The fact that daytime running lights are by far the most sought-after component of vehicle exterior lighting contributes significantly to reducing the number of traffic accidents and incidents.

Daytime running lights are required in order to express and highlight against the background of other vehicles during daylight hours. This significantly increases the vehicle's throwability and thus, of course, increases the safety of the people who are in it.

The movement of the car in the daytime obliges the inclusion of DRL

However, before proceeding with the process of setting the day running lights, it is imperative to find out what rules regarding this type of installation are provided for by traffic rules and GOST. Below are all the nuances and features that you need to know in order not to get caught by the traffic police. The Daytime Running Lights Act of 2011 requires all car owners to drive with active headlights during daylight hours. It is also worth noting that now the concept of DRL applies to both fog lamps and low beam lamps.

Regulations

Today, in addition to traffic rules and GOST, the rules for installing daytime running lights are also signed in a huge number of legal and by-laws. Therefore, if you are going to install this component of the car's lighting system, be sure to check out all the sources that describe the rules for this procedure.

DRL installation according to GOST and traffic rules

First normative act, which is worth paying attention to in order not to be caught by the traffic police in violation, this is the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers Russian Federation number 316 dated 10/05/2010.

It clearly spells out all the adjustments that were made to the decision of the Council of Ministers number 1090. In short, the main changes were as follows:

• rules for the use of lighting devices have been changed, expanded and described in more detail;
• during daylight hours, each vehicle is required to use dipped-beam lamps or running lights.

GOST, which prescribes the rules for installing daytime running lights R 418799, speaks of the official establishment of daytime running lights on cars and trucks. After that, a new GOST 41482004 was released, which, in fact, described the same situation, but changes were made to the concept of daytime running lights. The new definition was based on the international standard of the European Commission at the UN number 47.

Using the low beam of a car as a DRL

Also, adjustments were introduced and in 2005 - 01/01 a decision was issued that the previous GOST standards up to the document R414899 are no longer considered valid, and the new rules standardize the mandatory installation and use of daytime running lights on mechanical transport only if they meet the standards European Commission at the UN.

Based on the rules of this resolution, all daytime running lights must contain a special marking that will contain information that the lighting device was installed correctly and in accordance with GOST and SDA.

Also, this marking should contain information about the type of running lights, as well as the place of their manufacture - otherwise problems may arise with the traffic police.

The difference between DRL and low beam

How to mount daytime running lights according to GOST

Throughout the Federation, there are special rules regarding daytime running lights, non-compliance with which may lead to increased interest of traffic police officers in your car. In order not to get in trouble with the law, you must follow all these rules strictly. It is also worth noting that the rules for installing daytime running lights prescribed in GOST and SDA of the Russian Federation in some points differ from similar standards in the Western world. Here are the basic principles in accordance with which the installation of daytime running lights in Russia should be carried out:

1. Daytime running lights should be installed on the car at a height of 25 to 150 centimeters. The calculation is made from the surface of the earth on which the car stands.
2. The distance between independent blocks of lights must be at least 60 centimeters. However, if we are talking on the installation of lighting on a car with a body of small dimensions (less than 1300 millimeters wide), then a distance between independent lights of 40 centimeters is allowed.
3. According to the SDA and GOST, the intensity of the luminous flux, which should be produced by lights installed on cars or trucks, should be in the range from 400 to 800 Candela.

Rules for installing daytime running lights

If you are going to mount daytime running lights in accordance with the SDA and GOST, then after installation, they must satisfy all the above requirements and parameters. Otherwise, traffic police officers have every right to stop your car and demand a fine for violating the above rules. Also in special situations, the vehicle can even be sent to a car impound.

If you want your car to comply with all the rules and regulations of traffic rules and GOST and not raise questions from the traffic police, special attention should be paid to the choice of the daytime running lights themselves - a lot also depends on their brand and tapa.

The highest quality samples of this kind of products are produced by leading German manufacturers, namely Philips Osram and Hella.

It is worth giving preference to them not only because they are able to meet all state standards and regulations, but also because the lighting devices of these brands are the most efficient and can provide you with maximum safety on the roads. With representatives of the above brands, in the vast majority of cases, there are no problems when they go through the inspection process at a service station. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about optical instruments that were produced at home.

In this hack you will learn how to install DRL, rules for installing daytime running lights with your own hands, and in the simplest and most reliable way (without controllers). Let's analyze specific examples on several popular cars.

Since 2010, rules have come into force that oblige people to drive with lights at any time of the day. There are constant disputes about this: someone says that this is nonsense, it drains the battery, shortens the life of the lamps, and so on, someone thinks it’s right, because it has become safer to drive, especially on the highway. We will not discuss this much, but will immediately move on to the main issue - how to install DRL?

How to install daytime running lights?

To do this, you will need the simplest led strip, they can be in a plastic case, it doesn’t matter, but it’s better not to take metal, because of possible corrosion. No need to take them with special connectors or controllers, just two wires on each (plus and minus). First, let's take a look at the mounting points.

DRL installation according to GOST

DRL installation requirements simple, and only 3 rules:

must be located at a height of at least 250 mm from the roadway;

between light sources it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 600 mm;

the light should be yellow or white (no blue, red, green and other colors of the rainbow).

Nothing else matters. You can put them straight, oblique, round, bold, there is no difference. After you found out how to install daytime running lights, let's move on to the practical stage.

DRL installation on a car

Again, we need the simplest products, without a controller or connector, with the usual double wiring.

The most ingenious way to connect and now I will explain the scheme of work. When the ignition is turned on, the circuit closes and current flows from a fuse, such as a cigarette lighter, to our products, due to which they burn. As soon as the current is supplied to the BS headlights, the running lights are turned off, due to the fact that voltage is applied to the negative wiring. This is the simplest and correct installation of DRL on a car, if you do not need them to also act as turn signals or be like strobe lights. Now we will analyze which fuses and need to be used on specific makes and models of cars.

Do-it-yourself installation of daytime running lights video

Where to install daytime running lights on different cars?

Now you know installation locations for daytime running lights according to GOST, options for installing DRL in the bumper or on the body and the circuit itself. Write your comments, share your options, your help may be useful to someone!

According to the rules traffic(SDA), a moving vehicle during daylight hours must be marked with low beam headlights, fog lights (PTF) or daytime running lights (DRL or in English DRL). We will learn about various options for connecting DRLs to automotive wiring through an electromagnetic relay in this reference material prepared by the site.

An example of connecting DRL from a generator

Attention: do not forget to put a fuse in case of a short circuit. No one is safe from accidental short circuits during installation and operation!

DRL connection diagram through 4 contact relay

Some people buy DRL headlights and simply connect them to the dimensions. But it is more correct to make them light up when the ignition is turned on and go out when the side lights of the car are turned on.

You can even connect the DRL lamps to the cigarette lighter, because it is energized only when the ignition is on. It will be better than looking for the ignition wire in the wiring.

Connecting DRL lamps via a 5-pin relay

Many are in no hurry to install daytime LED headlights simply by turning on the dipped beam headlights, but keep in mind that using DRLs instead of dipped beam will allow you to charge the battery faster while driving, since their power consumption is 5 times less.

15 watt LED DRLs

DRL connection diagram using a control unit

Some daytime lights, from the most expensive and modern models, have a control unit that allows you to automatically control their operation (brightness, inclusion, and so on). In this case, the electrical circuit will look like this:

Some car electronics manufacturers produce running lights control units with the ability to turn off DRLs at the time of one of the functions: parking brake, reverse gear, starter operation when starting the engine. So it's better to overpay a little and buy just such a set of headlights.

Daytime running lights (DRLs), which are connected by almost every motorist today, are wonderful lighting devices that help improve road safety. There are different options for installing daytime running lights on a car.

One of the simplest solutions is to buy and connect running lights in a specialized workshop. True, in this case you definitely cannot save. Yes, and buying branded running lights can seriously hit the budget. In this regard, many car owners decide to install daytime running lights with their own hands.

How to connect running lights yourself according to GOST

In order to save money, motorists often perform various works to repair or tune the car on their own. In our case, the connection diagram for running lights always comes with these devices, so all we need is time and effort. Although many beginners think that installing LED running lights (they are the most popular) is within the power of everyone, certain skills are still needed. It is also very important to take into account the current regulations for the installation of daytime running lights.

Regardless of which installation option you choose, you need to understand what daytime running lights are, how to connect them correctly, and also use them in the future. And this means that you need to familiarize yourself with GOST R 41.48-2004. It is there that the topic of installing daytime running lights and their operation is considered.

This GOST mentions in detail how to connect daytime running lights (DRL). In particular, the installation option used must guarantee automatic on/off. daytime running lights. This document also indicates the nuances associated with the power of devices and permissible distances (see the picture below).

We decided to list a few basic recommendations for connecting daytime running lights on your own:

• the set should consist of two devices;
• Running lights must not be installed on trailers;
• GOST does not indicate a specific scheme for installing navigation lights, so the manufacturer's requirements must be taken into account;
• daytime running lights should turn on at the same time as the engine is started;
• turning on the running lights should also occur simultaneously with turning off the headlights (we already wrote about polishing the headlights with our own hands);
• Running lights may only be installed in front of the vehicle.

How to place running lights correctly:

1. Placement height - from 250 to 1500 millimeters from ground level.
2. The distance between the blocks of running lights is at least 600 mm (if the vehicle width does not reach 1300 mm, the distance can be reduced to 400 mm).

Many motorists have already heard about the benefits of DRL and are starting to look for a decent model in stores. The assortment is widely represented by Chinese junk costing from 300 to 5000 rubles. Some do not understand at all why put them on a car and buy rubbish for 500 rubles, which shines a little brighter than the dimensions, the power is 2 watts. Probably you have seen such ones, they still shine with blue light, and some of the LEDs are not lit or blinking. Then they have a problem, how to connect running lights so that they work longer. Garage craftsmen offer various DRL connection schemes, the most difficult thing is to choose the right one.

Common names to be used in the text: DRL "Daytime Running Lights", daytime running lights.

• 1. Types of connection
• 2. Mode of operation
• 3. How to connect DRL with control unit
• 4. DRL controller
• 5. Choose a stabilizer
• 6. Connection via relay
• 7. Other less popular methods
• 8. Checking the installation
• 9. An example of benefit

Connection types

DRL Eagle eye, eagle eye

The wiring diagram for navigation lights depends on the configuration and your budget. There are 3 types of equipment:

1. the most inexpensive, only DRL;
2. average in price, stabilizer included;
3. expensive, with a control controller.

If you have the cheapest and worst ones, then there is no controller or control unit included. Such a unit performs the function of a voltage stabilizer and control on and off.

In the middle configuration there is a voltage regulator for 12v. There are power surges in the car network, and the LEDs do not like this very much and fail. The stabilizer will significantly extend the life of the LEDs. But in this option, you will have to choose a place to connect so that they turn on only when the engine is running. There are many places for this, for example, an oil pressure sensor or a generator.

domestic model

The expensive version is equipped with a control unit that connects directly to the battery in the car. According to the principle of operation, they are of two types:

• determine the difference between the number of volts with the engine turned off and running;
• cheaper, this is the inclusion when the voltage rises above 13V.

The first option is the best, regardless of the voltage on your battery, always turn on and off correctly. The second option is budgetary and does not always work. With the engine off, the volts must drop below 13V for the controller to turn off the DRL. But if your battery is new or well charged, then even after the engine is stopped, the voltage on it will be higher than 13V for up to several hours. That is, the daytime running lights will not turn off on their own until there is less than 13V. The only drawback will be its own power consumption when the controller is waiting for the engine to start. It will discharge the battery along with the burglar alarm.

Working mode

According to the technical regulations for cars, DRL should automatically turn on when the engine is started. When you turn on the dipped beam, they should automatically turn off so as not to blind in the dark.

On sale there are also combined models with installed turn signals. The direction indicator duplication section is connected separately in parallel with the standard turn signals. Having a stable diet is also a must.

DRL with turn signal

For models with additional control, there is an accompanying backlight function that works for 10 minutes after the engine is turned off. It illuminates your path to the house or dugout, depending on where you live. Osram DRL has a mode in which they do not turn off, but dim by 50%. I just don’t know how legal it is and whether it will blind.

How to connect DRL with a control unit

DRL controller

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I prefer the DRL connection scheme using the control unit, the most reliable way, suitable for any car and does not require any knowledge. Many motorists buy a DRL control unit from AliExpress - it is inexpensive, and the reviews seem to be good. However, most reviews are left either at the time of receipt of the goods, or after a few days of use. In fact, absolutely all DRL controllers from AliExpress are short-lived and have the following disadvantages:

1. the principle of operation does not comply with GOST;
2. no stabilization (in most);
3. poor quality of materials and assembly;
4. the features of the on-board network of the car are not taken into account;
5. no guarantee;
6. some are not waterproof.

Of the quality options, I can single out from a Russian manufacturer, which fully complies with GOST and is of good quality. Also, the DayLight+ controller has built-in stabilization, which will significantly increase the life of navigation lights.

Choosing a stabilizer

In this form, the first and second methods will be combined. Even if your daytime running lights do not have a stabilizer, I recommend purchasing one or making it yourself.

You can buy Chinese modules at a price of 50 to 120 rubles, so as not to order on Aliexpress, look at Avito, there are very reasonable prices. The most common modules are pulse LM2596 and linear LM317. Of course, they are outdated, but the current will be pulled by 1 ampere, it will be a power of 12 watts.

Modern for 2016 are considered on XL6009, XL4015 microcircuits. They have higher efficiency and heat up much less. Withstand a current of 2 Amperes without a cooling system for the microcircuit, this is equivalent to a load of 24 watts.

Connection via relay

On forums and websites, you will find different ways to connect daytime running lights with your own hands, it will be different for each brand. Specialized relays are also sold, for example, Forget-Me-Not, designed for any car.

The principle of operation is simple. Power for the daytime running lights is supplied from the ignition switch wire. The positive wire from the far and near breaks the circuit when voltage appears on it. For this, 5 contact relays are enough. First, look at the solution on forums that specialize only in the brand of your car. Perhaps you will find a simpler solution.

For example, in the Duster, you can connect the DRL to the cigarette lighter, it is energized only when the ignition is on. It's better than looking for an ignition wire in the wiring. In any case, I recommend putting a fuse in case of a short circuit.

In many circuits, a gauge wire is used to disable the DRL. This is wrong DRL should not go out when the dimensions are turned on, only with low beam.

Another type of daytime running lights connection scheme is the installation of a relay in a regular car relay unit without any upgrades. It includes a distant 30% or 50%, which will be enough to indicate the transport on the road. If the far one consumes 120W, then 30% is equal to approximately 36W, 50% is equal to 60W.

Other less popular methods

Many people are interested in how to connect DRL without a relay on their own, but it depends on the electrics of your car, look for a solution in online clubs dedicated to your car. The most important thing is that power is supplied in this place after starting the engine.

The main DRL connection diagram, through a 4 or 5 contact relay, which turns off when the dipped one is turned on. Whoever is not too lazy to rummage through the wiring of a car is connected from an oil pressure sensor or a generator. On any vehicle, when the engine is started, the oil pressure light on the dashboard lights up, the signal from this wire is used to supply power. The second way, how to connect running lights yourself, is to connect to a generator. They will turn on automatically when the voltage appears on the generator.

Checking the installation

Most car owners, after connecting the running lights with their own hands, like to take a photo of their junk. To make it not so dim, do it at night at close range. Due to their illiteracy, they do not know what to check in sunny weather from a distance of 100 meters. Therefore, they are called daytime, not nighttime.

Benefit Example

When traveling in winter for short distances, especially in severe frost, a large amount of battery energy is spent on starting the engine. Over time, the battery loses its capacity and holds a charge worse. Using DRLs instead of low beams will allow you to charge your battery faster while driving.

Let's calculate:

1. dipped beam consumes about 100W, 2 lamps of about 50W each;
2. decent DRL up to 15W;
3. 100W - 15W = 85W of energy will be consumed less.

For example, in my Duster there is a regular heating element that heats the interior until the engine warms up. Accordingly, the car will warm up faster.