Not all vehicles are created equal.
There are the obvious differences, like the outward appearance of a car versus a truck or a van, the number of doors a vehicle has, or even how tall or long a vehicle is.
Then there are the subtle differences, like how some vehicles have fog lights and others don’t. If your vehicle happens to be equipped with these lamps, this article is for you!
What is the purpose of fog lights?
The purpose of fog lights isn’t always so apparent to drivers, partially because most drivers don’t know how to use them properly. For the other half of drivers, they don’t have fog lamps at all! Currently, there are no federally mandated laws stating that fog lamps are necessary.
That said, fog lights can improve visibility in certain driving conditions, if they are used correctly. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t know exactly when and how to use them.
What is the right way to use fog lights?
You would be correct if you guessed that the best time to use fog lights is when fog is present. The key to using fog lights properly is to ensure your low beams remain on in conjunction with your fog lamps. This way, the road can be illuminated from the ground up instead of just trying to shine light directly through the fog. Due to fog’s reflective nature, you are advised to avoid turning your high beam lights on while in these conditions; this will actually decrease visibility, not improve it.
Contrary to the purpose outline above, you have probably noticed plenty of drivers who have their fog lights turned on, regardless of the presence or absence of fog. Using fog lamps in this method provides no visibility benefits to the driver, due to their design.
Drive Safely
Shur-Way would like to remind our readers that like any other time you get behind the wheel of vehicle, driving in foggy conditions requires your full, focused attention. Maintaining optimal visibility of the road and the drivers ahead of you is the best way to ensure you reach your destination safely. Failure to do any of the above could result in your vehicle needing some serious bodywork, or worse, you could end up in the hospital.
Stay safe out there!