Why have dedicated DRL? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Blobby · 12-09-2021, 12:02 PM

I’ve always wondered why cars have DRLs instead of just having headlights always on like motorcycles. It’s a fashion thing by now and a new car would probably be mocked without them, but in the earlier days of the DRL rule, it seems like manufacturers would find it dumb to have dedicated lights. Or did all DRLs start with having the headlights on all the time and I just didn’t notice? My dad’s Prius just uses the headlights for DRL, but they’re dimmer like they’re wired in series in DRL mode… which still seems like extra complication for no reason.

gtstorey · 12-09-2021, 01:55 PM

I think a lot of it is ,especially before LEDs, was the extension of the bulb life on reduced power and the very slightly improved fuel mileage for CAFE standards where ever tiny increase in mpg helps the corporate average.

JKSully · 12-09-2021, 05:29 PM

Purely a guess, but I believe separating them from the main headlights started as a style thing rather than anything practical. Thinking of the BMW halos and Audi eyelashes.

There was early resistance to DRLs in many countries because it was thought they would cause too much glare - the US also saw people arguing that they would make motorcycles less visible because they'd no longer be the only vehicle with lights on during the day. It may have evolved as a response to some of those concerns as well.

Camaro fanboy · 12-25-2021, 12:53 PM

it's the law here in sweden to have front lights on all the time. maybe it's evolved from places like this

Camaro_QC · 12-25-2021, 06:13 PM

In Canada we have to have daytime running lights. Not as bright as headlights, but something opened. It's by law. Before they used to be dim headlights. Now they are more fashioned.

TJay74 · 12-27-2021, 04:36 PM

Because people got tired of replacing headlight bulbs, so with the advent of a DRL and the move to LED strips is reduced the wear and tear on the actual headlight bulbs.

FarmerFran · 12-27-2021, 07:31 PM

Bulb life is my guess also.

Blobby · 12-27-2021, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJay74

Because people got tired of replacing headlight bulbs, so with the advent of a DRL and the move to LED strips is reduced the wear and tear on the actual headlight bulbs.

There it is. Think I’m most satisfied with that answer. In the early days of DRL makers wouldn’t be faulted for lacking the aesthetic, but they’d certainly be berated for burning thru headlight bulbs.

12-09-2021, 12:02 PM	#1
Blobby Drives: Former Owner '16 Camaro 2LT V6 conv Join Date: May 2021 Location: Florida Posts: 97	Why have dedicated DRL? I’ve always wondered why cars have DRLs instead of just having headlights always on like motorcycles. It’s a fashion thing by now and a new car would probably be mocked without them, but in the earlier days of the DRL rule, it seems like manufacturers would find it dumb to have dedicated lights. Or did all DRLs start with having the headlights on all the time and I just didn’t notice? My dad’s Prius just uses the headlights for DRL, but they’re dimmer like they’re wired in series in DRL mode… which still seems like extra complication for no reason.

12-09-2021, 05:29 PM	#3
JKSully Drives: 22 Camaro 2SS, 20 Subaru Crosstrek Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: DFW TX Posts: 571	Purely a guess, but I believe separating them from the main headlights started as a style thing rather than anything practical. Thinking of the BMW halos and Audi eyelashes. There was early resistance to DRLs in many countries because it was thought they would cause too much glare - the US also saw people arguing that they would make motorcycles less visible because they'd no longer be the only vehicle with lights on during the day. It may have evolved as a response to some of those concerns as well. __________________ Earth is an oblate spheroid 2022 \| 2SS \| M6 \| NPP \| Summit White \| Carbon Flash Wheels \| Black Lugs \| Red Calipers \| Adrenaline Red \| Red Knee Pads \| Nav \| - 1100 - 8/16/21 - 3000 - 9/21/21 - TPW 10/18/21 - 3400 - 10/1/21 - 3800 - 10/20/21 - built 10/19/21 - 5000 - 11/12/21 - 6000 - 11/13/21

12-25-2021, 12:53 PM	#4
Camaro fanboy Drives: 2017 2SS Arctic blue fully loaded Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: SWEDEN Posts: 880	it's the law here in sweden to have front lights on all the time. maybe it's evolved from places like this __________________

12-25-2021, 06:13 PM	#5
Camaro_QC Drives: 08 Tiburon GS, 2018 Camaro 2.0T Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Québec Posts: 1,660	In Canada we have to have daytime running lights. Not as bright as headlights, but something opened. It's by law. Before they used to be dim headlights. Now they are more fashioned. __________________ 2018 Camaro LS \| 6 spd \| 2.0L turbo \| Nightfall Grey \| RS package \| Technology Package. --------------------- Order WDGHKX 1100 - 5/08/2018 \| 3800 - 6/18/2018 2000 - 5/09/2018 \| 4200 - 6/21/2018 3000 - 5/28/2018 \| 5000 - 6/27/2018 6000 - 6/29/2018

12-27-2021, 04:36 PM	#6
TJay74 Drives: 17 Camaro SS 1LE & 16 Sierra AT CC Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 2,424	Because people got tired of replacing headlight bulbs, so with the advent of a DRL and the move to LED strips is reduced the wear and tear on the actual headlight bulbs. __________________ 2019 Corvette Z06 2LZ A8 - Halltech CAI, AWE non-catted X-pipe, Mamo V2 ported TB 592rwhp, bone stock 566rwhp 2017 Camaro SS 1LE - Procharger D1SC w/ Tial 2" BOV & Race intercooler / ARH full length catless headers / Alky meth injection system - 650rwhp on conservative tune SOLD

12-09-2021, 01:55 PM	#2
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,149	I think a lot of it is ,especially before LEDs, was the extension of the bulb life on reduced power and the very slightly improved fuel mileage for CAFE standards where ever tiny increase in mpg helps the corporate average.

12-27-2021, 07:31 PM	#7
FarmerFran Drives: 2023 ZL1 Vert M6 "Sharky" Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Earth Posts: 4,032	Bulb life is my guess also. __________________ 2023 Camaro ZL1 Vert TR-6060 Sharkskin "Sharky" Firecracker Red Wrangler Willys, 3.6L eTorque, 850RE 8 speed automatic, 25W Willys package, Technology Group, Convenience Group (aka $600 garage door opener), Cold weather Group, Trailer Tow and HD electric group with AUX switches, 3 piece black freedom top.