New Polo "Running Lights"

[vwcabriolet1971]

DRL’s, the curse of the nanny state! Their introduction will cause a massive increase in the number of organs being available for transplant from dead motorcyclists.

Totally agree . Many motorists cannot even see or hear a big ambulance with sirens , flashing red and white lights right behind them , so what chance have the 'bike riders to be seen amongst all these DRLs. ?

[onibhoy]

The MK 6 Golf has the following instruction in the manual if that's any help :-
"Move turn signal and main beam lever both down and to the rear (lefthand turn signal and headlamp flash)and hold it in that position. Turn the ignition on for 3 secs and then switch it off again . The daylight running lights function is now deactivated"
To reactivate the same procedure is carried out with the turn signal lever in the up and to the rear.i.e. right turn and headlamp flash positions.

I would be surprised if the POLO had different coding .

Thanks,

I tried this and it doesn't work on my Polo. Accoriding to some others, this handbook specified process only works on Polo models with the Auto headlight function. I don't have that on mine. Std headlights and fog lights only.

[Steven715]

Totally agree . Many motorists cannot even see or hear a big ambulance with sirens , flashing red and white lights right behind them , so what chance have the 'bike riders to be seen amongst all these DRLs. ?

Just a thought that because the front of the car is omitting light then people may forget to put on the Headlights when they are needed.

Personally I don't like DRLs for 2 reasons.
1. They are distracting for other road users.
2. I thought we are supposed to be saving energy and emissions. Well aren’t the DRLs adding to both of these?
How stupid I think!!!

[vc-10]

They're not distracting IMO, not even the really bright ones on Audis etc. And they certainly help in low light conditions. There's a road on my commute home that over the winter I would always end up driving home straight into the sun. Cars with DRLs are much, much more visible than those without which suddenly appeared out of the black silhouette of the road/hedges etc

[cullinp]

I just don't appreciate not having the option, introduce a law if you like and if I don't adhere to it then arrest me.

But driving around in the recent scorching weather will full headlights on looks plain daft. I'm using the wife's new Polo whilst my A4 is on order and find myself turning the sidelights on instead of leaving the lights in the off position.......which of course now means there on!?!?!?!?!?!!?

[Crasher]

I don’t like DRL’s BUT if I bought a car with them I would not disable them for one reason, after an accident (no matter who’s fault it was) the question “why were your DRL’s not working?” and I can imagine you would end up being blamed for the accident no matter what as people will always try and wriggle out of something they have done wrong.

[Steven715]

I don’t like DRL’s BUT if I bought a car with them I would not disable them for one reason, after an accident (no matter who’s fault it was) the question “why were your DRL’s not working?” and I can imagine you would end up being blamed for the accident no matter what as people will always try and wriggle out of something they have done wrong.

I Would agree with you we all know how insurance companys try and wiggle out of it. This would be the only reason that I would not Disable them.

I think that the Golf DRLs are very bright though. I still find it a waste of energy when we keep being told to try and save energy. I find that very fustrating!

[Crasher]

According to something I read somewhere the official estimate for the extra fuel used by DRL’s across Europe will be an overall 1% increase.

[Steven715]

According to something I read somewhere the official estimate for the extra fuel used by DRL’s across Europe will be an overall 1% increase.

That is not to bad but its 1% for each car :P now I am being pedantic Just kidding lol

[Crasher]

I think they meant it as an average over the entire vehicle park in Europe.

What bugs me about this pan European idea is that the same rules apply to Northern Europe as to Southern. I can see the point in DRL’s in certain European countries at certain times of year but what is the point in DRL’s in mid summer in the middle of the day? The other point is that organ donors, sorry motorcyclists, identify themselves with running lights, all that will happen is that they will disappear in a mist of DRL’s and more will be knocked off their suicide machines. May improve the number of donor organs available though…