Installing DRL yourself. Why are daytime running lights needed? Daytime running lights: installation

Hello dear friends. In today's article I will talk about three simple ways connecting DRL (daytime running lights) in a car.

It's no secret that since 2010, all motorists have been required to drive with low beam headlights or DRLs on. The fine for failure to comply with this requirement is small, about 500 rubles. However, no one wants to lose them. You have to constantly turn the low beam on and off. And how often does it happen that you simply forgot to turn it on, or even worse, turn it off. After all, some cars are not equipped automatic shutdown or audio prompts. And so you come to the car once again to start it, but the battery is already dead.

To avoid such troubles, you will have to install daytime running lights with automatic activation after starting the engine. Today I will talk about three simple and proven DRL connection schemes. Let's start with the simplest thing. Scheme number one.

Diagram for switching on DRLs through dimensions or low beam

The circuit is very simple, contains a minimum of common parts and does not use a relay. But this scheme has two drawbacks. Firstly, the DRLs will light up immediately after turning on the ignition, and secondly, only LED lighting fixtures can be used in this circuit. Which slightly reduces its functionality. You can ignore the first drawback, since led lights consume very little energy and this will not affect starting the engine with a weakly charged battery. The peculiarities of this scheme include the fact that when the dimensions key is turned on, the DRLs will turn off, which is required by the traffic rules.

The next diagram is more universal for lighting fixtures, but contains more details. So, let's move on to scheme number 2.

Connection diagram for DRL from oil pressure sensor

As you understand from the title, this DRL switching circuit uses the oil pressure generated by the car’s engine. An automotive relay REL3 with powerful contacts is used as an actuator, thanks to this it is possible to use not only LED lamps, but also halogen ones. The disadvantages of this scheme include the fact that it can only be implemented in cars that use a contact pressure sensor SA1. This scheme was repeatedly tested in Soviet-made cars, in particular UAZ cars.

As a result of the tests, the fact was revealed that the intermediate relay REL1 must be used with as little coil winding current as possible; a regular car relay is not suitable in this case. Since the coil current consumption exceeds 100 milliamps. Because of this, the contacts of the oil pressure sensor quickly fail. At best, a pressure sensor with automotive relay will work for six months. Therefore, I began to use one whose winding current does not exceed 30 milliamps.

And so we gradually approach scheme number 3, which, in my opinion, is the best of all and is devoid of almost all disadvantages. But you will have to work a little with a soldering iron.

Automatic activation of DRL after engine start

In this scheme, just like in the previous one, a relay is used as an actuator, thanks to this you can use led lights and halogen. The circuit is quite simple, requires virtually no configuration, and contains a minimum of radio components. One of the main advantages of this circuit is that it does not require any signals to operate as in the previous circuit. The most important thing is that it automatically turns on the DRL after starting the engine.

The principle of its operation is based on the voltage difference on-board network. When the car is turned off, the on-board voltage does not exceed 12.8 volts; as soon as you turn the key to start and the car starts, the voltage rises to an average of 13.4 volts. This voltage difference is detected by the circuit and turns on the daytime running lights. If you turn it off, everything will repeat in reverse order. When the side lights or low beam are turned on, relay RE2 is activated and the running lights are turned off. Using the S1 key in the circuit is not necessary. But if you sometimes need to move without being noticed, then this key should be provided.

This circuit is implemented on a controlled Zener diode VD1 TL431, which I use in many. Now let me tell you in more detail about how to make a DRL control unit with your own hands.

Device details:

• Adjustable zener diode; TL431 or Soviet KR142EN19A
• Electromagnetic relay REL1; any 12 volt with current consumption as low as possible, for example Songle SRD-12VDC-SL-C
• Electromagnetic relay REL2; any 12 volt, five pin
• Resistors; 4.7 Kom, 1.1 Kom, 160 Kom
• Electrolytic capacitor; 10 microns 25 volts
• Diodes; IN4007, or others with similar characteristics 2 pcs.
• Fuse

Since the device uses a small number of radio components, they can be connected by surface mounting. For those who like to solder the best, of course, it will be mounted on a dress. To do this, we need a piece of foil fiberglass laminate measuring 80 by 45 mm. We mark the location of future components on the dress.

Using a drill with a diameter of 1 mm, drill a hole. If your chuck cannot clamp this drill, then you should use this one, wrap it with copper wire and solder it.

Then, using a permanent marker, we connect the required points of the radio components. In the future these will be paths.

When we finish outlining the future tracks, we check again that the installation is correct and begin etching the board. To do this, we need ferric chloride, from which we will produce a solution of the required concentration. The etching time of the future board will depend on the concentration, on average 10-20 minutes. As a result, we should get such a beautiful blank.

Using a soldering iron we will mount our radio components. We also need tin and flux, which can be rosin.

It is also worth taking care of the body of the future device. I used the body from a burnt-out turn signal indicator of a UAZ car.

If necessary, the lead wires can be fixed with glue using a heat gun.

In conclusion, I would like to note that you can do the DRL connection diagram yourself. This device I've been using it for about 6 years on my car. It has proven itself with the best side. Its characteristics do not depend on the external temperature, whether in summer or winter it works properly. Given the resistor ratings on the diagram, the circuit should work immediately, but if there is an unclear switching on of the REL1 relay, then you will have to select the resistor ratings R1 R2. You can place the finished device in any place where it is convenient for you, since this circuit does not require additional wires for control, and takes reference voltage directly from the power supply circuit of the device itself.

Another pleasant aspect of using this scheme is its versatility. Since with the help of this circuit it is possible to switch on other devices that should turn on after starting the engine, for example a DVR.

This is where I will conclude my story. I hope this article will help many motorists. I say goodbye. Until next time.

Today, one of the most pressing and frequently asked questions is whether daytime running lights are allowed. After the adopted legislation obligated all drivers to travel even during the daytime with their headlights on, they became one of the most important and sought-after goods on the world market. Drivers turn specifically to the option of individual modules, since they have a number of advantages, including lower energy consumption, as well as brightness and operating time.

It is worth noting that after these modules have become so popular, drivers are not missing out on the opportunity and equipping their cars with DRLs. Quite often there were cases when drivers installed daytime running lights on their cars, but they were not provided for by the factory design of the vehicle. In this case, all sizes were taken into account, technical parameters modules, lights and everything else, but checks and technical inspections did not accept such modernization.

This is explained by the fact that if a car is not equipped with DRLs, then their installation is regarded as an interference with the integrity of the factory design of the car. But it is worth noting that neither GOST nor traffic rules it is not stated that you cannot install lights on your car daylight.

Cars that are not originally equipped with daytime running lights from the factory can be upgraded with the installation of DRLs. For this purpose, today there are a huge number of special kits on sale. Each of them has two modules that are installed on cars on the right and left, wiring, as well as a special unit that ensures stable operation automatic switching on and attenuation of the glow intensity. An example of such DRLs are those shown in the figure on the left. Please note that from September 10, 2009 the resolution Russian Federation No. 720, according to which the installation of DRLs on individual vehicles that are not equipped with them from the factory is legal and fully permitted. BUT! To do this you need to collect complete package documents and formalize intervention in the design and integrity of the car, which, if desired, is done very easily and quickly. Thus, if you approach the issue correctly and study all the facets of the legality of DRL, then you can quickly and easily install a stylish device on a car, and under license.

According to latest changes According to the law, all vehicles are required to drive during the day with their running lights on. If daytime running lights are not installed in the vehicle, the driver must turn on the low beam or fog lights.

The adoption of such a law caused a lot of confusion among motorists. In this regard, the issue of including DRLs began to be actively discussed.

A car with daytime running lights attracts much more attention than one without them. It is for this reason that we decided to make changes to the traffic rules.

Daytime running lights have certain advantages over conventional headlights. To operate the headlights, you need electrical energy, which is produced by a generator. While the car is moving, the generator charges the battery due to the high speed of movement. In this situation, headlights will not be required high costs energy. But if the car has to travel in constant traffic jams and traffic lights, the battery will gradually discharge. And the generator will not have time to recharge the battery. As a result, the load on all enabled devices will be felt.

It will be difficult for an old car to cope with the increased load, and as a result, its battery may simply fail.

Daytime running lights consume less energy than headlight bulbs. In this regard, many car factories began to build DRLs into cars. If we talk about side lights, they are not very bright and therefore are practically invisible. Accordingly, they have no effect. They cannot be used in place of DRLs.

Pros of using DRL

The advantages of using DRLs can be considered using two examples:

1. Most of the cars in use have quite high power and torque. All this allows them to quickly accelerate to high speeds and perform various maneuvers. If, while one car is performing a dangerous maneuver, another driver does not notice the vehicle coming towards you, an accident may occur.
2. It seems that during the day in the sunshine the car is clearly visible. But the glare from the windows and mirrors of cars coming towards you dulls visibility. In this case, DRL can protect you from an accident.

DRL installation rules

The traffic rules give a clear indication of how daytime running lights should be installed:

1. DRLs must be installed at the front of the vehicle.
2. The distance from them to the ground should not be less than 25 centimeters and more than 1.5 meters.
3. DRLs must be located at a distance of at least 60 cm from each other.
4. The distance from the body edge to the DRL should not be more than 400 mm.

If there are no DRLs, the driver has the right to install them. On sale today huge selection. There are lights with LED lamps, with conventional incandescent lamps. LED lights are the most popular because they are very economical in terms of energy consumption.

What do the traffic regulations say about running lights?

According to the rules traffic from 2016, all drivers must turn on the DRLs while driving, or the fog lights and low beam lights. Such requirements ensure the safety of all other road users.

If the driver does not comply with this rule, he may be issued a fine of 500 rubles.

According to the traffic rules, DRLs must be used in the following cases:

1. If minor passengers are transported;
2. If transport is difficult to distinguish in the distance;
3. If oversized items or harmful substances are transported;
4. DRLs must be used on public transport and minibuses.

How to choose DRL?

The requirements that must be taken into account when installing DRLs have already been described above.

If the running lights on your car are not installed correctly, the traffic police inspector will have the right to stop you and issue you a fine. In some situations vehicle They may even send you to the impound lot.

If you want your running lights to comply with traffic rules and GOST, you should pay attention special attention their choice. After all, a lot will depend on what kind of road running light you decide to install on your car. The highest quality products are produced by companies such as Hella and Philips Osram. It is worth choosing them not only because they meet all the standards, but also because they can make your journey on the roads as safe as possible. There are usually no problems with the products of the brands presented above when the car is diagnosed at a service station. Homemade devices cannot meet all requirements.

The options for making DRLs yourself are different. For example, you can install DRLs yourself separately or integrate them into the car’s standard optics. Since 2016, the requirements for car optics have become more complex, so it is necessary to legalize any independent installation. It gets to the point where they demand a certificate or a copy of it. The markings on the DRL body can be checked. Such a check can only be carried out at a stationary post. At the same time, the traffic rules do not indicate any specific requirements or rules.

The options may be the following:

• classic DRLs in a separate housing;
• from fog lights (read about how this happens);
• from high beam headlights;
• from side lights;
• from turn signals;
• DRLs embedded in the bumper.

All but the first types of DRLs require the purchase of LEDs.

In order to make DRLs from turn signals or side lights, you can purchase domestically produced T10 W5W and P21 LEDs with a control unit. The lamps will cost car enthusiasts 5,000 rubles per set. Their main advantage is that they do not change in any way appearance car and will not arouse suspicion among patrol officers. In addition, the power of the lamps is sufficient to increase the visibility of the car.

Requirements specified in the regulations

The luminous power of the DRL depends on the beam angle LED lamps with lenses. LEDs without optics shine at 120 degrees. To avoid this, it is necessary to achieve focusing of the light. In order to find out the light intensity, you can turn on the DRLs and place a lux meter at a distance of 1 meter from them along the optical axis of the light source.

The required characteristics are listed below:

• each DRL should have 500-700 lumens;
• power not less than 6 watts;
• the light should spread at an angle of 35 degrees.

According to GOST, the illuminated area of ​​each DRL must be at least 40 centimeters, the vertical angle of illumination must be 25 degrees, and the horizontal angle - 55.

The light power should be 400 - 800 candelas. When purchasing cheap Chinese spare parts, it is recommended to sort them out immediately after purchase. This way you can eliminate various assembly defects (apply thermal paste and improve cooling).

DIY DRLs made from LEDs

Depending on the LEDs used, the design may differ. I can use an OWL LED in the form of a line and 1W or 3W diodes.

Voltage and current stabilizers will help increase the service life of LED diodes. It all depends on the connection diagram of these diodes using a driver or resistor.

OWL LED strips with a length of 15 - 25 centimeters are sold by the Chinese at low cost. Such rulers are presented as full-fledged lamps, but their beam angle is 120 degrees, which is unacceptable. The housing and lens are also missing. In the conditions of our roads, such devices will quickly fail. They can only be used for lighting luggage compartment and doors.

To make them into DRLs, you need a housing and a long lens. The focusing optics in this case is replaced by a reflector. Double-sided tape is applied to the back to secure them. Power is usually overestimated. In reality it is 3W and 6W. There is no need for a cooling system. In hot weather conditions they may occasionally overheat. This happens especially often when in traffic jams. The quality of DRL data will be low. Use is contraindicated at temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius and above.

In the second assembly option, you will need 1W and 3W LEDs. You will need 5 - 7 such LEDs per block. Installing an LED of less than 1W is unacceptable due to non-compliance with the requirements of the regulations. The basis for the DRL can be an aluminum ruler with areas for mounting LEDs or an aluminum profile. 1W and 3W LED diodes are installed on aluminum using thermally conductive glue.

For LEDs, optics with different luminous angles are sold in a large assortment. Can be found with angles from 10 to 90 degrees. Lenses will be required with an angle of 30 - 35 degrees.

Each LED diode must be equipped with a lens.

The third option will require an aluminum profile of square or rectangular cross-section. 5 - 7 holes are made in the profile for LEDs. The LEDs are installed in the profile, then the wires are routed in the desired direction. Empty areas are filled with sealant. The body can be painted in any color. Unfortunately, this DRL is unreliable and can quickly fail. But it all depends on the operating conditions. To improve service life, it is necessary to improve the contact between the LED and the housing-bolt using additional thermal paste. The lens is tightly installed on a transparent sealant to protect the device from moisture and salt.

The so-called “Eagle Eye” is very popular. Such devices by design are:

• in the form of a bolt with an LED top,
• in the form of a cylinder with fastening with latches,
• in the form of a tablet on double-sided tape for surface mounting.

It is not recommended to use adhesive tape, as the fastening will be unreliable. The best option There will be a mortise installation. It is necessary to make holes in the bumper with a diameter of 20 - 25 millimeters. Please note that these holes will then have to be masked if you no longer use the DRLs. It is better to drill holes in the fog lamp plugs, since their black color better helps disguise the installation results. In reality, the power of the LEDs is 1W, while the stated power ranges from 3W to 9W.

For better LED visibility, you need to use at least 5 per 1 DRL.

The fact that daytime running lights are on at the moment are the most popular component of vehicle exterior lighting and significantly contribute to reducing the number of road 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 car's catchiness and thereby, of course, increases the safety of the people in it.

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

Regulatory acts

Today, in addition to traffic rules and GOST, the rules for installing daytime running lights are also specified 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 read all the sources that describe the standards for this procedure.

The first regulatory act that you should pay attention to in order not to be caught by the traffic police officers in violation is the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian Federation number 316 dated 10/05/2010.

It clearly describes all the adjustments that were made to the decision of the Council of Ministers number 1090. In short, the main changes looked like this:

• the rules for using lighting devices have been changed, expanded and described in more detail;
• During daylight hours, the use of low beam lamps or running lights is mandatory on every vehicle.

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 I left new GOST 41482004, which essentially described the same situation, but changes were made to the concept of daytime running lights. The new definition was based on international standard European Commission to the UN number 47.

Also, adjustments were introduced and in 2005 - 01/01 a decree was issued stating that previous GOST standards up to document P414899 are no longer considered valid, and new rules standardize the mandatory installation and use of daytime running lights on mechanical vehicles only if they comply with the standards of the European Commission at the UN.

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

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

How to install 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. To avoid problems 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 traffic rules of the Russian Federation, in some points differ from similar standards in the Western world. Here are the basic principles in accordance with which daytime running lights should be installed in Russia:

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 about installing lighting on a car with a small body (less than 1300 millimeters in width), then a distance between independent lights of 40 centimeters is allowed.
3. According to traffic rules and GOST, the intensity of the luminous flux that lights installed on cars or trucks, should be in the range from 400 to 800 Candela.

If you are going to install daytime running lights in accordance with traffic rules 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 norms. Also in special situations, the vehicle may even be sent to the impound lot.

If you want your car to comply with all the rules and regulations of traffic rules and GOST and not raise questions among traffic police officers, special attention must be paid to the issue of choosing the daytime running lights themselves - a lot also depends on their brand and type.

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

They should be given preference not only because they are able to satisfy all state standards and regulations, but also because the lighting devices of these brands are the most effective and can provide you with maximum safety on the roads. In the vast majority of cases, representatives of the above brands do not experience any problems when they undergo the inspection process at a service station. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about optical instruments that were produced at home.