Why am I running LED Daytime Running Lights?

[RedRider]

Source for the half power claim ? Be being a van at a stop light and switch headlight on. I bet you won't see a difference.

I'm not sure what you're looking at, as there should be a large difference in light output between DRLs (only used to show other vehicles where you are) and headlights (which illuminate the road for you). DRLs do not significantly illuminate the road. If you have an alternator, DRLs are usually fed pulsating half power across one of the diodes, averaging 6-7 volts. It is common for the vehicle manufacturer to use the incandescent highbeams as DRLs, the light is noticeably yellow as a result. If you have LED highbeams (like the Mav), they tend to use a separate light such as the turn signal lights. If you do a search for DRLs, you will find lots of details, like this one: https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Convert-High-Beam-DRL-to-LED-Lights/

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[haycraftzack622]

I got to thinking about how expensive the LED lighting is for the Maverick to replace, and I'm thinking why am I bothering to run LED daytime running lights on my 2022 hybrid? They're not required by law in my state, and they are expensive to replace.

To those who imply they save lives, I'm not buying it. I'm turning them off.

LED lights last for years and have a far superior life expectancy than that of incandescent lights and halogen lights. LEDs are getting pretty cheap these days as well

 

[KSC Grey Ghost]

I just read all the post this is just my opinion like everybody else's opinion. But what is a life worth what is your spouse's life worth what are your kids life worth or your mom and dad. I myself have pushed a patrol car around for over 30years
in California and Tennessee and have my feel of picking up deceased human beings off the roadways. So again hoe much is a human life worth IT IS PRICELESS Again just my opinion.

 

[Bob The Builder]

Yep, each their own. I hear the argument about the housings burning out, but I'm thinking there will be cheap aftermarket alternatives or someone will rebuild them for a song.

I remember the day I bought my brand new Kawasaki H2 widow maker and discovered there was no switch for the headlight. On all the time, headlight and taillight. I was so pissed. LOL.

Motorcycles have been doing it for years with great safety results. I have my DRL's on and only had my Mav for two day but can testify they do not dim to 50% during the day. When it gets dark, while in Auto mode the taillights will come on automatically otherwise nimrods like me will forget to do it.

 

[GPSMan]

DRL and Headlamps look the same on my XLT Hybrid 2022.

They are not half power.

I turned mine off.

Studies also show a gadget only works when it stands out from the crowd. When all are same, the usefulness is greatly diminished.


Back-up "beepers" have lost effectiveness studies have shown. I'm glad my Mav makes a unique sound in reverse.

 

[GPSMan]

I've not yet had a home 120 VAC LED lamp last the full rating. Not a single one.

 

[Old Ford Guy]

Politics has nothing to do with it. I just don't want to wear them out if I don't feel they're needed.

i would'nt worry too much about them wearing out, odds are they'll probably last longer than you'll own the truck.
i believe a more pertinent concern should be the exorbitant replacement cost if one of them should ever be damaged in some kind of front end collision or 'minor' fender bender'.

 

[Old Ford Guy]

I'm not sure what you're looking at, as there should be a large difference in light output between DRLs (only used to show other vehicles where you are) and headlights (which illuminate the road for you). DRLs do not significantly illuminate the road. If you have an alternator, DRLs are usually fed pulsating half power across one of the diodes, averaging 6-7 volts. It is common for the vehicle manufacturer to use the incandescent highbeams as DRLs, the light is noticeably yellow as a result. If you have LED highbeams (like the Mav), they tend to use a separate light such as the turn signal lights. If you do a search for DRLs, you will find lots of details, like this one: https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Convert-High-Beam-DRL-to-LED-Lights/

great post with good info. i dont mean to sound overly critical but i'm having a hard time understanding or relating to just why the OP is so opposed to DRL's ? . most LED bulbs are good for 10yrs or more; plus they DO help reduce daytime head on collisions(proven already). whats not to like?

 

[Maverick Grabber]

To each their own. I plan to do the same. When it's a very dark gray day, or foggy, I'll turn the headlights on.

If it's that dark they come on automatically

 

[GPSMan]

great post with good info. i dont mean to sound overly critical but i'm having a hard time understanding or relating to just why the OP is so opposed to DRL's ? . most LED bulbs are good for 10yrs or more; plus they DO help reduce daytime head on collisions(proven already). whats not to like?

Because they DON'T last 10 years or more.

 

[Old Ford Guy]

Because they DON'T last 10 years or more.

ok, lets be clear, i am most certainly NOT a electrical engineer....but.....when i do a simple Google search on 'how long does a typical LED bulb last?' the answer returned is 50k-100k hrs.
at 10 hours use p/day, at the low end estimate of 50k hours lifespan that equals to almost 14 years of use before predicted failure! therefore i stand by my assertion that the OP's concern about wearing out the DRL's is unnecessary.
repair and or replace co$t are a different issue that i do agree with. the cost to repair 'modern' vehicles with their design criteria of keeping the passenger(s) alive means repairs are FAR more expensive these days. intentional crumple zones designed to absorb energy from collisions are a prime example. this often results in said vehicle suffering such extensive damage that repair can easily be more expensive than just 'totaling' the vehicle for the insurance company. basically the vehicle 'dies' so that hopefully the occupants dont.

 

[Maverickman74]

Hahaha. I have never had a car new enough to have em. Yall who are getting but hurt about the safety aspect must not know any poor people ! Anyways i have Tremor so turn my markers on to intimidation yellow. Its about as mean as a Maverick can look.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

I'm sorry you think you know more than the professionals who have studied and engineered cars for a long time.

It is ABSOLUTELY easier to see cars with DRLs when it gets cloudy out or dawn/dusk... A fraction of a second more visibility often means accident avoided.

 

[commadorebob]

You want to turn them off so that they don't burn out and be off? Sounds like a problem that solves itself in 50,000 hours (or 1.5 million miles if averaging 30 MPH).

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