From one who does not even know if the Daytime Running Lights are an option or some dealer programmable thing, I drive with my lights on -- ALL the time. I think all cars should be this way. I think it is just safer.

I wonder if I can have my lights put on permanent (USA car) and I a, going to ask.

My MCS is just that + a sunroof. I am waiting to program it. and the new ECU map.

LIGHTS ON :smile:

Slower Traffic Keep Right.

 

Here's a visibility-related question:

In snow-heavy areas, anyone have any problem w/ poor visibility, especially when trying to come out of an intersection where the snowbanks were so high that that were higher than the MINI? Up here in the Northeast, there's been frequent times when I've almost been hit in my Volvo 'cause the other car couldn't see me edging out. Hmmm, maybe I'd better put my kid's orange flag on my bumper

 

>>From one who does not even know if the Daytime Running Lights are an option or some dealer programmable thing, I drive with my lights on -- ALL the time. I think all cars should be this way. I think it is just safer.
>>
>>I wonder if I can have my lights put on permanent (USA car) and I a, going to ask.
>>
>>My MCS is just that + a sunroof. I am waiting to program it. and the new ECU map.
>>
>>LIGHTS ON :smile:
>>
>>Slower Traffic Keep Right.

If your car is a US spec, then it is programmable to have DRLs activated.
Your dealer should have asked for your preference prior to delivery. Since it wasn't set up before delivery, they shouldn't charge you to set up the DRL. Ask them for all the options you can have, such as auto-locking/unlocking, function for remote button, etc.

 

DRL's should be illegal, IMO. Sure, they a car more visible, but only because the car will stand out against other cars without their lights on. If all cars had DRL's then vehicles that need to stand out (motorcycles and emergency vehicles) would not stand out as well. My Jetta has DRL's which cannot be turned off. I hate them. :evil:

 

DRLs came aboot due to our frosty neighbours to the north, Canada. Seem that those idiots in Toronto (don't try to fool me with that Ottawa crap

Note to IanF: Contact Neuspeed for that European light switch for your Jetta. I've felt your pain, and it is curable.
_________________
BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior

 

>>DRL's should be illegal, IMO. Sure, they a car more visible, but only because the car will stand out against other cars without their lights on. If all cars had DRL's then vehicles that need to stand out (motorcycles and emergency vehicles) would not stand out as well. My Jetta has DRL's which cannot be turned off. I hate them. :evil:


I guess you're not having yours programmed on huh? Isn't it nice of MINI to give us a choice?

About trucks, "which have the stopping distance of a small freight train", I always figured that was the case. This brings up the question; why do so many truck drivers insist on driving 10-20 MPH over the limit while positioned about 20 feet from the back bumper of some poor fool who might have the misfortune to be on their highway? You'd think something that couldn't stop in a country mile would stay in the right lane and close to the speed limit. This tailgating and speeding by these 80,000 lb. monsters happens all the time with often predictable results.

To state the obvious, whether you are a good or bad driver has nothing to do with whether you are driving a car or a semi. Many years ago this wasn't true and it was a given that the trucker was a safe and courteous driver.

I'm glad that you notice when the sun is at your back and turn your lights on, but this isn't the case with most drivers. As you said, it's easier to see them if their lights are on.

I get emotional about a few things too.
:evil:

R.E.

 

>>When will we stop having our vehicles do for us what we should know already? If it's bad weather, dark, sunset ... overcast, raining cats and dogs turn on your freaking lights. Amazing thing is when you do ... your rear tails come on at the same time! Ain't technology grand?<<

My thoughts exactly. I don't like them. I see WAY too many people overriding this stupidity protection by not turning on their lights at appropriate times. I strongly disagree with having them be mandatory.

 

>>Note to IanF: Contact Neuspeed for that European light switch for your Jetta. I've felt your pain, and it is curable.
>>

Thanks! I'll check that out. :smile:

As far as tailgating trucks... beats me... When I'm driving my van I'm usually the slowest thing on the road... mainly for fuel efficiency reasons, but I also realize my van likes to do one thing well: go at a constant speed in a straight line. Going against this can be an adventure... although I'm not immune from a few power-slides in an open parking lot when there's some snow on the road... RWD is fun.

 

GM was a big seller of DRL's, My vette and olds have them (although they basically brightened turn lights- orange. Even worse, because in a shimmering of a summer mirage, it can be mistaken for turn lights!).

Interestingly, Denmark and Sweden require them. When I was in DK last year, all cars had them. :smile: Of course then we would have to extrapolate and have flashing red beacons, ummm, no...

And while on the subject of lighting, if I ran the show. Euro-spec side markers would be mandatory, as would rear-fog lights (along with penalty for misuse!)...

 

GM was a big seller of DRL's, My vette and olds have them (although they basically brightened turn lights- orange. Even worse, because in a shimmering of a summer mirage, it can be mistaken for turn lights!).

Interestingly, Denmark and Sweden require them. When I was in DK last year, all cars had them. :smile: Of course then we would have to extrapolate and have flashing red beacons, ummm, no...

And while on the subject of lighting, if I ran the show. Euro-spec side markers would be mandatory, as would rear-fog lights (along with penalty for misuse!)...