If you have been wondering how to turn on the fog lights, you've come to the right place. Snow, rain, and fog are likely to hamper your overall driving experience.
In such cases, fog lights can come in handy, as long as you use them correctly. Fog lights are primarily designed to throw a wider beam of light on the road, giving drivers a clearer view of the region in front of the vehicle when driving in fog or other low visibility conditions.
Do Fog Lights Matter?
The market is teeming with all sorts of car lights. As a result, some drivers think fog lights are unnecessary. However, it is mandatory to have a fog light in the taillights at the back of a car, as per UK law. Also, some higher specs models also include front fog lights.
Fog lights are capable of casting light downward so that the light does not reflect into the driver's eyes. They come in handy to increase the driver's vision during difficult driving conditions.
It is imperative to know how to turn on fog lights and how to turn off fog lights. It is equally important to know when to use them and when not to. Using fog lights incorrectly can make driving difficult for some drivers, who use them incorrectly. So, let's check out how to turn on and use fog lights correctly.
How To Turn on Fog Lights?
First off, refer to your vehicle's manual to confirm whether or not your vehicle has fog lights. If you are checking them for the first time, ensure that you are testing them in your driveway so that you can check out without any sort of distraction.
Now, find the switch for the fog lights. This switch is usually located at the end of the lever that switches headlights on and off. However, some vehicles have a button on the dashboard for activating the fog lights.
You need to follow the accurate process to turn your fog lights on or off. If there's a switch on your headlight lever, you can pull the switch out from the steering wheel. If there's an in-dash button, all you need to do to turn on your fog lights is to depress the button.
The Fog Lights Symbol
Now, simply check if the fog lights have turned on or not. The instrument cluster of most newfangled cars comes with a fog light symbol that shows whether or not the fog lights are on.
For the rear-mounted fog lights, the fog light symbol usually faces the opposite direction of the headlight symbol. Moreover, some fog lights automatically go off as soon as you turn off the car's lights or ignition. After determining how to switch your vehicle's fog lights on and off, drivers should know when to use them.
When To Use Fog Lights?
Some drivers opt to turn fog lights on even when there is the slightest bit of mist. However, it is not a reason enough to switch them on. Drivers must know when and when not to use their vehicle's fog lights. They are ideally meant to be used in a situation where visibility is restricted. This could be due to fog.
Alternatively, you can use them when heavy rain or snow causes poor visibility conditions. It is worth mentioning here that fog lights are designed to make your vehicle more visible rather than lighting up the area in front of your car.
In other words, you do not need to use them in well-lit conditions. You can use your headlights for that.
Moreover, drivers should understand that fog lights should be used only when your car's headlights are not enough to make you visible to other people using the road.
Although fog lights are quite an advantageous extra tool, they do not make drivers invincible. Aside from that, drivers should slow down and maintain a good distance to other vehicles when they can't see very far ahead.
When Not To Use Fog Lights
Turn off your vehicle's fog lights as soon as the fog has cleared. Keeping them on in well-lit conditions could potentially dazzle other people and vehicles on the road. Also, it is important to keep track of the current weather conditions. For instance, you are more likely to face foggy conditions in the early morning.
However, the fog melts away as soon as the sun rises. So, if you had turned your vehicle's fog lights on in the early morning, make sure you switch them off when the weather is clear. Usually, the fog lights turn themselves off when you switch off your car's ignition. They will switch back on only when you manually turn them on again.
Nevertheless, it is still recommended that you check that they are off, especially if you will be driving with your headlights on.
Fog lights FAQs
Yes, they really work. However, they are designed to work only for a specific purpose which is increasing your car's visibility in low-lit conditions.
Q2: Do all vehicles come with fog lights?
All vehicles are legally required to have rear fog lights. Certain models come with front fog lights. Most new cars come with DRL (daytime running lights) that enhance the car's visibility.
Q3: Why should fog lights be switched off when visibility improves?
The fog lights at the back can block your brake lights, preventing drivers behind you see when you are braking. The front, as well as the rear fog lights, can create a glare when the visibility is good.
Conclusion
Fog lights are highly useful extra tools. However, drivers must know when they are to be used and when they should switch them off. They are designed to be used in heavy rains, fog, and snow when the weather condition hampers your vehicle's visibility.
Also, drivers should know that fog lights do not provide a clearer view of the road ahead of their vehicle. It simply makes your vehicle seen in low-lit conditions. Hopefully, this article will help you to understand how to turn on the fog light symbol.
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