Has anyone had the programmed? Opinions good or bad?

 

While daytime running lights help visibility, I prefer to be in control of them myself. Another reason to not have them programmed is if you also have fog lights, having the DRLs programmed in willkeep you from using them independently of the headlights, i.e. with the running lights on, you can have fog lights on as well and not have the headlight low beams on concurrently. This is a help not only in dense fog, but also in daylight stormy situations with slick roads; the fog lights don't reflect glare from the pavement into oncoming traffic as much as do low beams. You have the benefit of added visibility without excessive light.

You high beam bulbs will also last longer, since the high beams are what are used as DRLs, but at half power. You also have a more distinct high beams 'flash' to warn others.

 

I had mine programmed on. I like the way they look and the added visability. :smile:



R.E.

 

Because of the small size of the MINI, I had them programed for additional safety. I was not happy however to have to pay MAG $38 to have it done, as it is a safety feature of the car???

 

I had the DRLs activated. I have [sadly] found that there are too many people driving out there in their own little dingbat world. They don't pay attention, they notice nothing [red lights, brake lights, pedestrians, etc.]. I chose to make my MINI more obvious to combat these morons. Think about it; we are driving a smaller vehicle; many [especially those wonderful SUV people] are so far removed from the driving experience. They NEED to be reminded there are OTHER vehicles on the road, not just themselves.

 

I'm not too sure that DRLs do any good. I had them on my GMC Suburban and was hit in the left front corner by a lady in a Miata. Totaled the Miata and did $700 damage to the Suburban's bumper.

On my MINI I usually using my parking lights (illegal in California?) and fog lights in the daytime. Low beams and fogs on my Z3.

 

DRLs also make motorcycles less visible. (motorcycles are required to run with the headlight on all the time)

 

I personally don't like the looks of DRL's, it just looks like some boob forgot to turn off their lights. I do thing that ALL cars should be programmed to turn the lights on automatically with the wipers. It amazes me how many people drive in the rain with no lights on whatsoever!!

 

>>I had mine programmed on. I like the way they look and the added visability. :smile:


Ditto -- Tom

 

I dont have the running lights programed. I figure it would burn out the bulb early. Probably a lame justification, plus I dont care for the way they look. Just my 2 cents....

 

I have mine programmed on. MINI's implementation is much better than GM's. The headlight gives out this soft glow, looks very cool. I was surprised at how much I liked the look of it.

I learned to drive in Canada, so I definitely know the safety benefit of DRLs. The fact that it looks so cool is just a bonus.

 

>>DRLs also make motorcycles less visible. (motorcycles are required to run with the headlight on all the time)

This is something of a myth, not spread out of ill intent but rather out of innocent misinformation.

The point of DRLs is not to visually distinguish your car from other traffic. The point is to distinguish your car from the surroundings. Making your car more visible against the surroundings does not in any way magically make motorcycles any less visible against the surroundings.

That extra light makes your vehicle much more visible from a distance and the idea is hopefully to keep people from pulling out into your path, or changing lanes into you. Works just as well whether that light is on a car or motorcycle. Cars having DRLs does not in any way diminish the safety benefits of DRLs on motorcycles.

That's my take on it, anyway. I haven't commissioned any studies on the topic but the argument that car DRLs somehow make motorcycles less visible just doesn't make sense.

That said, I don't have my DRLs enabled. The only reason for that though is so I can use my fog lights independently of the headlights, which is how they are designed to be used.

 

i wish the tail lights are on with drl too. look at all volvos with their lights on all the time. it does help stand out in less light condition.


>>The point of DRLs is not to visually distinguish your car from other traffic. The point is to distinguish your car from the surroundings. Making your car more visible against the surroundings does not in any way magically make motorcycles any less visible against the surroundings.
>>
>>That extra light makes your vehicle much more visible from a distance and the idea is hopefully to keep people from pulling out into your path, or changing lanes into you. Works just as well whether that light is on a car or motorcycle. Cars having DRLs does not in any way diminish the safety benefits of DRLs on motorcycles.

 

Well I had it done and love it! Wish I could turn on driving lights without turning on parking lights though. Also had auto unlock at ignition off programmed.

 

I had mine programmed after I was just about killed by a large truck that swerved into my lane (also ended with a speeding ticket resulting from the quick evasion I had to do to save my car and maybe my life - fighting that one).

 

In what state? Most states mandate that fogs only go on with Low Beams ... not independtly. Of course, you can wire it anyway you want. Just wondering

BTW, why would you want to use fogs w/o the lows? I'm confused the DRLs use the highs, you can still wire the fogs to the lows.

 

I don't like the idea of them for one reason: Look at all the twits with JUST their headlights on in the fog or rain. "I have DRL, my lights are on" they must be thinking. Not in the rear they're not!

 

I had the DRLs programmed in all my MINIs before delivery.

 

I hate DRLs for a number of reasons, including those that some people here have mentioned. I made sure they were turned OFF before I even took delivery of the car.

No thanks.

 

yeah, I will get mine programmed off next week.

 

i owuldnt want DRL's programmed just because the car looks cooler with just parking and fogs on!

 

mine are programmed to turn on.

I do some driving in the woods and a dark colored car in the shade on a sunny day is pretty much invisible without lights.

 

Well, this is North American Motoring so...

DRL's are required in Canada. Odd for us to see vehicles without headlights on during the day (only older cars). Not a programmable option up here.

 

I always drive with my parking lights on.....even in daylight, they are noticeable to others not only coming up in front but also from the back and sides.

 

No DRL's required in Germany. I think I am the only one with them.
Germans seem to be bent on only driving while driving. Americans seem to be bent on doing everything but driving while driving. Different cultures. Anyhow, DRL's are not needed if everybody is paying attention. Sadly, not everyone does so. I'll keep my DRL's on for when I get back to America.
Oh, also illegal here to use fog lights if there is no fog... European cars have a little red light that comes on in the rear--bright as a brake light--when the fogs come on, quite handy for people behind you.

EUR$.02
dan