quick Top Gear-type question

[Anonymous]

I've noticed, quite recently that some modern cars seem to have what I know as 'sidelights' on, even it does warrant imho

what are they please ?

solar powered reflectors of some sort, LED, LCD, or what ?

I don't drive ..... I'm simply curious ..... 

[Anonymous]

Does this answer http://www.drivingtesttips.biz/what-are-car-sidelights-when-to-use-them.html

[Anonymous]

thank you BoB ..... = ..... very interesting for a non-driver like me ..... = ..... didn't know it was allowed that you could leave a car parked with its sidelights on overnight ..... eg for added security perhaps ..... & that they have minimal drain on car's battery 

[Anonymous]

You're most Welcome.

[MI5]

What you see on all new cars theses days are called "DRL's" (daytime running lights) and they are now compulsory legislation for safety - Another of the EU rulings that has filtered down to out country.
A good idea they are too....

[Anonymous]

thank you for that MI5 ..... it was puzzling me .... as I thought they would be running down the car's battery un-necessarily  

[MI5]

Modern car batteries are capable of holding a charge for much longer now than they used to be. Also coupled with more efficient charging and energy recovery systems so flat batteries are getting quite rare these days (not impossible, but rare ;))

[Anonymous]

thank you again MI5 for the info ..... no prizes for guessing I'm not a driver ..... did have some lessons in the past, in different places, & took 2 tests, narrowly failed, but for various reasons had to let driving lessons go

anyway I could not afford to run a car now ..... use one particular taxi firm when necessary

but I do like looking at the swish cars which pass, usually too fast, through town

have a good day MI5

[MI5]

You too Jane

[Anonymous]

I have DRLs and I they annoy the hell out of me for some reason - on a bright sunny day I don't need to have lights on! Unfortunately Ford (unlike Peugeot) has designed the car so they can't be turned off. Grrrrrrrr!