Rear Brake Light Flasher Modification?
02-05-2018, 01:50 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Rear Brake Light Flasher Modification?
I've already performed a search on this forum, but was unable to find a clear and definitive answer for this. I apologize in advance if I just missed it.
A few weeks ago, I was at a stoplight when one wonderful person rear ended me in my M2 in broad daylight. The driver admitted he was "distracted", and I was... whatever.. all besides the point.
Anyways, I have long wanted to make my third brake light flash a few times when depressing the brake pedal. Searching online, there seems to be a slew of products out there, all claiming to be the "correct" one, whilst stating that many competing products don't work properly. However they all seem to be relatively simple relay based devices.
Sounds simple enough? Not really, I asked a very close friend of mine that works for Earthroamer (a very high end offroad expedition vehicle manufacturer), and he explained that the process is far from simple and cautioned me not to take such a modification lightly. He says that Porsche uses a can bus system that isn't likely to be simple. He advised against attempting to make such a modification unless I was using a Porsche approved device.
Anyone here have any thoughts or experiences with this?
A few weeks ago, I was at a stoplight when one wonderful person rear ended me in my M2 in broad daylight. The driver admitted he was "distracted", and I was... whatever.. all besides the point.
Anyways, I have long wanted to make my third brake light flash a few times when depressing the brake pedal. Searching online, there seems to be a slew of products out there, all claiming to be the "correct" one, whilst stating that many competing products don't work properly. However they all seem to be relatively simple relay based devices.
Sounds simple enough? Not really, I asked a very close friend of mine that works for Earthroamer (a very high end offroad expedition vehicle manufacturer), and he explained that the process is far from simple and cautioned me not to take such a modification lightly. He says that Porsche uses a can bus system that isn't likely to be simple. He advised against attempting to make such a modification unless I was using a Porsche approved device.
Anyone here have any thoughts or experiences with this?
02-05-2018, 02:09 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Don't know who makes them but I can't stand the things. Three brake lights are enough, don't need one flashing.
Hope you didn't wind up with any injuries from your crash.
Hope you didn't wind up with any injuries from your crash.
02-05-2018, 03:28 PM
#3
I agree they are annoying but I think that's the point.....you see it.....and I also agree 3 lights are enough, but yet people still rear end others.....
02-05-2018, 03:41 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
02-05-2018, 03:58 PM
#5
Wouldn't a "distracted" driver equally not see a flashing brake light vs. a solid brake light? I can see how this might help at night, where hopefully the flashing light catches the "distracted" driver's peripheral vision but you're still dependent on his/her reaction time and brake quality. In stop and go traffic, when in my car, I tap the brakes a bit for 2 reasons (1) the action creates a similar flashing effect and (2) the real reason why I do it, tapping my brakes makes me appear to be one of those guys who brakes a lot. "Distracted" driver tend to pay more attention when they perceive the driver in front of them as a serial braker...it annoys the hell out of them, but they pay more attention, which is exactly what I want.
02-05-2018, 04:22 PM
#6
There are several German manufacturer's that have this OEM in their home market. AFAIK only BMW on the X5 (I've read this on RL) seems to have gotten this approved by DOT.
Most people are so used to 3 brake lights now that something needs to get their attention of their phone while driving.
Kind of like way back when during the test phases of the 3rd brake light.
Most people are so used to 3 brake lights now that something needs to get their attention of their phone while driving.
Kind of like way back when during the test phases of the 3rd brake light.
02-05-2018, 05:41 PM
#7
Instructor
Wouldn't a "distracted" driver equally not see a flashing brake light vs. a solid brake light? I can see how this might help at night, where hopefully the flashing light catches the "distracted" driver's peripheral vision but you're still dependent on his/her reaction time and brake quality. In stop and go traffic, when in my car, I tap the brakes a bit for 2 reasons (1) the action creates a similar flashing effect and (2) the real reason why I do it, tapping my brakes makes me appear to be one of those guys who brakes a lot. "Distracted" driver tend to pay more attention when they perceive the driver in front of them as a serial braker...it annoys the hell out of them, but they pay more attention, which is exactly what I want.
