All connection diagrams for daytime running lights. Installing DRLs, installing running lights Where to put running lights

Initially, DRLs (daytime running lights, another name is drl lights) were invented in Canada and were first used there. The first DRLs looked a little different: the high beam lamp was used as a light source, which burned 50% “quieter”, or only the low beam was turned on. In both the first and second cases, only the headlights and side lamps worked, and the taillights did not light (only the brake lights worked, which were not “masked” by the side lights).

Principle of operation

When the general (low) beam was turned on, all the lights in the car came on, including the low beam and side lights. At the same time, the service life of the lamps decreased, the load on the generator increased, thereby we get an undercharged battery and a short service life of marker and lighting lamps. By using DRLs as a source of daylight, we get a longer service life of the car's standard lamps and a always charged battery. Also, with a low load on the vehicle’s on-board network, fuel consumption decreases.

In our store you can order and buy daytime running lights in Moscow. By consuming a minimum of electricity, DRLs save voltage in the on-board network, thereby maintaining the battery in a charged state. Modern DRLs are made using COB (light emitting diode) technology, are lightweight, have minimal current consumption and have a long service life. Also, daytime running lights in Moscow have a reasonable price. DRL is a practical and irreplaceable thing for every car owner.

Legality of daytime running lights

The traffic rules that are in force today require driving vehicles with their headlights on. Among the equipment designed for car lighting, daytime running lights are popular. Why have they become so widespread? It's all about the advantages of LED lights, which include:

  • universal installation method for all cars
  • small size running lights
  • bright light at low power consumption, etc.

Advantage of DRL

LED modules have a significantly longer lifespan than halogen modules, because their quality is much superior to conventional light bulbs. Daytime running lights are a one-piece unit that most often looks like a ready-to-install unit. You are unlikely to be able to find LED lamps separately from the entire DRL design, which is why daytime running lights are usually changed completely. In the assortment of our online store you will find various models of DRLs, which you can buy by leaving a request on the website or by calling. Our consultants will help you choose the right model and install it for high-quality car lighting.

Or DRL, are becoming more and more accessible and popular. Manufacturers give many arguments for their installation, including minimal fuel consumption due to lower energy consumption, long service life and high quality.

Since 2010, Russian legislation has introduced mandatory use of them with alternating low-beam headlights during the daytime. EU regulations require DRLs to be installed on all new model vehicles. Also, their installation is quite possible on older cars, thus increasing their attractiveness and safety.

The supply market for daytime running lights is extremely high and, it would seem, saturated with options that are similar to each other. The modules are so simple that even a novice amateur can install them. However, installation is a serious matter, and before you get started, take a look at a few details that will influence your choice.

What are daytime running lights for?

With the arrival of summer comes relatively better driving conditions - dry weather, long days and plenty of sunshine. But it is the latter indicator that is not always the driver’s allies. It often blinds and causes eye fatigue.

According to some studies, the use of daytime running lights increases the visibility of the vehicle on the road, which helps to avoid many accidents. In EU countries, since 2011, all manufactured cars must have DRL installed; in Russia, a year earlier, it was in effect, where there is a requirement to turn on the lights (either fog lights, low beam headlights, or daytime running lights) during daylight hours. What is the difference between these types of automotive lighting?

Video showing installation of DRL:

Better visibility

Daytime running lights serve to make the vehicle more visible during the day. Unlike low beams, they are equipped with powerful LED lights, so that the modules become more visible to other road users. Moreover, these lights are designed in such a way that they . The daytime running lights come on when you start the car, but you can only drive with them during the day. When it gets dark, you need to switch to low beam by automatically turning off the DRL.

Less fuel consumption

Another advantage of daytime running lights is their energy efficiency. They consume only 10% of the energy required by standard low beam headlights. Daytime running lights have a huge impact on fuel consumption, as one module consumes 6.8 W, or less than 14 W in total. For comparison, one halogen low beam lamp consumes 60 W, which is 8 times more. In addition, DRLs operate for up to 10 thousand hours, which is equivalent to 500,000 km of travel.

Modern design

LED technologies, which are used in the production of daytime lights, are known as one of the most innovative and...

Self-installation

Some manufacturers offer to install daytime running lights yourself. These kits include:

  1. Two LED modules with wires and plugs.
  2. Control block.
  3. Components for installation:
    • two pressure brackets;
    • long cables (6 meters);
    • simple connector;
    • bolts;
    • latches;
    • installation instructions.

But nevertheless, having installed DRL, you need to check it at the nearest workshop.

How to install daytime running lights

Their installation is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To do this job, all you need is basic tools such as a screwdriver. But, before you decide to assemble the modules, you need to choose a suitable lighting model.

The video shows the installation of daytime running lights on a VAZ:

According to the position of the daytime running light:

  1. Must turn on automatically when the engine starting or stopping device is in the operating position.
  2. Should turn off automatically when the fog lights or low beam headlights are turned on.
  3. The front, side and rear marker lights, parking lights and tail lights will not turn on if the daytime running lights are on.
  4. Must be located at the front of the car, white, placed symmetrically and at the same height.
  5. They must not protrude beyond the external dimensions of the vehicle.

DRL selection

When purchasing, you should carefully look at the light. Lights must be appropriately marked, which is evidence of their use on Russian territory. Unfortunately, the cheapest kits often do not have the characteristics required by law. The glass must bear the E approval stamp along with the issuing country identification number.

The RL reflector is also required - designating the version number of the rules according to which the certificate was issued, the certificate number and the name of the manufacturer. The marking must be durable, indelible and visible on the vehicle. These requirements are met by a number of companies that produce daytime monitors, for example Hella, Philips or Osram.

Installation height

Daytime running lights cannot be installed more than 1500 mm or less than 200 mm from the ground, and the distance between them must not be less than 600 mm. If the vehicle width is less than 1300 mm, the distance between lights must be 400 mm. They may also extend beyond the contour of the vehicle and must be installed 400mm from the edge of the vehicle.

System installation

What is your opinion on installing daytime running lights yourself?

Not so long ago, our authorities passed a law stating that, regardless of the time of day, fog lights or DRLs must work on cars. This decision was based on the experience of European specialists, who proved that thanks to working light elements on the vehicle, the percentage of road accidents can be significantly reduced. In this regard, since 2010, changes have been made to GOST and traffic rules, according to which non-working fog lights or missing DRLs can cause a rather “unpleasant” fine (1,500 rubles).

But, despite the fact that the installation of daytime running lights has now become mandatory, some car owners are convinced that they have found a way out of the situation. Particularly enterprising drivers decide to simply connect the lights in the low beam headlights so that they turn on along with the engine, naively believing that this will be enough. Unfortunately, side lights will not help you in any way when meeting with a traffic police officer, since they cannot be used instead of DRLs. Therefore, if you are not the owner of a modern car that already has “hybrid” fog lights with DRLs installed, then there is no escape from installing new light elements.

You can install running lights in a specialized workshop or yourself. If you are confident in your abilities, then before you start work, carefully study the rules for installing running lights on a passenger car.

GOST requirements for installing DRLs

According to GOST R 41.48-2004, do-it-yourself installation and connection of navigation lights must be carried out strictly in accordance with the following requirements:

  • A distance of 600 mm must be maintained from the edge of the car body to the DRLs. It is allowed to reduce this indicator to 400 mm, but only if the overall width of the machine is less than 1.3 m (clause 6.19.4.1).
  • The distance from the ground level to the light elements should be in the range from 250 mm to 1500 mm (clause 6.19.4.2).
  • DRLs must be forward-facing and installed on the front of the vehicle (clause 6.19.4.3).
  • A certain geometric appearance is maintained. According to paragraph 6.19.5, the horizontal angle beta should be 20 degrees in and out, and alpha - 10 degrees down from the horizontal and up.

At the same time, a specific connection diagram for running lights is not reflected in GOST in any way, so here you are free to make a decision yourself. However, there is a small nuance. Installing running lights in accordance with GOST also implies automatically turning on the DRLs together with the car engine and turning them off when the headlights are working. The only exception is turning on the high beam headlights for a few seconds to signal other drivers.

Based on these requirements, the choice of navigation lights must be approached carefully.

How to choose running lights

The stores offer a wide selection of DRLs from a variety of manufacturers, in various configurations and colors. However, not every lamp is suitable for use as navigation lights. For example, halogen and xenon lights will not withstand constant operation; they will “eat” a lot of energy and discharge the battery. Incandescent bulbs are also not the best choice, but LEDs are considered the best when installing DRLs.

There are also many LED running lights. The best products are those in glass housings and lensed LED DRLs for foglights. The rest (on rubber bands, “eagle” and “dragon” eyes, in the form of SOV platinums) do not meet the requirements stated by GOST.

Before connecting the daytime running lights yourself, make sure that:

  • DRLs match the shape, type and design of your car's bumper.
  • The size of the DRL unit, which is selected based on where the running lights will be installed (in the air intake or on the bumper), allows you to mount them in your car.
  • The number of LEDs in the block does not exceed 5 pieces for each. If the light is too bright, the daytime lights will shine like "dimensions", which is unacceptable.
  • The luminous intensity of the DRL should be no less than 400 cd and no more than 800 cd, and the temperature range of the lamps should be from 4,300 to 7,000 K.
  • Running lights emit pure white light (yellow and blue products are prohibited).

If we talk about manufacturers, then the most reasonable thing would be to purchase a ready-made DRL kit from Hella or Philips. Such units are equipped with everything you need (including a controller) and fully meet the technical requirements. regulations.

Having purchased DRLs for a car, or made them yourself, all that remains is to prepare everything necessary so that the installation of daytime running lights with your own hands goes without “surprises”.

What you need to install DRLs yourself

For work you will need the following materials and tools:

  • Any crimping device, such as pliers.
  • Wire cutters.
  • Blowtorch and lighter. The latter will be required to tighten the heat-shrinkable tubes.
  • 3-4 meters of insulated two-core wire, for example, PVA 2x1.5 or 2x0.75 (required when connecting two DRL units in parallel).
  • Any sealed contact (reed switch).
  • A single-core wire with a diameter of about 1.5-2.5 mm and a length of about 3 meters.
  • Plastic clamps.
  • A regular four-pin 12V relay.
  • LED DRLs.

You should also make sure there is a clean, dry place where you will be working. After this, you can begin to install additional lighting elements.

First of all, decide where exactly the daytime running lights will be mounted. Some cars already have ready-made holes for additional fog light modules, while other cars use the radiator grille for DRLs. The last option is the best, since in this case you will be able to maintain all the necessary distances and boundaries.

Simply remove the radiator grille and cut out the holes for future lights yourself. It is important to remember that the light must be supplied at a certain angle. You may need to make an additional hole for this.

DRL connection diagrams

Since DRL can be mounted at your discretion, there are many connection schemes that allow you to configure the optics in the most convenient way for the driver. Let's look at the most popular of them.

Option 1 (to speed sensors)

This connection of running lights through a relay, the diagram of which is shown below, is considered one of the simplest. In this case, the DRLs will turn on depending on the operation of the speed sensor. In order to implement this scheme, it is necessary to connect contacts K1.1 to the circuit section (into the wiring break) from the low beam switch button to contact 85. In this case, you can use any relay with an opening pair, but experts recommend using a product with a TC code.

If you want the dipped lights to work while the engine is on, rather than the side lights, then the contacts must be “paralleled.”

Option 2 (to the oil sensor)

Another scheme for connecting daytime running lights via a relay uses an oil sensor. You should immediately check that it is in good working order, since if the regulator provides incorrect information about the fluid pressure, then the operation of the entire system will be disrupted.

With this installation of DRLs, the lights will turn on when the engine starts, and will be turned off by the dimensions. As optics, you can also use low beam or fog lights.

Option 3

It will be a little more difficult to connect the DRLs so that they turn on when the engine starts and turn off when it stops. In this case, the running lights will turn on together with the low beam headlights. This will require two low-power diodes (for example, 1A + KD10), which must be connected in series. After this, wires about 400 mm long are soldered to the light bulbs and connected. Don't forget that they are polar.

At the next stage:

  • Dismantle and disassemble the dashboard of the car and connect the “blank” to X1 (most often the yellow wire).
  • Remove the button through which the optics will be turned on.
  • Plug the other end of the wire into the connector.
  • Reinstall the button and check its functionality.

Option 4 (connecting running lights from the generator)

To implement such a project, you can use one of three schemes.

The first one is suitable if only the handbrake and the engine are used.

The second scheme for connecting running lights from the generator will require the use of an additional resistor, which is responsible for turning off the daylight when the side lights or headlights are activated.

The third scheme will allow you to deactivate the running lights:

  • When you raise the handbrake, during the start of the internal combustion engine or during the automatic start of the engine along with the alarm.
  • When the lights are turned on (in this case, it is necessary that the headlights or fog lights operate normally).

Roughly speaking, this type of connection “cancels” the automatic start of the DRL simultaneously with the ignition of the generator.

Healthy! It is this scheme that is “working” when passing the GTO.

Before connecting the running lights from the generator, it is recommended to watch the video at the end of the article. The fact is that there is more than one or two ways to activate the DRL. However, the connection will be much easier if you purchased a ready-made set of running lights.

Option 5 (connection of a ready-made kit)

In order not to rack your brains over how to install running lights on a car yourself, the easiest way is to buy a ready-made control unit to automatically turn off and turn on the DRLs. To install this module you need:

  • Connect the black wire to the negative of the battery and the red wire to the positive.
  • The orange wire (if included) must be connected to the headlights or low beam. If the wire is not connected, the lights will not deactivate when the low beam or side lights are turned on.

After installing the DRL using any of the schemes described above, it is necessary to check that the installed elements are working correctly. To do this, start the engine and see if the light on the control panel is functioning, if the running lights are activated, and so on.

In custody

In order to activate DRL on a car, you just need to comply with GOST requirements and have at least a little understanding of electrics. If you bought ready-made LED DRLs from well-known manufacturers, then the process of installing the light elements will be much easier.

There are many options for installing DRLs on the front of the car. From my own experience, I can say that if you decide to really be more noticeable on the road, then you need to set it higher. If for you DRL is just an excuse for Mr. Traffic Policeman, then it doesn’t matter where you attach it.

Installing running lights at a car dealership when purchasing a new car is very expensive. They offered to install the Duster for 15 thousand rubles, the price of the Philips kit in the store is 3 thousand rubles. If the DRL is well equipped, installation and connection will take 15-20 minutes.

Abroad they are designated as DRL - an abbreviation for “Daytime Running Lights.”


  • 1. Types of daytime running lights
  • 2. Rules for installing navigation lights
  • 3. Eye of the eagle
  • 4. Modular models
  • 5. DRL from fog lights
  • 6. Some varieties for PTF
  • 7. LED strip
  • 8. LED neon tube
  • 9. Video analysis of the headlight
  • 10. DRL monoblock, classic

Types of daytime running lights

The complexity of installing daytime running lights depends on their design and the mountings provided.

I will list the main types:

  1. each LED separately is called an eagle eye, eagle eye, Eagle Eyes;
  2. in the form of a ring resembling angel eyes;
  3. in the fog lamp housing;
  4. LED strip installed inside the headlight.
  5. classic monoblock elongated shape.

DRLs in the form of angel eyes are the rarest. Unlike conventional ones, they have powerful LEDs and lenses that focus the light. When you turn on the low beams, they dim and become larger. Ordinary angel eyes are standardly installed on some cars in expensive trim levels and on BMWs, on which they were first used. They are equipped with some bi-xenon and xenon lenses.

Rules for installing running lights

Most people want to install them so that they look harmonious with the low and high beam headlights. That's why half of car enthusiasts install them at the same level as their fog lights. If you have running lights with a power of up to 5 watts, then at a low setting they quickly collect dirt and dust and lose luminous flux by 2-3 times. This is especially true on country roads with difficult terrain; the light may not be visible because of this. And in hot weather, hot air near asphalt, whose density is higher, scatters light. If you need them for their intended purpose, to increase the level of safety, then place them between the headlights.

The basic requirements for Russia are specified in GOST R 41.48-2004 and GOST R 41.87-99. Depending on the type of vehicle, installation parameters may vary.

  1. luminous intensity from 400 to 800 Candelas per DRL;
  2. The illuminating surface area of ​​each DRL is at least 40 cm², so that powerful small LEDs are not installed.

To measure the light intensity yourself, measure the illumination with a luxmeter on the optical axis from a distance of 1 meter. This way you will get Candelas, not Luxes.

After installing the DRL and connecting, you need to check it in sunny weather from 100 meters. Half of the car enthusiasts, after installing Chinese junk with a power of 2 watts (brighter than the dimensions), take photos at night near the car. They take pictures at night so that there is at least a little light.

All these demands were not invented by drunken ministers during a feast. These requirements, like other traffic rules, are written in the blood of victims of road accidents.

Eagle eye

The most difficult DIY DRL installation is for the eagle eye, which is usually made in the form of a bolt with a nut. Installation requires a flat surface and drilling holes. Most often they are placed in the bumper, positioned in one line. Some people like to drill plugs for fog lights so as not to spoil the banner.

After purchasing, I recommend going through all Chinese LED lighting equipment. This will significantly extend the service life. According to numerous reviews from owners, due to poor assembly, you will have to replace the eagle eye with a new one once a month. The LED has very poor contact with the body, so it simply overheats and burns out. Under the influence of the sand-salt mixture, our roads also quickly deteriorate. The reason for this is poor sealing of the housing, salt corrodes conductors, and high temperature acts as a catalyst.

There are two types of fastening, with threads or latches. Sometimes there is a version for surface mounting on double-sided tape. But the tape can be different, sometimes it falls off immediately, sometimes it lasts for a year. But then they can be easily stolen by tearing off this garland from the bumper.

When using a threaded mount from the rear, you need to tighten the nut, that is, climb inside the bumper with your hand. If they burn out at least 1 piece per month, then you will have to lie under the car once a month to unscrew and tighten the nut and reconnect the wires. Therefore, it is better to mount with snaps.

Modular models

..

Almost everyone knows how to install daytime running lights that consist of a set of modules. This design can be placed anywhere; typical layouts are shown in the picture below. All you need to do is drill holes for the bolts. They are also fastened with double-sided tape, but under the influence of salt and atmospheric conditions they can simply fall off.

DRL from fog lights

Another way to install DRLs according to GOST without changing the appearance of the car is to install LED lamps in the fog lights. I recommend not installing Chinese junk whose specifications indicate a power of more than 5 watts and no cooling system. If the LED power is more than 5 watts, they will overheat and die quickly. For light bulbs without a radiator, in order to explain the too good parameters, the Chinese writes that Cree or Osram diodes are installed. In fact, there are no Cree and Osram there, they are fakes that look like real Cree. Any seller, including the Chinese, will swear and swear by his mother that they are real. I communicate with representatives of Chinese factories and conduct examinations of counterfeit KRI LEDs for domestic companies.

If you don’t have standard halogen fog lights, you can purchase:

  1. round DRL for PTF seats;
  2. LED PTF with daytime running lights function;
  3. just LED PTF.

Don’t forget that according to GOST, fog lights also have a cut-off line. When choosing LED lamps for PTF, try to maintain the cut-off line. So that you don’t hit people you meet in the eyes with your LED spotlight.

Some varieties for PTF

LED Strip Light

Everyone’s story is the same: they’ve seen enough of the ribbon-shaped daytime running lights on expensive cars and they also want to decorate their shmarovoz with their own hands. As a result, such a strip cannot perform the function of daytime running lights; from the outside it looks crappy and cheap. During the day you can only see it point-blank, not to mention 100 meters away.

Most often they buy a car LED strip from the Chinese, while the smarter ones choose a flexible LED tube, such as a neon one. Those who have very little imagination, put on a home tape. In any case, a powerful one requires cooling, otherwise it will quickly burn out.

LED neon tube

If you correctly install the flexible tape or tube inside the headlight, you will get decorative lighting that will look decent. You won't get DRLs from such a tube, even if you try hard.

The most difficult installation option, you will have to disassemble the headlight. The hardest part is removing the clear plastic from the front. The headlight is sealed and the glass is sealed. There are two types of sealant: one that softens at temperatures above 100 degrees, and one that does not soften at all even at 300 degrees. I came across non-separable ones, one took 10 hours to disassemble so as not to spoil or scratch it. I tested the sealant with a soldering iron, which heated up to 300° and could not melt it.

For heating, use an oven or box heated with a hair dryer. Once the sealant softens, the clear plastic will come off easily. For reassembly, you can buy a special rubber sealant, which is used by xenon technicians.

Video analysis of the headlight

DRL monoblock, classic

The most common type of daytime running lights is in the form of a monoblock, an elongated square. It is optimal to install it in the radiator grille, between the low beam headlights. It is very undesirable to place it in the grille that is located in the bumper. For example, in Duster this grille is located between the PTF, it turns out that the running lights will be located even below the level of the fogs. In fact, it depends on the type of car; the PTF of SUVs is higher due to the increased ground clearance and larger wheels. In a regular passenger car they are located low.

Some people put LED headlights for working light or additional light on the front bumper. They are usually too powerful for DRLs, but the weakest models may work.

The Chinese sell a variety of LED bars without housings, passing them off as DRLs. They indicate high power and low price. Car enthusiasts, delighted with the price and characteristics, begin to sculpt them onto their cars. But they cannot perform the function of DRLs, because they shine on all sides, according to the passport 120 degrees. They must shine forward at an angle of 30 degrees, and accordingly must have a reflector or focusing lens. Without a housing, they have no cooling and die from overheating and exposure to salt on the roads.

By following the rules for the correct installation of daytime running lights on a car according to state regulations, you will really become more visible on the road and increase traffic safety. There are enough fools on the road without us, so there is no need to join their ranks.

What kind of service is this?

Due to changes in legislation, daytime running lights have become a mandatory attribute of every car. Installing daytime running lights necessary to ensure better visibility of the vehicle for other drivers, which in turn increases safety while driving.

Typically, white or bluish LEDs are used for this purpose. Their main advantage is a good level of illumination with low energy consumption. This saves battery power and reduces fuel consumption. Installing daytime running lights is very simple and usually does not cause any difficulties. The main thing is to organize this process correctly and strictly follow all the rules.

Requirements for DRL

Running lights are not regulated as a single lighting device, so the following can be used as them:

  • Low beam headlights turned on while driving.
  • High beam headlights operating at reduced voltage.
  • Or any lighting devices, made industrially or manually, that comply with GOST.
  • Front turn lamps are always on.

Before, how to install daytime running lights, you need to carefully read the regulatory documentation regulating their correct installation.

  • Mandatory placement on the front of the body at a height of 25-150 cm.
  • The distance between light blocks should exceed 60 cm, but not more than 40 cm from the edge of the machine.
  • If the light elements are made by hand, then their area should be in the range from 25 to 200 sq.cm.
  • As a result, the total radiation intensity must be from 400 to 800 Cd.

Please remember that side lights cannot be used as running lights due to insufficient power.

Daytime running lights: installation

Most modern imported and even domestic cars are equipped with running lights, so they do not need their installation. But for owners of older models, such a procedure is extremely necessary.

Nowadays, car dealerships have a wide range of ready-to-install daytime running lights. The main thing when purchasing is to pay attention to their compliance with regulatory documents. If the interior lighting lamp is dim, periodically extinguished, or there is no lighting at all, the lamp itself is needed. If everything is fine here, then you can begin installation. But before that you need to consider several factors:

  • Shape, design and type of bumper. This information will help you choose the lights of the required shape.
  • Block size. This setting depends on where to install daytime running lights you are going to (bumper, air intake).
  • Number of LEDs and their brightness. The main thing is that their total power does not exceed the regulatory framework.

These are all the basic requirements, after fulfilling which you can easily install daytime running lights yourself. If you do not have the necessary skills or time, then it is better to contact a specialist who will perform this procedure as soon as possible. - also a service that mechanics can do on site.

Keep in mind

Compliance with all points of GOST is mandatory. Otherwise, you risk receiving a fine from the traffic police during the inspection.

  • Before purchasing LED lights, ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • If you install DRLs yourself, carefully follow the requirements described above.
  • It is best to buy certified products to avoid trouble.