, each gives Chinese 0.5 W, the total will be a maximum of 2 W.
- The brightness is maximum 160 lumens, since such diodes produce 80 lumens per watt.
Sample No. 2
COB LED daytime running lights
The second place in popularity is occupied by LED lines using COB technology; the price ranges from 160 to 240 per pair, since the length of the line can vary. 3,400 people bought these daylights. As always, at the top of the description the power is indicated as 6-7-9 W, and at the bottom, in small handwriting, 3.9 W each. The main feature of COB is that it is impossible to determine the parameters by appearance, especially since they come in different shapes, rings, circles, zigzags. For maximum credibility, the Chinese takes photos of working DRLs from close range and at night. Naturally, at night, from close range, even a one-watt diode will be bright and dazzle. Don’t forget that you need to check it during the day on a sunny day from a distance of 100 meters.
Reasons why they are bad:
- In fact, these are not running lights, they are only an LED element.
- Such a ruler heats up, it is glued to double-sided tape, then when heated, the adhesive layer also heats up, softens, and they fall off safely.
- The power is too low, almost 4 W, this is only for lighting in the trunk.
- COB beam angle is 120 degrees while DRL requires 30 degrees. It turns out that such an LED simply shines in all directions. Even if the line is 10 W, then installing it without lenses is useless.
- To use such a ruler, you need a lens, primary optics, that will focus the light.
- You also need a housing so that the angle of inclination can be adjusted.
Sample No. 3
Eagle Eye LEDs
The third place is taken by “”, the price is 650 for 10 pieces. The Chinese indicate that the power of each is from 3 to 9 W, but their real power is only 1 W. They are also characterized by very careless assembly with traces of glue and poor sealing. Due to exposure to salt and moisture, within six months, half of them fail, they simply begin to blink or shine very faintly.
Why they don't fit:
- they can be a tuning element, but not DRLs, because they must be adjusted by angle;
- when installed not in the same plane (the curved part of the bumper), they will shine sideways.
- The angle of illumination with the lens is 60 degrees, which does not correspond to the required 30 degrees.
- To make something good out of them, you need to install at least 10 of them on each side.
Sample No. 4
Similar to flexible tape
At this point, the LED strip for cars, the length of each strip is 50 cm, consists of 48 weak LEDs. Adapted for use in humid and dusty environments, sealed with silicone. The price for a pair of strips is 340 rubles. The seller honestly states that the power of the tape is 2 W and it is suitable for installing various lights on a car.
Its brightness is comparable to the brightness of LED lights, so there can be no talk of using it as daytime running lights.
Sample No. 5
Round shape in place of foglights
The round shape is designed for installation in the standard place of fog lights or in a plastic radiator grille. Price 490 per pair, plastic, diameter 7 cm, thickness 4 cm. Advantages of this model: the presence of reflectors for each LED and movable mounts. Otherwise, this is a disposable product.
- The cooling radiator is simulated at the back; since the body is plastic, they are of no use.
- Some LED diodes are not placed in the center of the reflector, and there are also problems with tightness.
- As a rule, they are of very low quality, often even the LEDs do not adhere to the cooling system, they usually overheat and begin to flicker and go out, and even more so there is no thermal paste there.
- Judging by the LEDs, there may be 0.5 W of poor quality. the total power will be 4.5 watts and the brightness will be 400 lumens. You can see from the photo that it is a little brighter than the larger dimensions on the car.
Sample No. 6
Daytime running lights of a classic shape, price 580. Number of purchasers: 499 people. In appearance they look quite decent, there is a metal body and a movable mount, there are optics for focusing the light flux.
Main disadvantages:
- As we can see, 8 light elements are installed, but the indicated power consumption is only 3.2 W, the brightness is not enough to even illuminate a toilet.
- There is no radiator for cooling at the back, because there is nothing to cool there.
Sample No. 7
The most original model, with built-in turn signal. Price 453 rub. As always, the seller lies shamelessly that there is nothing better than these lights, and shows a photo of the working condition in the dark. Each contains 20 white LEDs and 10 orange LEDs. In general, a trinket for 500 rubles.
- Plastic with imitation radiator.
- There is no full-fledged reflector, although there are some elements, there is no lens either.
- 20 diodes do not provide advantages, in appearance 5730, but of poor quality, which provide 0.15-0.20 W instead of 0.5 W. As a result, we get a total power of 4 W.
- One headlight is 6 W, subtract 4 W for the DRLs, leaving 2 W for the turn signal repeaters. The Chinese ones give 80 Lumens per W, you can calculate the luminous flux yourself.
Results
I think you understand by what principles you can understand that daytime running lights are bad. Chinese ones that meet the minimum requirements of the regulations will cost at least 1000 rubles. And full-fledged decent ones will cost from 2000 rubles. I hope you will not join the ranks of buyers whose greed is higher than their safety, the safety of their loved ones and those around them.
