Car Fog Lights Explained: Types, Benefits and When To Use

Driving in poor visibility conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow, can be extremely dangerous. Limited visibility is a leading cause of road accidents. To help improve safety in these conditions, vehicles are equipped with various safety features, and one such important add-on is fog lights. These specialised lights improve visibility in difficult weather conditions.

However, fog lights are often misused by drivers who use them all the time. While others think they are unnecessary. In this guide, we will understand the purpose of fog lights in car, their benefits, the myths surrounding them, and the best practices for using them correctly.

What are fog lights in cars?

Fog lights are an auxiliary vehicle lighting system designed to improve visibility in foggy, misty, rainy, or snowy weather conditions. Unlike regular headlights, which can reflect off fog and create glare, fog lights are positioned lower on the vehicle to cast a wide, horizontal beam closer to the road surface.

Key features of fog lights:

• Low mounting position: Usually installed lower on the front bumper to reduce glare from fog.
• Wide and short beam: The beam is directed downward to light up the road rather than dispersing into the fog.
• Typically yellow or white: These colours reduce glare and penetrate fog, rain, and snow more effectively than standard headlights.
• Separate from standard headlights: Fog lights have a dedicated switch and are not automatically turned on with headlights.
• Available in front and rear: Front fog lights help drivers see better, while rear fog lights make the vehicle more visible to others.

Types of fog lights

The purpose of fog lights

Regular headlights, especially high beams, can reflect off fog, snow, or heavy rain, creating glare and making it harder to see. Fog lights help counter this issue by illuminating the road surface directly. Here are some of its main purposes:

• Foggy conditions: Standard headlights struggle to penetrate dense fog, but fog lights cut through it to reveal the road ahead.
• Heavy rain: During heavy rainfall, fog lights help reduce the reflection off wet surfaces and improve visibility.
• Snowfall: Snowfall can cause light to scatter, making visibility difficult; fog lights help by focusing illumination closer to the ground.
• Dusty environments: Fog lights can help improve visibility while driving in desert areas or construction zones.
• Rural or unlit roads: Some drivers use fog lights on poorly lit roads where standard headlights alone may not be sufficient.

Benefits of fog lights

Installing fog lights in your car provides several benefits, particularly in areas prone to poor weather. Here are some of the benefits of fog lamp in car:

• Improved visibility: They offer a clear view of the road in front of the vehicle in low-visibility conditions.
• Enhanced safety: They help reduce the risk of accidents by improving visibility.
• Reduced glare: Normal headlights cause glare in rain or fog while fog lights light up the path ahead without the risk of creating a glare.
• Better road awareness: Rear fog lights ensure that other drivers can see your car even in dense fog.
• Stylish look: Many vehicles have LED fog lights that enhance the overall aesthetics.

Fog lights common myths

Many misconceptions surround fog lights, which often lead to their misuse. Let's address some of the most common myths.

• Myth 1: Fog lights should be used all the time.

Reality: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is low. Using them unnecessarily can cause glare and make visibility difficult for other drivers.

• Myth 2: Fog lights are as bright as high beams.

Reality: Fog lights have a different beam pattern; they do not project light far ahead but focus on illuminating the road surface.

• Myth 3: Rear fog lights are unnecessary.

Reality: Rear fog lights are crucial for making your vehicle visible to drivers behind you in poor weather conditions.

• Myth 4: Fog lights make your car faster or more powerful.

Reality: Fog lights only affect visibility and safety. They do not improve the car's performance.

• Myth 5: Fog lights can replace headlights.

Reality: Fog lights are supplementary and should never be used as a replacement for standard headlights.

Conclusion

Fog lights are essential for driving in unpredictable weather and poor visibility conditions.  By increasing a car's visibility to other drivers, they lessen glare, increase visibility, and help reduce the risk of accidents. However, incorrectly using LED fog lights for cars can create hazards for other drivers. When used responsibly, fog lights provide added safety and confidence, especially while driving in harsh weather conditions.

It is also important to look for car insurance online and opt for a policy that provides coverage in case of accidents, theft or loss of expensive parts and accessories. Bad weather increases the risk of accidents, so having comprehensive car insurance can help cover damage and repairs.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.