Running lights for cars: how to choose, how to connect, flexible running lights

LED strip angel eyes

Of course, the main disadvantage of the previous option is the large discreteness, which means the low brightness of the angel eyes. Of course, the number of diodes can be increased, but it should be taken into account that then the resistors will be located too close to each other and the LEDs, which increases the risk of overheating.

You can get rid of this drawback by using LED strip with a high density of LD elements. In addition to the tape, which can be purchased at lighting stores, we will need:

sheet material 5-8 mm thick;
blade used in hacksaws;
opaque white film used as a diffuser;
the so-called ballerina - a device for making large diameter holes;
transparent adhesive composition;
soldering equipment;
special heat-resistant tape (polyamide or aluminum foil);
heat-shrink tubing;
a bundle of wires, preferably with terminals.

To begin, we mark the sheet of plexiglass, determining the outer and inner diameter of the ring placed on the headlight. We start cutting out from the outer contour, using a ballerina. In our case, an electric jigsaw cannot be used, since it leaves the edges of the cut melted, and we are not happy with this.

We cut out the inner contour of the circle in exactly the same way; it is not necessary to grind the outer end. Cover the top of the ring with light-scattering film. The same effect can be achieved by walking over the surface with medium-grade sandpaper - this will make it matte.

Now you can attach the LED strip to the glass base by first soldering the wires and insulating the soldering area with silicone sealant. You can cover the end of the circle with heat-resistant tape and check the operation of the circle by connecting the terminals to a 12 V power source. Angel eyes made from LED rings are ready!

Switching on through dimensions or low beam

The second version of the DRL connection diagram involves using the power circuit of the side light bulb. To do this, the positive wire from the running lights is directly connected to the “+” from the battery. In turn, the negative wire is connected to the “+” of the side light, which is currently electrically neutral. As a result, the following current flow path is formed: from the “+” of the battery through the LEDs to the size, and then through the light bulb to the body, which serves as the minus of the entire circuit. Due to the low current consumption (tens of mA), the LEDs begin to glow, and the lamp spiral remains extinguished.

This circuit solution has several disadvantages:

running lights remain on when the engine is turned off, which is contrary to current regulations;
the circuit will not work if LEDs are also installed in the dimensions;
the circuit will not work correctly if the DRLs contain powerful SMD LEDs, the rated current of which is comparable to the current of a light bulb;
For safety reasons, an additional fuse must be installed.

This connection method can be improved by connecting the positive wire of the LED module not to the “+” of the battery, but to the “+” of the ignition switch, thereby eliminating the first drawback.

Installation of DRL according to GOST

In Russia, the installation of any device on a car must comply with GOST standards. DRL mounting in accordance with GOST 41.48–2004 provides for placement according to the functional connection diagram.

Also, clause 6.19.5 from GOST provides for installation according to the angle of the emitted light: 20 degrees in the horizontal plane and 10 degrees in the vertical. But, unfortunately, the latter is not taken into account by drivers when installing running lights on their car themselves. Often the direction of the radiation is incorrect, either it blinds oncoming drivers or shines too low on the road. This connection is incorrect and can lead to dire consequences.

Paragraph 6.19.7 according to GOST provides another point: the system should be turned on or off automatically when the ignition is turned on or stopped. Also in the connection diagram it is necessary to take into account the switching off of additional light bulbs when the main light is turned on.

How to connect a voltage stabilizer (optional)

In the electrical on-board network of the car, the voltage “walks” from 12 to 16 volts. And LEDs do not tolerate such changes well. We soldered a resistor to each LED to regulate the voltage. But for more reliable protection you need a special stabilizer. It’s easier to buy a ready-made version and arrange it into a connection between the “angel eyes” and the on-board network of the car.

Factory version of the voltage stabilizer

If you are an “advanced” electrician, you can solder a simple stabilizer yourself. The L7812CV chip is used as a basis. See the photo below for the connection procedure.

The connection diagram is quite simple

According to this scheme, you need to connect the negative contact of the LED to the ground of the car, and the positive contact to the output of the stabilizer.

Video: connecting a voltage stabilizer for LEDs

The procedure for making and installing “angel eyes” is not easy. Before starting work, evaluate your abilities and capabilities to avoid possible additional costs. Consider whether your actions are legal and what consequences they may lead to. Neatness and cleanliness are required for successful completion of optics tuning. But everyone will notice your efforts.

How to choose and where to install DRLs on a VAZ-2114

As noted above, daytime running lights are designed to improve the visibility of the car from the front during daylight hours; their use is regulated by clause 19.5 of the Road Traffic Regulations (TRAF). Not all car models are equipped with this kind of optics, when DRLs are initially pre-installed in the headlights during factory assembly. Similar models include the VAZ-2114.

In this regard, VAZ-2114 car owners have to independently equip their vehicle with these lighting devices: with their own hands or using the services of specialized organizations.

Option for placing daytime running lights on the VAZ-2114

The choice of DRLs on the market for additional automotive optics is quite extensive and is represented by various light sources. These are lighting devices with LEDs, incandescent lamps and halogen light sources.

When choosing such equipment, the selection criteria are the following indicators:

The type of light source that determines the technical characteristics of the DRL (electrical power, brightness, operating voltage, etc.).
The degree of protection according to the existing IP system standard determines the possibility of using a lighting device in harsh operating conditions (dust and moisture permeability).
Shape and dimensions - DRLs must fit into the design of the car and meet the requirements of regulatory documents.
Manufacturer's brand - guarantees trouble-free use during the warranty period.
Availability of warranty period of use.
The method of installation on a car determines the complexity of the work performed and the need to make changes to its structural elements (cutting out elements, installing brackets, etc.).

For your information! LEDs are the most economical and efficient light sources. Devices equipped with incandescent lamps are cheaper, but quickly break down and have low luminous intensity. Halogen analogues have better technical characteristics, but are more expensive.

For successful operation of DRLs, you should choose models with a degree of protection of at least IP65.

Rectangular shape is the most suitable option for the VAZ model under consideration

The most common shape for DRLs used on the car model in question is rectangular, but round optics can also be used.

On the VAZ-2114, daytime running lights are installed on the car’s bumper, and the method of attaching them depends on the model of the lighting device, which is selected individually by the car owner.

Depending on the model, DRLs can be attached to the car body using self-tapping screws, a special tie, or Velcro tape.

Which angel eyes are better?

The question is ambiguous and difficult to answer. If you do not take into account manual assembly, then it is better to trust professionals who have already assembled similar headlights more than once. You can find a person who can make angel eyes to order very efficiently and quickly on any automotive forum or in social network groups dedicated to this topic.

It is recommended to contact people who have installed such lights themselves. They know how to select the right tubes, LEDs and take into account other nuances in order to achieve the maximum glow effect at minimal cost. In addition, they can show by their own example what the purchased angel eyes will look like.

Prefer to make your own headlights? Make sure to select a heat-resistant tube and LEDs with the appropriate light output. Angel eyes with a weak luminous flux will be practically invisible against the background of the main headlights. Very bright LEDs, on the contrary, will only blind oncoming vehicles and make it difficult for them to move on the road.

connecting running lights VAZ 21093

Along with the entry into force of the new Traffic Rules, the question arose for many motorists about installing daytime running lights on the VAZ-2109, 2108. You can ask the question: “why install them, because according to the Traffic Rules in

I turn the key, the panel lights up but nothing happens VAZ 2108

250,000 rubles are taxable

Along with the entry into force of the new Traffic Rules, the question arose for many motorists about installing daytime running lights on the VAZ-2109, 2108

fuel level sensor vaz 2114

You can ask the question: “why install them, because according to the Traffic Rules in the daytime you need to turn on the low beam headlights and that’s it.” This is possible, of course, but there are some nuances here. Much has not been thought through when adopting such Rules.

coolant temperature sensor VAZ 2114

Namely, for example, when using low beam headlights on a VAZ-2109, 2108, there will be a systematic undercharging of the batteries, and, as a result, their earlier failure.

And battery manufacturers will profit from this. In addition, the load on the car's generator increases, and this leads to greater load on the engine, and, consequently, there will be greater fuel consumption and earlier wear of generators and their drives. Manufacturers of generators and components for them will, in turn, earn money from this.

Normal, sensible motorists are naturally looking for some way out of this situation. The same traffic regulations allow the installation of daytime running lights on cars. What is meant by daytime running lights, and what should they ideally be?

And these are automobile lighting devices that are designed to be visible to people on the roads during the daytime, but at the same time consuming a minimum amount of electricity from the car’s battery, as well as at the lowest possible cost.

Many such daytime running lights have been invented. But almost all of them have the same basis. Daytime running lights have a light source in the form of an ultra-bright LED.

LEDs consume very little energy. For example, a pair of daytime running lights made of 12 ultra-bright LEDs each consumes no more than 5 watts of power. This has virtually no significant impact on the energy consumption of the daytime running lights.

I will give some recommendations and tips for installing daytime running lights on a VAZ-2109, 2108

start stop button

To put it simply, I’ll tell you how I installed running lights on my nine. When choosing running lights, don’t go for powerful and large running lights, because they still won’t illuminate the road well at night, and they are called daylight, that is, so that they can be seen during the day

engine troits

You need to choose running lights that are convenient to install, I mean that they fit into the appearance of the car, do not interfere with anything, and are not too expensive.

In short, to be honest, we install daytime running lights only to comply with the Traffic Rules. In my opinion, running lights have a negligible impact on road safety, and it is not worth the cost on a national scale. Not even just our country, because even China can make good money on the production of daytime running lights.

Even according to rough estimates, this is a lot of money!

I bought Chinese-made running lights for 400 rubles

buy motorized stroller szd

They are single-row, one running light consists of 12 LEDs. They are shown in the photo. I installed them directly under the headlights; they do not block the beam of light from the main headlights. And at the same time, they are located quite far from the ground, which prevents the running lights from being damaged by stones from the road or splashed with mud.

I think that this is the optimal location of running lights on the VAZ-2109, 2108.

The photo also shows that there is an illuminated switch in the car interior, which is included in the set of running lights. The packaging shows a connection diagram for daytime running lights. It's very simple.

Let me explain that the essence of the connection comes down to the fact that the running lights should be on when the ignition is on, so the “+” is connected to the most convenient point in the engine compartment - this is to the wire of the high-voltage ignition coil, because it only works when the ignition is on, and the negative wire to the car body. A switch in the cabin is needed so that you can turn off the running lights when the main headlights are on, or when you start the engine in winter in severe frost and you need to turn off all unnecessary electricity consumers, or when your car’s battery is too discharged.

I've been driving with these running lights for a week, no problems yet. Let's see what happens next

replacing the idle speed sensor VAZ 2114

But I still hope that in the near future our government will abolish this clause of the Traffic Rules, or at least come up with something else, more reasonable.

Types and locations of lamps Mounting blocks Fuse circuits Specialized relays Electrical circuits

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Angel eyes based on plexiglass rings

In order to make luminous rings for headlights or foglights using the first method, we will need:

Transparent rod can be purchased at a construction supermarket - these are used in blinds. Any can that matches the diameter of the reflector will be suitable as a cylinder. If the headlights are not round, then the process of bending the rod will be more difficult - you will have to make a template of a complex shape yourself from scrap material.

First, measure the circumference of the future ring. Then a piece of the rod of the required size is cut off, and holes for the LEDs are drilled in its ends. Now the rod can be bent.

To make the plexiglass soft, it is heated with a hair dryer. To make a ring, a softened rod is wrapped around a template and waited until it becomes hard again.

Now you can install the LEDs in the pre-drilled recesses at the ends. You can attach it using transparent glue. It is dripped into the recess and an LED is inserted.

For better dispersion on the resulting product, you need to make notches 0.5 mm deep at equal distances (the easiest way is to use a hacksaw blade or a needle file). In order not to suffer from painstaking work, you can cut a thread on a still straight rod using a die of suitable diameter.

How to choose DRLs for a car

Selecting daytime running lights for your car is an opportunity to make driving safer and more economical by reducing battery and fuel consumption. Today there are both standard and universal DRLs:

standard DRLs are produced for a specific vehicle brand (accordingly, if the running lights are out of order, you can quickly find and buy an identical device);
Universal DRLs can be installed on almost all brands of cars, as they are mounted on bumpers or on the radiator grille.

The selection of the best DRLs is based on compliance with seven principles:

Production. Of course, the quality of the running lights will directly depend on the manufacturer’s brand, so the first step is to clarify the name of the manufacturer. Today, German factories for the production of DRLs - Philips, Osram and Hella - are considered especially popular among car enthusiasts. However, China also produces no less practical and durable devices, although they are more budget-friendly - Starled, Henait.
Number of LEDs. Any DRL kit consists of 2 blocks that are mounted to the left and right of the central part of the car. The number of diodes in each block can be from 4 to 12 units. Accordingly, the more diodes in each block, the brighter the light will be. The best option for an ordinary motorist is considered to be 5 or 6 diodes in a block.
Shape and dimensions of DRLs. When deciding which DRLs to buy, you need to take into account the parameters of your car. Both the dimensions of the blocks and their shape can be completely different. In addition, the design of DRLs can be of different modifications: flexible, cast static and point.
Diode placement. You should initially figure out exactly how the DRLs will look on your car. Some manufacturing plants place diodes on the blocks not in the center, but along the edges. These features must be taken into account when selecting a device for a specific car brand.
Brightness of the glow. The daytime running lights only shine in white. All other shades are fake. Using special devices, you can measure the range of the DRL glow - it should not exceed 6000 kelvins.
The power of the glow. This is another parameter that will help the car enthusiast choose truly reliable DRLs. According to GOST, the light intensity in the DRLs must exceed 400 cd.
Price is not the last important parameter in selecting a device. The cost of DRLs will depend on the prestige of the manufacturer, the appearance and shape of the product, the light intensity and the number of LEDs in each block.

Product advantages

Among the main advantages of DRLs with indicators, experts and car enthusiasts note:

high energy efficiency;
good lighting brightness (450 Lumens and above);
the ability for flexible running lights to take absolutely any shape at the owner’s request;
improving the appearance of your car;
presence of 2 modes;
the ability to install LED lamps not only inside the headlights, but also on other parts of the car;
the ability to shorten LED products to the required length without losing their functionality;
resistance to high and low temperatures, moisture, dust, vibration;
use in a set as a repeater or separately from turn signals;
long service life (up to 80 thousand hours).

Flexible daytime running lights Optima Flex DRL-9-60
This will allow you to catch the admiring glances of pedestrians and other motorists. The brightness of LEDs on the market can differ by two times, and their price also differs. You can install these products yourself, strictly following the instructions.

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

What is DRL

Daytime running lights are lights that can be installed on the bumper, fenders of a car or in the main fog lights. Starting from 2010, during the daytime, the car must be marked either with lights (low beam, fog lights) or DRLs. The last source is more practical. It is very economical, does not require a lot of energy, with a unique design, in addition to the necessary attributes, they decorate the car. At the same time, DRLs increase safety when driving, stopping the vehicle on the side of the road and in other places. The use of this source has significantly reduced the occurrence of road accidents.

How to make angel eyes like a BMW

“Angel Eyes” is a unique horse from a German manufacturer, loved by so many motorists. However, if you like this mesmerizing glow, you don’t have to buy an expensive foreign car. This can be done on almost any car.

It is important that it has round front optics. For example, domestic VAZ 21213 or VAZ 2106 have it.

But, of course, the design will be even better suited to foreign cars, including the same old BMW models that so lack the shine of their successors

In any case, the beauty and effectiveness of the new headlight bezel may attract the attention of traffic police officers. But if they stop you on the road, it will be purely out of interest - the driver will not face a fine for this

Getting ready for work

Plastic sticks

In order to decorate your vase (models from 2101 to 2115 and 21099), you will need to prepare a certain set of materials and tools.

To make “angel eyes” for a vase, you will need the following materials:

several plastic sticks. They must be equal in length to the dimensions of the optics on the machine. Therefore, to create tuning we will need four plastic sticks with a length of approximately 40-45 cm;

heat-resistant sealant suitable for working with optics;
four LED bulbs or strip. If using tape, give preference to the SMD 5050 model with 60 diodes per meter. The choice of LED glow color is determined only by your imagination. The best solution would be to match the color of the car with the color of the LEDs;
four spare glasses for headlights. You need to buy them just in case, since it’s unlikely that you can remove the old ones intact and without chips;
cable;
resistors;
9 volt battery;
a can or any round object that has the same diameter as the headlights;
plexiglass with a sheet thickness of 10 mm.

The tools you will need are a glue gun, a hair dryer and pliers. You also need a drill with a set of drills and disk attachments.

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.

"Angel eyes" and their color

Colors of “angel eyes”, and in what cases they can be installed on a car:

yellow, red, green, orange, purple - allowed to be used as tuning on show cars;
white, blue - can be used in everyday use, as lighting and dimensions.

In other words, the operation of “angel eyes”, other than white ones, does not comply with the rules governing the use of lighting devices. Their presence gives the traffic police the right to issue a fine, officially warn the driver, and be sure to confiscate non-standard lighting equipment. This ban also applies to multi-colored “angel eyes,” that is, to those whose color can change.

A little about connection

In general, installation and connection largely depend on the specific vehicle and its design features. But some general and very important points are worth highlighting.

To begin with, elements such as angel eyes act as an additional lighting device as part of the vehicle. Therefore, their presence falls under the requirement for DRLs. As you understand, these are daytime running lights.

And according to the rules, they should be turned on simultaneously with starting the engine, and turned off when stopping. Plus, the DRLs are required to turn off when the headlights turn on. This tells us that the connection of the eyes should be carried out according to the connection diagram for daytime lights.

One of the options involves using 4 female terminals and one five-pin relay. The minus from the eyes goes to the body, and the plus goes to the relay.

Hi all. As promised, today I’ll tell you how to make “angel eyes”

at home, using available tools and materials. The article will be useful to those who love to make things with their own hands. Go!?

We all know what angel eyes are, and who owns (the chip belongs to BMW) this invention that is so popular with millions of motorists around the world. But, unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to buy a BMW, but they want to have beautiful tuned optics. What to do in this case? Everything is very simple, you need to “flex your brains” and make angel eyes with your own hands

To work you need to prepare:

"Straight arms" :-). I’m joking, of course, but without the slightest experience in handmade crafts, you most likely won’t succeed... Therefore, before taking on this work, you need to realistically assess your own abilities.
Plexiglas tubes (transparent PVC tubes). You can buy these online, at a hardware store, or at a decor store. Some craftsmen get creative and use strips of plexiglass or PVC as a plexiglass tube, which they cut into square strips, after which they are sanded into a round shape with sandpaper of different grain sizes. As an option, some use LED strip, but that’s a completely different story... I think someday I’ll tell you about this option for creating angel eyes.
Soldering iron, four 12V resistors, bright LEDs rated at 3.5 volts. The color of the LEDs is at your discretion.
A template or layout according to which the tube will be bent. The diameter of the template should match the diameter of the place where you are going to install the angel eyes. Here you can use anything: from a coffee can to a drainpipe of the required diameter...
Electrical tape, heat shrink, soft copper wire. The length of the wire will be different for everyone, it all depends on the method of wiring and the location of the connection.
Pliers, a household hair dryer, a metal blade or a special miniature cutting wheel for a screwdriver or drill.
Sandpaper of different grains, file or needle file.

What does the traffic regulations say about running lights?

In accordance with the traffic regulations, daytime running lights, low-beam headlights or fog lights must be turned on during the daytime. If this is not observed, a fine of five hundred rubles may be imposed.

DRLs according to traffic rules must be used:

when transporting children (under 18 years of age);
when it is difficult to distinguish a vehicle from afar;
when transporting dangerous or oversized cargo;
on public transport, minibuses.

In 2021, the traffic rules were revised without changing the points relating to DRL.

Flat flexible running lights with turn signal function 60cm/85cm