Explanation why Prius v did not have DRLs

On our Canadian car, with lowered brightness high beams being used for DRL, I noticed this discolouration on the bulbs the other day:

 

I also have discoloration on the 9005 highbeam bulb:



It was perfectly clear when I installed it, but it gets discolored over time. I believe it is due to the lower voltage used during DRL operation, which does not allow the normal halogen cycle to occur. You can clearly see that the discoloration is on the base and tip ends of the capsule, where the capsule would be the farthest away from the hot filament and therefore, relatively cooler.

 

Just went out to check the bulbs in question on my USA (no DLR) 2012 Prius v 5 with Adv. Tech. Pkg. with 38000 miles, and the bulbs were as clear as can be. So this is just another sample point that supports the theory that DRL using headlights at reduced power causes discoloration of the bulbs.

I really like how the PriusChat community can find/determine cause/solve problems/questions with the great Prius vehicle.

 

Maybe I'll just drive with the high beams constantly on, for a while.

 

Almost all good DRL solutions operate the DRL at reduced brightness, often 50%. So using your headlights on all the time is not the same as DRL. By far the best system is the one we had in our 1998 (!!!) Canadian-built Corolla, which was DRL but ALSO automatic lights on when dark, with a light sensor on the dashboard deck. I believe shipped to Canada Priuses are the same.

 

Yup. But I never use the auto headlights, prefer the control.

 

kirrill,

I like those British DRLs. I may get them (in addition the the bright 4 LED lights I have mounted on my upper grille). As I said in another thread, since I live in the 'Vegas valley with 24/7 drinking & drugs ya can't have too many lights. (Or will I end up confusing a paranoid crackhead who thinks I'm an alien spaceship out to get him?)

 

Why won't you consider Dual function fog (Fog w/ DRL integrated).
I had this on my Prius C and it works great. The circular leds are the DRL. Center is the projected fog.

 

Any1 maybe can say.. Prius V and Prius Plus have same turn/drl lamps? i mean the form and fixing tasks..