How Should We Upgrade Daytime Running Lights, and What Should Manufacturers Do?｜BLIAUTO Professional Lighting Upgrade Guide

In today’s automotive lighting systems, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have become a vital component in enhancing driving safety and vehicle visibility. Not only do they improve a vehicle’s visibility during daylight hours, but their distinctive designs and lighting effects also serve as key visual elements in modern vehicle styling. As consumers place greater emphasis on lighting quality and personalization, the question of how to effectively upgrade DRLs has become a shared concern for both drivers and manufacturers.

So, as car owners, how should we upgrade DRLs? And as lighting manufacturers, what preparations should we make to embrace this “daylight lighting revolution”? BLIAUTO has the answers.

Part I – For Car Owners: Key Considerations When Upgrading DRLs

1. Clarify Your Upgrade Goals: Safety, Aesthetics, or Intelligent Integration?

Drivers upgrade their DRLs for various reasons—some for increased brightness and visibility, others for improved aesthetics through eye-catching LED strips, and some to achieve smart functions like integration with turn signals or unlock animations. Before upgrading, clarify your primary goal to avoid aimless modifications.

2. Choose High-Quality LED Light Sources

LEDs are the mainstream light source for DRLs. When upgrading, opt for products with stable luminous efficacy and a suitable color temperature (ideally 5000K–6500K). These ensure visibility even in bright daylight without being overly harsh for oncoming traffic.

3. Don’t Overlook Compatibility and Wiring

Whether adding DRL modules or replacing factory lights, electrical compatibility is critical. Improper wiring can lead to system errors, flickering, or even short circuits. Choose products with built-in decoders or CAN bus adapters, and consider professional installation.

4. Ensure Water, Dust, and Weather Resistance

DRLs are often exposed on bumpers or headlight housings. Products should have at least IP67 waterproof ratings and strong UV resistance to withstand prolonged outdoor use in harsh conditions.

Part II – For Manufacturers: How Should We Prepare for the DRL Upgrade Trend?

1. Improve Modular Design Capabilities

As consumer needs diversify, manufacturers should develop modular DRL components in various sizes, interfaces, and control configurations to meet different vehicle models and markets.

2. Strengthen OEM Co-Development

DRLs are no longer simple light-on features. OEMs now expect integration with vehicle systems like keyless entry, remote start, and proximity sensors. Manufacturers must offer programmable controllers and custom wiring diagrams, actively participating in vehicle system development.

3. Enhance Smart Control Functions

As vehicles become more intelligent, DRLs are increasingly integrated with CAN bus systems and mobile apps. Manufacturers should introduce features like ambient light detection, auto on/off, daytime-nighttime mode switching, and dynamic turn signal linkage to increase product value.

4. Invest in Optical Design and Certification

Great DRLs should not only be bright but also uniform, aesthetically pleasing, and glare-free. Optimizing lens shapes, light guides, and reflectors can ensure consistent light distribution. Complying with global standards like ECE R87 or SAE J2087 also opens the door to international markets.

5. Address Regulatory Differences Across Regions

DRL regulations vary by country—such as mandatory daytime activation in the EU, or integration with turn signals allowed in the US. Manufacturers must tailor beam patterns, power outputs, and control logic accordingly to avoid compliance issues and legal risks.

Part III – Future Trends: Design Evolution of DRLs

Dynamic Welcome Effects: Flowing or fade-in/fade-out lighting animations enhance the tech feel when unlocking the car.

Turn Signal Integration: Dual-color LED strips can combine DRL and turn indicator functions.

Full-Width Light Bars: Increasingly popular in high-end vehicles for a wider, more cohesive front-end design and stronger brand identity.

RGB Ambient Integration: Some models now offer daytime and nighttime lighting mode linkage, enriching the overall driving experience.

Conclusion – Advancing Lighting Together

While DRLs are not the main lighting source at night, they play an increasingly important role in daytime road safety, visual aesthetics, and brand recognition. For drivers, upgrading DRLs is not just about looks—it’s also a commitment to safety. For manufacturers, those who lead the way in developing smart, stylish, and compliant DRL solutions will gain the upper hand in a competitive market.

BLIAUTO will continue to follow the cutting edge of automotive lighting, delivering the most valuable products and solutions to help light your road ahead.