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Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001



Hello,

I'm trying to weigh pros et contras of turning DRLs (daytime running lights) off. From one side they 1) irritate me ;-) 2) somewhat shorten bulbs lifetime. From the other side they make me unable to forget turning them on and therefore can be considered as safety feature. ;-)

So I guess the question I have here is :

When dealer reprograms computer turning the DRLs off, does V70 have a

light sensor (so the lights will come up in the dusk automatically) or not ?

If no, then doesn't it look like a cheap solution ? ;-)

Yours,

Andrey M. V70/T5/01









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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? 850 1997

Andrey

In Canada, cars have been equipped with DRLs for many years. On my last Volvo (1986 740 GLE - not equipped with DRLs) I turned the headlight switch on when I bought the car, and never turned it off again. Did the 740 seem to go through a lot of bulbs? Yes. Did I care? No. It was so easy to change a headlight that I simply kept a spare in the garage and swapped out a failed bulb in about 5 minutes. I have not yet replaced a headlight bulb on my DRL-equipped 1997 Volvo after 115k km (75k miles).

The justification that I heard for DRLs comes from the "prairie driver", where driving can become hypnotic, and anything that increases your awareness of an oncoming car is welcome. Most of us live in or near urban centres, so the "prairie driver" rationale is likely irrelevent. I have personally witnessed situations in which the DRLs of another car caught my attention and alerted me to a car that I had not previously noticed.

Finally, I must say that I have some difficulty with arguments that suggest that DRLs inflict glare that distracts or fatigues drivers. Typically, they operate at reduced output levels, and are not a distraction.

If they irritate you, shut them off. Life is too short.

Neil









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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? 850 1997

Neil Evans wrote:

> Finally, I must say that I have some difficulty with arguments that

> suggest that DRLs inflict glare that distracts or fatigues drivers.

> Typically, they operate at reduced output levels, and are not a

> distraction.

You must not have GM vehicles in Canada or maybe they have different DRLs than here in US (I don't think so, I go to Canada every year). These cars have the most annoying DRLs far more so than just plain old headlights. They are some sort of bright amber light that is really piercing even during daylight. Same goes for Saturn (I guess it is a GM also). Those cars cause eye fatigue for me even through the rear-view mirror. Maybe I am hyper-sensitive, but I think, as you have pointed out yourself, there is no need at all for DRLs in the urban areas in good weather. Just burning the lights because we can is silly. I won't do it!

Cheers.

P.S. I ride a motorcycle and my headlight is mostly on on that, since it is a much smaller vehicle than average and I have to compete for attention with those damned Saturns. Also I never hesitate to use my aural amulette (horn).









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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

As a Volvo owner and a motorcycle rider, I know how can one own a vehicle with reputation for safety and in the same breath ride a sportbike, but so much for logic. I am opposed to DRL's on 4 wheeled vehicles, those of us who ride motorcycles need all the extra visibility we can get. With so many cars with DRL's now days the motorcyclist blend in more than ever. If you can turn your DRL's off do it and keep eye open for all of us who share the road.








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Here-Here!!! I ride a bike too and of the same oppinion. (NMI) V70-XC70 2001

NMI








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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

Audrey,

I'll weigh in with Yannis on this one. I discovered years ago when new motorcycles were required to be equipped with DRL that my attention was captured much sooner by the headlight even on a bright sunny day. I have run with my headlights always on ever since. Bulb life? I've rarely had to replace them, but that's a recollection, not an observation - but so what? It is a cheap safety measure. Annoying someone after dark? The sound of the starter often has the same result. Besides, though I don't know how the 70 series is set up, but I can still switch off the lights on the 850 until I am away from the window. That help?

Ron








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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

There are some good arguments for not using DRLs. First thing your going to use more fuel and burn through bulbs and alternators. As for safety, I believe they are less safe. Once a majority of cars are using them we become de-sensitized to them. In addition the glare of the on-coming light causes our eyes to tense up and see the light but not see other things on the road, like people walking, kids, animals, etc. Try it yourself. In daylight hours compare situations where cars have DRLs vs no DRLs. You will notice your eyes more relaxed, better periferal vision and more detail. I stopped using DRLs after making these observations. However, I am quick to turn my lights on at dusk and darkened areas when they can make a difference in safety.









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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

I have heard these arguments before and I wonder of somebody could clarify how the alternator is affected.

It seems to me that the alternator runs at a speed which is proportional to the crankshaft RPM, and that loading the althernator by adding additional loads does not alter the rpm of either the motor or the armature. What is the mechanical load induced by turning on the lights? That is, what is the cause of the increase in fuel consumption? Does the magnetic field in the windings actually cause the alternator to load the engine?

I'm not being a smartass. I probably missed something. Can anyone answer this without using maxwell's equations? Vladimir?








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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

Consider this. You are leaving a friend's house in the middle of the night. When you came for dinner earlier that day you parked such that your car faced the bedroom window. You try to leave without disturbing anyone, but the minute you start your car it lights up like a christmas tree and screams LOOK AT ME!!!!!!! There are probably more situations like that. Given the choice I will always choose to have control over a function of the lights on my car wheather or not I choose to use them on bright sunny days (I wont't choose to do a silly thing like that). The problem is that more and more cars come with lights that can NOT be turned off (VWs come to mind, an otherwise fine automobile)! That is Big Brotherish if you ask me. They really want to sell us light bulbs, heh? I don't see any safety benefits to having the lights on during sunny clear weather. It's a ploy, I tell you, don't buy into it and have them turned off. I am sure that when night falls and you don't see your instrument cluster (you do check it now and again, don't you?), you'll remember to turn on your lights. People will also remind you by flashing high beams at you. Aslo, in my S70 if I turn the lights on and leave the switch in that position, the lights turn off when I shut the engine off, so you can still have the so-called DRLs and also have an option to turn off the lights on YOUR OWN car if you so choose. Just my oppinion.

Cheers.









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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

Andrey,

no, there is no sensor. Either they are on or off.

Now, I don't understand why you would want them off. If safety is in your mind (and I guess it is if you bought a Volvo) then you should know that all studies done in countries where daytime running lights MUST be on, point out to a reduced number of head-on collisions.

Some people, in this country regard it as "geeky" or "nerdy" to drive with your lights on at all times, I personally cannot be worried what others think of me when I know that having my lights on increases my chances of been seen/noticed.

As far as the shorter lifespan of a lightbulb, your concern is legitimate but it is a small price to pay for added safety and, according to Volvo, the 2001 models have an improved setup.

Yannis








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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

Yannis, with all due respect, if you are paranoid about not being noticed in your 4000 lb car on a bright sunny day, you have other problems that DRLs will not solve. I am not against running with lights on in bad weather, but in VFR (Visual Flight Rules - clear visibility) weather extra light is a sensory polutant and is not justified.

Cheers.








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Re: Reasons for turning DRLs off ? V70-XC70 2001

Vladimir,

you are missing my point. Actually, you are trying to make it MY problem if I cannot be noticed in my 4,000lb car (sic)...I am minding my own way and I want every advantage I can have in order to avoid being hit by an idiot. No, I am not paranoid as all these years I have been driving without them. But all the years that I was growing up we were driving without wearing seat belts. All I am advocating is DECREASING MY CHANCES of being hit by the occasional idiot.

As far as the "sensory pollutant", I am heavily disputing that when there are MYRIADS of other "sensory pollutants" out there...I can start listing but it will be like...Sin's signature! ;)

Yannis







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