Daytime driving lights.

[Ralfi]

I don't see what the big deal is with having them come on automatically?

One less thing to think about as light disappears or driving through tunnels..

...Love this feature on my work van.

[brad]

why would you want the lights off?

i've avoided so many accidents from having my lights on the past 2 years.

Stupid wife has the same system as mine & dark burgundy paint (that has never been polished & gets washed when it rains) & drives with headlights off & complains about people pulling out in front of her, etc. Rarely happens to me.

[pologti18t]

Actually, the current studies seem to suggest that DRLs have little effect in countries like Australia.

[flyingfridge]

Actually, the current studies seem to suggest that DRLs have little effect in countries like Australia.

Yeah but they look cool

[Umai Naa!!]

Actually, the current studies seem to suggest that DRLs have little effect in countries like Australia.

Yes, and that's purely because the majority of Australian road users drive with their head lodged firmly in their backsides.

[GTI JOE]

Ooochh!, yeah they are blingy, but I agree with others, they do look cool, especially on the Polo GTI. And yes, I have ordered them on mine, so I am biased

[yas786]

I couldnt figure out why you would need the lights on during the day. But after reading a few comments as to the benefits of having the DDL I might just leave them as is, or stop trying to turn them off (Black GTi).

[brad]

Actually, the current studies seem to suggest that DRLs have little effect in countries like Australia.

Seems to work for me. Service place always turns my lights off & I don't check they are on until some bugger tries to take my place on the M5.

[Umai Naa!!]

I couldnt figure out why you would need the lights on during the day. But after reading a few comments as to the benefits of having the DDL I might just leave them as is, or stop trying to turn them off (Black GTi).

It sounds crazy, I know. But the idea is to make others aware of your existance on the road by virtue of using you lights. Hence why non-illuminated cars seem to jump out of nowhere in fog/heavy rain/dusk. More fool them, I say.

[GTI Leo]

I didn't really see the point to begin with about the headlights being always on.
After reading all these comments and that article it all makes sense and doesn't bother me anymore.
I wish now I got the led daytime lights have seen them around and they do look pretty good.

Silly question but can the led's & xenon lights be installed aftermarket, or do they have to be factory fitted?

[GTI JOE]

Factory fitted, although their maybe 3rd part companies that do make similar headlight assemblies, mainly in Europe. Also check out Ebay from time to time.

[GraveDilute]

Guys,

I didn't check when I test drove the GTI but does the dash also backlight too? I always stuggle with reading the speedo etc with sunglasses on.

What's visibility like?

[yas786]

Guys,

I didn't check when I test drove the GTI but does the dash also backlight too? I always stuggle with reading the speedo etc with sunglasses on.

What's visibility like?

Not whilst the light switch is turned to the "O" position. My wife drove the car the other not realising she had to turn the headlight switch to on as it looked like the lights were on. She drove thinking the dash lights were not working!

[Polo GTI Driver]

I have just purchased a new Polo GTI. The main headlights cannot be turned off, despite what it says in the manual. I have taken it back to the dealer and they have said they have no idea why they are on full all the time. So much for the dealer. This is not really satisfactory. It would be Ok if it was only the parkers on all the time but it isn't , it is the main headlights.

Besides that issue, absolutely great car.

[brad]

I have just purchased a new Polo GTI. The main headlights cannot be turned off, despite what it says in the manual. I have taken it back to the dealer and they have said they have no idea why they are on full all the time. So much for the dealer. This is not really satisfactory. It would be Ok if it was only the parkers on all the time but it isn't , it is the main headlights.

Besides that issue, absolutely great car.

it sounds like you have the Scandinavian DRLs (dipped headlights, sidelights, tail lights and number plate lights on no matter what the switch setting) activated - possibly VW now refer to them as PRLs (Permanent Running Lights). They can definately be turned off with VCDS (an adaption rather than a coding IIRC). I assume the dealer scan tool can do it as well if you know where to look.

you could also try this:
With the headlight switch off, move the turn signal stalk down (signal left). Then pull the stalk towards you to flash the lights. Cycle the key on and wait for the ding.

To reactivate the DRL, move the turn signal stalk up (signal right). Then pull the stalk towards you to flash the lights. Cycle the key on and wait for the ding.

my dumb question: Why would you not want PRLs?