How Long is the Warranty for Daytime Running Lights?
2 Answers
Generally, the warranty period for lighting components is very short, only 3 months. However, daytime running lights typically use LED light sources, which can last for thousands of hours. The function of daytime running lights: They are lights that make vehicles more easily recognizable during daytime driving. Their purpose is not to help the driver see the road better, but to inform others that a vehicle is approaching. Therefore, these lights are not illumination lights but rather signal lights. While adding daytime running lights can make a car look cooler and more stylish, their primary benefit lies not in aesthetics but in improving vehicle visibility. Studies abroad have shown that using daytime running lights can reduce vehicle accidents by 12.4% and lower the fatality rate in accidents by 26.4%. Light distribution performance of daytime running lights: The most critical aspect of LED daytime running lights is their light distribution performance. They must meet basic brightness requirements without being too bright to avoid disturbing others. Technically, this means the luminous intensity on the reference axis must not be less than 400 cd, and the luminous intensity in other directions should not be less than the product of 400 cd and the percentage corresponding to the point in the light distribution diagram. In any direction, the light intensity emitted by the fixture should not exceed 800 cd.
Having driven for over a decade, I'm quite familiar with daytime running light (DRL) warranties. For newly purchased vehicles, DRLs are generally covered under the whole vehicle warranty, typically three years or 60,000 kilometers—whichever comes first—which applies to most mainstream brands. However, policies vary significantly among manufacturers. For instance, American brands like Ford I've driven offer a standard three-year warranty, while some European brands may extend it slightly. If your DRL fails during the warranty period, head to the dealership immediately for a free repair—don't delay or you'll miss out. Routine maintenance should include checking the lighting system; keeping it dust-free can prolong its lifespan. Post-warranty, replacing DRLs isn't prohibitively expensive, but safety comes first—these lights genuinely reduce daytime accidents, making timely repairs worthwhile. Some dealers sell extended warranty packages for longer coverage; asking about them at purchase can save future hassle.
