[valnmike]

If you have xenon headlights, you are probably aware that they “pop up” approximately 5 – 7 seconds after you first turn them on. Due to a recent software update, I had the opportunity to have my DRLs enabled at no charge. Here’s something I noticed the other day. The DRLs are pointed down if you just start the car and go. Because the voltage to the headlamps is reduced when in DRL mode they do not self level themselves to the proper aiming point.

We can correct for that two ways.

One is to first turn on the headlights and then turn them off. I think this is stupid because I’ve read that it shortens the life of the xenon lamps if they are frequently switched on and off. Also, if you turn on the headlights, who needs the DRLs?

The other way, which I recommend, is to start the car, put it into gear, then hold the stalk/switch for the bright lights in the high beam flash mode for 5 – 7 seconds. This sends the full voltage to the headlamp unit and gets the lights to level/aim to the correct point.

If you are still reading this, perhaps you are thinking ‘so what’. Here’s my theory on it. If the DRLs are pointed down, they are less effective at putting the light down the road where they are more likely to catch the attention of pedestrians and other drivers. And that is my 2¢ on the matter.

And by-the-way, if you have DRLs and want them off such as at a night time lighting display here’s what you do. Put the handbrake on one click. The warning light should come on, and the DRLs should turn off.

Happy Motoring