Tell me about fog lights

[John105]

Imho they are nothing more than decorations and for the most part annoying. The worst are the euro cars which light up the rear brake lamps as well as if they’re on the autobahn!

We already have a problem with cheap factory leds blinding oncoming traffic, let’s light up 2 more bulbs and add to global warming!

Just joking but they serve no legitimate purpose other than looks in the USA. Europe is different. My .02 ymmv

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I checked and the bulb connectors were facing up. But the molded "top" writing on the lens was down! I had put the L in the R and the R in the L. I took them out and swapped them and now the TOP is actually at the top. I'm sure the pattern is going to be much better now! The electrical connectors are facing down in this mode...which is a bit odd because it seems like the plug wants to fall off that way, but I have to trust the TOP lettering on the front. And also, the adjuster knob is facing down where you can reach it from the bottom this way.

@LavaRand - did you ever get pictures on this showing them on a dark road and facing a wall or garage door?

 

[Vil_Riker]

I use fog lights 2-3 times a year. If there is a clear air without fog closer to the ground they work better than the headlights. But not having them is not a big deal for me.

 

[Mazomopar]

Was riding with a semi driver who had millions of miles under his belt. We came into a foggy patch. Had the classic yellow fog lights low on the bumper so he flipped them on. Not much difference. But then he toggled off his headlights and I remember it actually making quite the difference. Now whether the deer whistles mounted next to them worked,,,

 

[Don_M]

As you all can see from my profile pic, I installed aftermarket pencil-beam driving lights behind the grill on my '17 Camaro. The reasoning is that I have aftermarket projector headlights, which have a very tight beam in themselves and leave the sides almost totally dark (as do the factory headlights).

Even in well-lit areas, this isn't a good thing, as things on the sides of the road aren't illuminated at all, in rural areas, it's even worse. So I found a really good set at Tractor Supply. The only "drawback was that the "kit" comes in 3 separate items. The first is the two lights themselves, then there is the wiring harness, and finally, a "Y" connector (the wiring harness is only set up for one light ... probably for something like a 30" light bar). All told, the 3 parts cost around $125.

I have installed after market 'fog' and 'driving' lights on nearly all my cars (mainly amber ones), as they dramatically improve lighting off to to the sides as well as during less than ideal weather. I also am VERY obsessive with PROPERLY AIMING them! These Tractor Supply lights have a very tight, focused beam and I deliberately aimed the lights off to the sides, so their beam pattern is at the outer edges of the headlight pattern, thereby lighting up the sides of the road. So not only do they "fill in the blank spots," they light up roadsigns exceptionally well. All WITHOUT blinding other drivers.

Here is a 20 minute video on installing the lights as well as a bit of driving on city and country roads:

 

[johnmyster]

Was riding with a semi driver who had millions of miles under his belt. We came into a foggy patch. Had the classic yellow fog lights low on the bumper so he flipped them on. Not much difference. But then he toggled off his headlights and I remember it actually making quite the difference. Now whether the deer whistles mounted next to them worked,,,

This what all the "more is better stylish accessories" fog light users are missing. If you need fog lights you need them instead of your low beams.

Even if they provide usable foreground in clear conditions, that foreground lighting mostly serves to degrade your distance vision.

 

[andrew_j]

The difference is negligible IF headlights work well.

Not worth a thought more. They are not included because buying public does not care AND not a US requirement.

In my state if lens cracked or light does not work vehicle fails annual inspection till corrected.

 

[Don_M]

The difference is negligible IF headlights work well.

My headlights (with the H7 LED bulbs) work extremely well ... directly ahead of the car. The beams are insanely tight, and therein lies the problem. No light at all to the sides, so my off-set driving lights are needed to light up the sides of the roads.

 

[97prizm]

I bought a Toyota Sienna and found out that the LE package doesn't come with fog lights...just plastic punch-outs in the bumper.

This is odd to be me because if fog lights are important, it doesn't seem like something that you should have to pay extra for...you don't have to pay for the deluxe trim level to get elevated brake lights or backup lights after all.

So if fog lights are optional, what are they for? I can easily add them back into my van because the parts are compatible, but what am I missing?

I use this van a lot for ski trips in the snow; are fog lights good or important for that kind of driving? Is it a problem to have the fog lamps on when there's oncoming traffic or are you supposed to turn them off to avoid blinding other drivers?

Check out hidplanet or one of the other automotive sites. Fog lights should add more foreground and side lighting to help in Foggy or heavy snow conditions. Your van had them as an option just like power windows and door locks back in the day. In theory the wiring and switch should be there to hook up. If you look under the hood in the fuse box you may have to add a fuse in the location for the fog lights.