What Daylight Running lights Do

[HGB]

Originally Posted by 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.

I couldn't agree with you more about DRL being standard yet owner activated.
That would hurt their profits though

[fts1966]

humm, online and in the the book i have, and the sales people i have talked to and the car on the show room floor that has the DRL. the parking lights do not come on at all. and they are only 25% bright.

[Carlarm]

If I had known DRL were available at the time I configured I would have selected this option for $50. I never got the email from smart telling people this was available and I didn't see a reason to go to the page of the configuration website where this is selected.

I'm not trying to convince people to use DRL. I just figured if someone was considering them they would like to know how they work.

Again, I don't see any difference in brightness between DRL versus when the control stalk is set to the "On" position. Since these are incandescent lights they would change color (orange/brown) if given less Voltage, which they don't.

[The GMan]

Maybe it's just because I'm old school and believe in personal responsibility.
If you can't see a car coming, you are doing something wrong. (I also think the same about people who get run over by trains) Also, since I'm a biker, I don't like disappearing into a sea of car lights.
DRLs are just a marketing gimmick for cars and not a real help for cars in general.

[mdfortwoguy]

Originally Posted by The GMan

DRLs are just a marketing gimmick for cars and not a real help for cars in general.

Studies and statistics go against your opinion, however.

[Godfather]

The Daytime Racing League needs daytime running lights because they are driving beyond their visual capabilities. And good luck, GMan, with the personal responsibilty stuff around this forum. They Don't Really Like it.

[parts4smarts]

I think it's part of the 'nanny state' approach.....we can't be trusted to look after ourselves....
I will admit, however, that it does ensure some lights in adverse weather conditions, and does help with those too incompetent or distracted to turn on lights when they should have them on.

[winyan]

I don't really think those who debate this issue cannot look after themselves.

It's the ones w/the cell phones glued to their ears, who don't really know what all the little dials mean that need the 'nanny'.

Unfortunately there are far too many of them.

win

[pineforrest]

I'm concerned about aftermaket HID light for those who have them. Does the light output have a long time affect on the performance. Life expectancy perhaps?

[jwight]

Originally Posted by parts4smarts

I think it's part of the 'nanny state' approach.....we can't be trusted to look after ourselves....
I will admit, however, that it does ensure some lights in adverse weather conditions, and does help with those too incompetent or distracted to turn on lights when they should have them on.

There's no "state" issue here, nanny or otherwise. The US has no requirement for DRLs - strictly manufacturer choice.