What is the difference between Fog Lights, Low Beams, and High Beams?

What Are Fog Lights? And Other Frequently Asked Questions

Fog lights are a specialized type of vehicle lighting designed to improve visibility during low-visibility conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or dust. Positioned below the headlight unit on the bumper, fog lights have a low, sharp cutoff that prevents light from reflecting off water particles, which can cause glare. The wide, short-range beam emitted by fog lights complements your headlights in challenging conditions, ensuring you can see the road without overwhelming oncoming drivers.

If you’re looking to upgrade or install fog lights, visit our fog lights section to explore a variety of options.

What Is the Fog Light Symbol?

On most dashboards, the fog light symbol resembles a lamp with three slanted lines and a wavy vertical line running through them. The process of turning on these lights varies by vehicle, and not all vehicles are equipped with fog lights. To confirm if your car has them and how to operate them, consult your owner’s manual. Some vehicles are also equipped with rear fog lights, which are typically red-tinted but less common in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fog Lights

1. What Is the Difference Between Fog Lights, Low Beams, and High Beams?

• Fog lights: These lights produce a wide, flat beam aimed low to the ground to penetrate fog and similar conditions. They are specifically designed to cut through low-visibility weather.
• Low beams: Also known as standard headlights, low beams are used for general night driving and provide adequate road illumination without blinding oncoming traffic.
• High beams: High beams project an intense upward beam designed to illuminate long distances, ideal for rural or poorly lit roads. However, due to their brightness, high beams should be turned off when approaching other vehicles.

For more details on headlights, you can check out our car lighting section to explore the variety of options available for your vehicle.

2. What Is the Difference Between Daytime Running Lights and Fog Lights?

• Daytime running lights (DRL) are located near the headlight assembly and automatically turn on with your vehicle’s ignition to improve visibility to other drivers, not the road. DRLs are becoming more common, but they don’t replace fog lights.
• Fog lights, on the other hand, are manually turned on by the driver and are used in specific low-visibility situations.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your vehicle’s lighting, explore our range of exterior lights for both fog lights and daytime running lights.

3. Where Should You Mount Fog Lights?

The mounting position of fog lights varies depending on the vehicle type and model:

• Cars and SUVs: Fog lights are typically mounted on the front bumper, around 10-24 inches above the ground, below the headlight assembly.
• Trucks: Fog lights can be mounted on the front bumper, valance, or grille guard. Make sure to check the compatibility of your fog light kit with your vehicle’s components.
• Off-Road Vehicles: Popular for off-roaders like Jeeps and Broncos, fog lights can be mounted to the front grille guard or bumper. Explore vehicle-specific fog light kits for optimal performance.

For more installation options and fog light kits, head over to our fog light section.

4. Can You Use Fog Lights as Headlights?

No, fog lights cannot replace headlights. Fog lights emit a downward and short-range beam, insufficient for general low-light driving. Many states also have regulations requiring you to use fog lights alongside low beams.

5. Are Fog Lights Legal?

Yes, fog lights are legal in the US, both front and rear, but regulations vary by state regarding their use, mounting height, and color. Make sure to consult your local laws to ensure your fog lights meet the legal requirements.

6. Do All Cars Have Fog Lights?

No, not every car comes equipped with fog lights. Often, these lights are available as an upgrade when moving to higher trim levels. Certain off-road vehicles, like Jeeps and Broncos, offer additional mounting equipment for fog lights.

7. Can You Drive with Fog Lights On?

Yes, you can drive with fog lights on, but check local regulations to understand when their use is appropriate. Typically, fog lights should be used in addition to low beams for better road visibility.

White vs. Yellow Fog Lights

Both white and yellow fog lights offer distinct advantages:

• Yellow fog lights are preferred for reducing glare and are easier on the eyes, making them ideal for foggy conditions.
• White fog lights provide brighter, clearer road illumination, with many drivers favoring them for their clarity.

With LED fog lights, you have the option to choose between white, yellow, or even amber, depending on your preference. If you’re considering upgrading, our fog lights collection offers LED options to suit all needs.

Halogen vs. LED Fog Lights

Switching from halogen to LED fog lights is highly beneficial. LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan—up to 50,000 hours in some cases—requiring fewer replacements and offering long-term savings. LEDs are also much more efficient, providing the same or greater light output with lower energy consumption. Additionally, they offer more customization in terms of brightness and color.

Explore our selection of LED fog lights for a more efficient and powerful lighting solution. #haseebautos