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]

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.

[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.

[phaux]

Arizona doesn't really have weather beyond "clear, hot and dry" so I only have my headlights on when it's actually dusk/dark. The LED running lights that the GT trim has aren't really that bright during the day so I don't bother with them, but if there's rain or a dust storm I'll turn on the headlights for visibility.

Whenever I get around to upgrading the projectors in my headlights, I'll probably do the joey mod and also swap out the LEDs (or the resistors if that's the case). There's no driver or fancy logic on them.

[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....).

[MacClyver]

If I have to cycle my wipers more than once running lights come on.
Headlights come on once I hit the minimum intermittent interval, assuming in daytime.

IMO, based on your pic I'd have running lights on too. But, if there was a grassy median my lights would remain off.

[Daox]

Nice! I like the general guidelines.