Turn Signal DRL Kits

[sciphi]

I'm looking at a turn-signal DRL kit for our 09 Honda Fit. Currently the car uses high-beam DRL's, which I'm not happy about since they're about invisible during the day.

Anybody have experience with these kits?

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: sciphi
I'm looking at a turn-signal DRL kit for our 09 Honda Fit. Currently the car uses high-beam DRL's, which I'm not happy about since they're about invisible during the day.

Anybody have experience with these kits?


I've heard of disabling DRLs, never of a kit to intentionally add them or convert one type to another. If its not obvious, I think DRLs are worse than useless in any form, but its your call. If anyone would know about the quality of different kits and their availability, I'd bet Daniel Stern would be your guy:

http:/www.danielsternlighting.com

 

[paul246]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: sciphi
I'm looking at a turn-signal DRL kit for our 09 Honda Fit. Currently the car uses high-beam DRL's, which I'm not happy about since they're about invisible during the day.

Anybody have experience with these kits?


I've heard of disabling DRLs, never of a kit to intentionally add them or convert one type to another. If its not obvious, I think DRLs are worse than useless in any form, but its your call. If anyone would know about the quality of different kits and their availability, I'd bet Daniel Stern would be your guy:

http:/www.danielsternlighting.com



We've been using DRL's now for many years. I can't imagine not having them. I get reminded every once in a while when an old crate comes down the road with no DRL's. That vehicle is almost invisible.

 

[bepperb]

I can't imagine driving a motorcycle with the headlight off.

On a car, sure it's debatable whether they're necessary all the time. But often, in the rain or snow or fog, at dusk... when people are just too stupid or self absorbed to think that other people need to see them too.

What is this turn signal DRL kit? Like parking lights? Might be easier to buy auto turnon/turnoff headlights and just drive around with your lows on all the time?

 

[postjeeprcr]

Originally Posted By: paul246
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: sciphi
I'm looking at a turn-signal DRL kit for our 09 Honda Fit. Currently the car uses high-beam DRL's, which I'm not happy about since they're about invisible during the day.

Anybody have experience with these kits?


I've heard of disabling DRLs, never of a kit to intentionally add them or convert one type to another. If its not obvious, I think DRLs are worse than useless in any form, but its your call. If anyone would know about the quality of different kits and their availability, I'd bet Daniel Stern would be your guy:

http:/www.danielsternlighting.com



We've been using DRL's now for many years. I can't imagine not having them. I get reminded every once in a while when an old crate comes down the road with no DRL's. That vehicle is almost invisible.


If you can't see a car or truck without DRLs you may want to get your eyes checked. Cars did not have DRLs for many more years than they have had them.

 

[paul246]

Originally Posted By: postjeeprcr
Originally Posted By: paul246
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: sciphi
I'm looking at a turn-signal DRL kit for our 09 Honda Fit. Currently the car uses high-beam DRL's, which I'm not happy about since they're about invisible during the day.

Anybody have experience with these kits?


I've heard of disabling DRLs, never of a kit to intentionally add them or convert one type to another. If its not obvious, I think DRLs are worse than useless in any form, but its your call. If anyone would know about the quality of different kits and their availability, I'd bet Daniel Stern would be your guy:

http:/www.danielsternlighting.com



We've been using DRL's now for many years. I can't imagine not having them. I get reminded every once in a while when an old crate comes down the road with no DRL's. That vehicle is almost invisible.


If you can't see a car or truck without DRLs you may want to get your eyes checked. Cars did not have DRLs for many more years than they have had them.


Too funny, I can't believe the logic here, lol. Heck, why bother putting hydraulic brakes on a car when the cable operated system seem to work just fine, yug yug.

So, a car coming in your direction pulls into your lane to pass, it seems as if he is not aware that you are approaching at a rapid rate. What would be your normal first response in this situation? If distance allows, flash your lights at him and begin to slow down, right?

Well, it works both ways with DRL.

 

[bepperb]

"If you can't see a car or truck without DRLs you may want to get your eyes checked"

Wow. That's fantastic logic. But, wait, there's one huge flaw: I'm not worried about me seeing someone else. I'm worried about THEM seeing ME! And yes, many drivers apparently should get their eyes checked.

 

[sciphi]

I contacted Daniel Stern once, and he recommended the turn-signal DRL kit as a way to preserve DRL when running a headlight harness when I was interested in one for my Buick with 9005 high-beam DRL's.

Reasons for preserving DRL are the Fit is a tiny (for US drivers) car which needs all the help it can get with being seen. I also notice the orange turn-signal lights more readily than white headlight DRL. And there are some very nice bulbs riding in the headlights currently.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: paul246

We've been using DRL's now for many years. I can't imagine not having them. I get reminded every once in a while when an old crate comes down the road with no DRL's. That vehicle is almost invisible.


I think DRL-less cars are MORE conspicuous now that everything else on the road is glaring at you all the time. I think they're a waste of energy \and that if you need DRLs to be seen, you should have your headlights on, but that's just me.

To the original poster: Even though I don't like them myself, I'm being serious in my advice- if you want to convert them contact Stern. He agrees with you that they're useful when implemented right (not high-beam) and probably can hook you up with the needed hardware to do the job right.

 

[UG_Passat]

I cannot vouch for this:

http://www.webelectricproducts.com/drl/drldetails.htm

because I have not tried them.

I have my fog lights as DRLs on my 08 Passat (with yellow film on the fogs)--- quick change to the computer

 

[eljefino]

If you do this get the heavy duty long life bulbs like GM uses in Buick centuries and other OE amber turn signal apps. Regular ones are rated for about 300 hours which if you think about it, is nothing.

 

[ffracer]

I cannot stand DRLs as they are so annoying to have something flashing in your face with glare, instead of motion of the car. Some cars are much worse than others - Saturns, GM, Toyota/Lexus, and recent Chryslers.

The flaw in the DRL logic is that (Besides they are annoying and self centered) is they are like a train coming at you with light. Looks slow, can't tell the relative speed or distance, until the glare is so close to see the angular velocity that it is too late. i.e. if you are paying attention, lights are too late in daylight to make a difference. If you aren't, it doesn't matter.

There are no standards for glare for DRLs in NA market, nor do they factor in these idiot designs with half power high beams that aligned wrong. Way too bright, especially on bumps and loaded minivans, SUVs, and trucks.

You can't tell where the edge of the car is with the glare on some cars, nor where the turn signals are. Driving with lights on during the day, unless you are a stationary service vehicle or motorcycle is annoying and pointless to using the other indicator lights like turn signals and brake lights. It also obscure people walking near your car like kids infront of a minivan.

My solution is to put my mirror to night dimming when someone with DRLs is behind me.

They are not a positive value proposition. Should be banned ASAP.

 

[tom slick]

If DRLs affect you so much are you able to drive at night?