That smells like BS, Daytime running lights Options

[Rayme]

This just angers me, I respected that website and the info that was on there but this goes a little too far..

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question424.htm

How can having your lights on increase your engine fuel consumption? The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?


This post has been edited by Rayme: Jun 13, 2006 - 9:03 PM

[celicast3sgte]

no, but its not enough to notice nor care about. dont rule out extreme cases though.

[celicaST]

The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?

no, the higher the electric load the more hp will be "robbed" from the engine. for example, im sure youve used a hand generator at some point in science class or whatever. notice how it is harder to turn as you add more light bulbs (or any electrical resistance) to the circuit. same goes with the alt in your car. there is nothing wrong with the answer hsw gave.

[K-ESD]

The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?

no, the higher the electric load the more hp will be "robbed" from the engine. for example, im sure youve used a hand generator at some point in science class or whatever. notice how it is harder to turn as you add more light bulbs (or any electrical resistance) to the circuit. same goes with the alt in your car. there is nothing wrong with the answer hsw gave.

lets take this discussion to a scientific level
turning a magnet inside a coil creates electricity, the principles of electrical power conversion
how can using power create drag on that spining magnet? It's not touching anything

[bloodrain]

http://www.autoshop101.com/trainmodules/al...tor/alt101.html

[orvillescelica]

The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?

no, the higher the electric load the more hp will be "robbed" from the engine. for example, im sure youve used a hand generator at some point in science class or whatever. notice how it is harder to turn as you add more light bulbs (or any electrical resistance) to the circuit. same goes with the alt in your car. there is nothing wrong with the answer hsw gave.

lets take this discussion to a scientific level
turning a magnet inside a coil creates electricity, the principles of electrical power conversion
how can using power create drag on that spining magnet? It's not touching anything

the reason you need to work harder as the load on the generator increases is due to the JxB electromagnetic force. A wire with a charge is actuaally resistant to moving through a magnets B-field. When you turn the crank, you are forcing it to do so against its will. As the charge through the wire increaes due to greater load, the more resistant it is to move through that B-field, and thus you need to crank harder to get out the desired increased power.

[Rayme]

Maybe its right,. but I find the whole thing article pretty stupid for a device that's used to safe life/decrease accident. There more money spent on more stupid things out there.

[LewFX]

most new cars have day time lights, must be some reason for it

[FAQdaWorld]

The articles right guys, as trivial as it is it does have an effect upon your alternator, and thus ur rpms. While you're at idle flick on ur lights and watch ur rpms change (slightly), but they do change. The argument need not go any further than that guys. There's no such thing as 'free' electricity it always takes some kind of 'work' being done even if the work is a 'renewable' energy source such as solar or hydroelectric.

-FAQ

[ScoobyDooCruiser]

Maybe its right,. but I find the whole thing article pretty stupid for a device that's used to safe life/decrease accident. There more money spent on more stupid things out there.

Then turn your lights on. I do.

[Rayme]

Maybe its right,. but I find the whole thing article pretty stupid for a device that's used to safe life/decrease accident. There more money spent on more stupid things out there.

Then turn your lights on. I do.

I'm in Canada all cars have it

[azian_advanced]

personally i really don't mind them..

[Valo666]

we are using more gas?...meh...ohhhh wow an extra 0.01% gas consumtion increase. For some reason i dont think im toooo worried. Also, couldnt you just..i dunno..use a highoutput alternator?? plus i think toyota and all other car manufactures that would make their cars with day time running lights would put in a higher out put alternator to compensate for the additional drain. but you know..thats just me.