What Daylight Running lights Do

[Carlarm]

I recently paid $70 to have the Daylight Running Lights software option installed on my '09 Passion Coupe. I thought others might like to know how this works. With the headlight control stalk set in the "Off" position the headlights remain off when you turn the key to the running position. Start the engine and the headlights only turn on when the engine is actually running. The tail-lights also light up as well as the headlight symbol on the dash. The instrument lights do not turn on. You cannot turn the fog lights on (regardless of whether you have this option on your smart). You can flash your high beams by pulling the control stalk towards you but they do not turn on when you push it forward. As far as I can tell, the headlights are the same brightness with DRL as when turned on normally.

When you select the "Parking Lights" position or the "Headlights On" position the lights work exactly the same as without DRL. Per the user manual, there is a way to disable/enable the DRL option via a secret handshake.

As you may know, DRL is not available if you have the automatic headlights and windshield wipers that used to (but no longer) come with the comfort package.

My opinion is that all U.S. smarts should come with the DRL option without costing extra but in the disabled state. Owners could then enable it as they wish.

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by Carlarm

As you may know, DRL is not available if you have the automatic headlights and windshield wipers that used to (but no longer) come with the comfort package.

Good. I wouldn't have 'em... Can't abide DRLs on a car.

I've been a motorcyclist for almost thirty years, and I'm a firm believer in having the headlamp lit on the bike to improve my visibility. In the Good Old Days before DRLs on four-wheelers, a bike would stand out in traffic because of the burning headlamp. But now that every other cage on the street has DRLs, car drivers get lazy about looking at oncoming traffic, and the bikes get lost in the traffic and no longer stand out. And consequently, they get squished by Oscar Grope in his Ford Excretion Deathmobile.

[mdfortwoguy]

Yes, bikes may be lost in traffic, but they are also helpful in preventing auto collisions.

Considering the larger number of autos on the road compared to the number of bikes on the road, I'd rather have cars stand out more as well.

As much of a DRL advocate as I am, I wouldn't trade my auto wipers/lights for them... smart needs to bring them back as an option. Decontenting is no way to win friends.

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

Considering the larger number of autos on the road compared to the number of bikes on the road, I'd rather have cars stand out more as well.

A car isn't anywhere near as vulnerable as a bike is. Hell, even a Nano is going to win out over a bike in a two-vehicle collision.

People use DRLs as a crutch, to avoid actually having to focus on the task at hand, which is driving the car. The easiest way to avoid auto-to-auto collisions is not to make everyone run DRLs, it's to Pay Attention To What You're Doing Behind The Wheel. Hang up the phone, stop screwing around with the in-dash DVD player and the GPS, and focus on driving the car safely.

It's just that simple.

[NCC1701]

DRLs. Don't see the point. Sure is a polarizing topic. My auto headlights are On half the time in bright direct sunlight, and I don't want them to be. It's a simple matter for me to turn the switch to off if it really bothered me though. Just as folks from the other camp can turn their lights On. I have no desire for DRLs, which is good since I can't get them in my smart.

Personally, when I see a line of oncoming traffic in daylight and most of them with their headlights on, I find it annoying and distracting.

[Fuse 11]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

Yes, bikes may be lost in traffic, but they are also helpful in preventing auto collisions.

Considering the larger number of autos on the road compared to the number of bikes on the road, I'd rather have cars stand out more as well.

As much of a DRL advocate as I am, I wouldn't trade my auto wipers/lights for them... smart needs to bring them back as an option. Decontenting is no way to win friends.

Agreed on the auto lights and wipers -- I thought they were a gimmick when I got the car, but they're actually quite handy.

Sorry to see they've discontinued them.

-Rusty

[jwight]

Sure is a polarizing topic.

Yes, covered this ground before, dead horse, etc. If you like DRLs get 'em; if you don't, don't.

BTW, interesting that Caralarm paid $70 to have the DRLs activated when it's a $50 dollar option (and it's free if you have a MINI.)

[mvaldes]

Originally Posted by The Rigger

A car isn't anywhere near as vulnerable as a bike is. Hell, even a Nano is going to win out over a bike in a two-vehicle collision.

People use DRLs as a crutch, to avoid actually having to focus on the task at hand, which is driving the car. The easiest way to avoid auto-to-auto collisions is not to make everyone run DRLs, it's to Pay Attention To What You're Doing Behind The Wheel. Hang up the phone, stop screwing around with the in-dash DVD player and the GPS, and focus on driving the car safely.

It's just that simple.

Sorry, I don't agree. I am concentrating on driving. It's the person on the cell phone, yelling at the kids in the back seat or whatever else is distracting them that I want to see ME. That's why I have my lights on.

[Periclaws]

My car is yellow no need for daytime running lights.

[Duckhunter]

Discount on auto insurance. Run amber passing bulbs in the Harley, they help alot to be seen.