Do you use running lights or always headlights?

[Daox]

Yesterday it was a bit foggy going home. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't super clear either. I had my running lights on, no headlights. However, I certainly seem to be in the minority as every other vehicle on the road either has no lights on, or has all their lights on.

My question to you is, do you use your running lights or do you always use headlights?


Here is a pic of the weather. It looks clearer than it was.

[Go4th]

I leave my headlights on and utilize the feature that when you shut the car off and then open the driver's door, it shuts them off. So then when I start the car again, light are on. I like the all the time visibility and the speedo is easier to see lit.

[inuvik]

I use running lights a lot during the day and not headlights for a couple of reasons.
1: Headlights bulbs will last longer due to not being on all the time.
2: Headlights themselves will draw about 10 amps of power which will increase alternator demand which increases resistance and reduce mpg's. Yup, I'm that thrifty.
3: Running lights increase your daylight visibility so I'm good with that.

[Go4th]

I use running lights a lot during the day and not headlights for a couple of reasons.
1: Headlights bulbs will last longer due to not being on all the time.
2: Headlights themselves will draw about 10 amps of power which will increase alternator demand which increases resistance and reduce mpg's. Yup, I'm that thrifty.
.

I've thought of number one recently as my FIAT went through headlights like candy (I see on the road I wasn't the only one). So I like that. But I didn't know about the AMPS and MPG. Maybe I'll switch to just running. Doing delivery and driving in the Portland metro traffic I absolutely want visibility, and runners would be fine. Thanks for the info!

[Eggman]

But I didn't know about the AMPS and MPG. Maybe I'll switch to just running. Doing delivery and driving in the Portland metro traffic I absolutely want visibility, and runners would be fine. Thanks for the info!

Maybe you should consider using high-quality LED bulbs. Don't go cheap - it'll cost you in the end.

My advice? Switch when they burn out. Don't buy LED bulbs and store them until you need them - you might not need them for awhile and if there's a problem you'll be beyond the return window.

[Eggman]

For daylight foul weather I'll often use my running lights. If the streetlights are on I'll turn on my headlights. Otherwise I keep my lights off to save fuel and bulbs.

Ohio law says to turn on headlights if it's raining. Wipers on? Headlights on.

[Mark]

For daylight foul weather I'll often use my running lights. If the streetlights are on I'll turn on my headlights. Otherwise I keep my lights off to save fuel and bulbs.

Ohio law says to turn on headlights if it's raining. Wipers on? Headlights on.

I like the wipers/headlights law, but the majority of the states don't have it. I recommend that practice to all of my driving students, even though it's not mandatory in Wisconsin.

List of 18 states with the wipers/headlights law are
https://www.everblades.com/blog/head...-know-the-law/

I only use headlights when needed (dawn, dusk, night, fog, rain, snow, etc....).

[Dark Magenta]

Mark, you might be the person to answer this. I'm 48 and when I learned to drive in Iowa, I don't remember anything about "running lights" but I do remember "parking lights" and it being illegal to drive with them on. People used to call them bright lights, driving lights and "dims". It might have to do with the color of the bulbs...white lights vs ambers... What's your take on that?

[timw4mail]

Mark, you might be the person to answer this. I'm 48 and when I learned to drive in Iowa, I don't remember anything about "running lights" but I do remember "parking lights" and it being illegal to drive with them on. People used to call them bright lights, driving lights and "dims". It might have to do with the color of the bulbs...white lights vs ambers... What's your take on that?

When referring to "running lights", I meant "parking lights". The way I see it, the "parking lights" are for situations where you want others to see you, but you don't need the headlights (like sunny showers). That said, when in doubt, the headlights are on.

I've also heard that driving with your "parking lights" is illegal, but I'm not sure it's enforced.

I think some countries also have daytime running lights (eg, dim headlights), so there may be additional confusion there.

[Fummins]

I think some countries also have daytime running lights (eg, dim headlights), so there may be additional confusion there.

Yesh, look across them great lakes. Drl has been standard equipment since the 90's in the Canada land. The Mirage uses dim high beams as do most vehicles that didn't come with fandangled led lights.

I've never heard of driving with just park lights being illegal. At least not during the daytime. That might be one of those "a friend's neighbor's,uncle's cousin got pulled over for.........". Or maybe it is just a law that isn't enforced unless the cops want a reason to pull someone over.
Driving with park lights on used to be cool in high school. Why I have no idea. Now I have park lights on when broke down or parked at night. Oncoming traffic can't see your signals or 4 ways when your headlights are on, I'm assuming that's why most 06+ Dodges turn one headlight off when signalling.