
Unlike other car lights, daytime running lights do not have a switch (except for aftermarket daytime running lights) and cannot be turned on or off at will. They usually turn on automatically when the engine starts and turn off automatically when the driver turns on the regular headlights. Below is some relevant information about daytime running lights: 1. As the name suggests, daytime running lights are used during the day. If used at night, the driver will not get the necessary illumination and may be affected by glare, compromising driving safety. Although daytime running lights appear very bright from the outside, their actual illumination effect is weak and almost useless for the driver inside the car to light up the road. So, remember to turn on the headlights at night. 2. In terms of purpose, daytime running lights and position lights (also known as parking lights) are both signal lights used to alert other vehicles or pedestrians. The difference is that the former is used during the day, while the latter is used in darker conditions.

Daytime running lights are actually quite hassle-free to operate. In my car, they automatically turn on when the engine starts, without needing to press a separate switch. Last time when I drove my friend's older car, I realized you had to turn them on manually – there's a small rotary knob on the left side of the steering wheel that you twist to the DRL symbol. The key is to remember to check if the lights are working properly in advance, especially in rainy weather or low-light conditions for cars with manual operation. Some people think turning them off saves power, but in reality, daytime running lights consume very little electricity, and keeping them on actually enhances safety. They automatically turn off when the engine is shut down, requiring no extra steps, which is a thoughtful design. Developing the habit of checking the light status upon starting the car is important, especially when frequently entering or exiting underground parking garages.

The use of daytime running lights depends on the vehicle's configuration. Nowadays, 90% of new cars automatically turn on the lights when started, which is quite convenient. I've studied the settings of different models. For example, German cars mostly default to automatic activation, while some Japanese models require manually rotating the light control lever. If you notice the lights suddenly not working, first check the fuse before considering bulb replacement. Another often overlooked aspect is their enhanced effectiveness in rainy or foggy weather—their white light penetrates better than yellow fog lights. Remember to regularly clean the light covers, as dust accumulation can affect brightness. Owners with automatic functions should never casually remove related fuses, as this may trigger the vehicle's computer warning light.

The automatic daytime running lights (DRL) activation design is the most hassle-free, requiring no manual intervention. For manual operation, simply turn the light knob to the DRL position at the bottom—no need to switch on the headlights. In real-world use, DRLs are particularly useful on cloudy or rainy days, especially in shaded areas, making your vehicle visible to oncoming traffic three seconds earlier. Those who have modified their vehicle's electrical system should pay attention to voltage output stability, as fluctuations can easily burn out bulbs. I've noticed many people are unaware that the lights automatically turn off when the engine is shut off, so there's no need to worry about draining the battery by forgetting to turn them off. Regularly cleaning the lens cover with a soft cloth to maintain light transmittance is crucial.


