Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1997 Chevy pickup and I'm trying to turn off those annoying daytime running lights (DRLs). Any suggestions as to how I can go about it? -- Gregg

Tom: How about a hammer?

Ray: Actually, you should start by asking your dealer, Gregg. Since DRLs are not required by law, they may be willing to disconnect them for you.

Tom: If they refuse and you're obsessed with turning them off, you can always remove the bulbs -- or wait until they burn out. I believe the DRLs on this truck use separate bulbs, which are slightly dimmer than the regular headlights.

Ray: But if I were you, I'd just leave them alone. Many people believe that they make you safer by making it easier for other drivers to see you in the daytime. And since there's almost no down side to them (the amount of additional fuel it takes to run them is minuscule), why not leave them on and forget about them?

In their pamphlet "Should I Buy, Lease, or Steal My Next Car?" Tom and Ray break down the strategies for buying a car, so you can make the most of your money. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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