Before we delve into the details, let's understand why fog lights are required, especially yellow fog lights. The visibility of the road is reduced during bad weather conditions like heavy rain and fog, making it difficult for the driver to see the road ahead. Fog lights are the option to tackle these weather conditions and make driving safer.
Considering the fact fog lights are mainly available in two colors - yellow and white. We will discuss white vs yellow fog lights - what color is best for fog lights in this article. Let’s delve straight into the details.
Yellow Fog Lights Pros & Cons
Colors are often chosen based on user experience. Let's find out what are the pros and cons of using yellow fog lights.
Pros:
- It is easier to notice a yellow light compared to white light for human eyes. It brings comfort for not only the driver but also the people walking on the road to identify a vehicle with yellow fog lights.
- Another reason why yellow fog lights are mostly integrated into a vehicle is the appearance. The yellow fog lights on any color of the vehicle automatically enhance the look.
- Yellow fog lights also help to penetrate the weather difficulties in a better way and provide a clear vision.
Cons:
While there are many benefits of using a yellow fog light, there is also a downside to it. For instance, if you are using yellow fog light, you might realize that it is not bright enough compared to the white fog light in some situations.
White Fog Lights Pros & Cons
Despite yellow fog lights being insanely popular in vehicles, there is enough demand for white LED fog light bulbs too as it has been made legal in most of the countries around the globe. So, let's find out what are the pros and cons of using white fog lights.
Pros:
- White fog lights have a way better intensity and brightness compared to yellow fog lights. This is one of the major reasons why European countries manufacture all their new vehicles using white headlights.
- Moreover, many drivers choose white fog lights over yellow because they don't get filtered in the sun. White color remains unfiltered in the sun making it look brighter during the daytime.
- White fog lights are versatile as it compliments every vehicle and brings simplicity. Furthermore, the color temperature is higher (5000 to 6000 kelvins) compared to yellow fog lights (2000 to 3000 kelvins).
Cons:
Interestingly, the advantage of being bright enough also acts as a disadvantage. Yes, the white fog lights are so bright that they might not be suitable for human vision and could lead to a major accident.
It can also distract someone walking on the road as it comes with more glare compared to yellow fog lights. Another disadvantage of white fog lights is that the wavelength is shorter than the yellow ones.
What Color is Best for Fog Lights?
Whenever it comes to choosing between two options, it is best to consider the usage first. As discussed above, white ones are brighter but yellow fog lights improve the visibility. This is the major reason why most drivers choose yellow lights.
However, if you are someone who often goes on hiking and drives alone without many other people or vehicles around you, then you can reach your hiking destination using white fog lights even late in the evening.
It is important to note that yellow is the color that doesn't frustrate human eyes, which makes it easy on the eyes of others as well as the driver. Moreover, if the weather is heavily foggy and water droplets get collected on the mirror, then white light might reflect it back on the driver's eyes and irritate them. Yellow, on the other hand, makes the driver focus more on the road.
Can Fog Lights be Any Color?
Not really. There are laws tailored for every country that decides the color of the fog light, depending on how easy it is for a human's retina.
However, some companies make different colored fog lights including blue, red, and purple. It is worth noting that these colors are not only illegal in many countries but also harsh on the eyes.
If you are looking forward to using any different color for fog lights, then it is highly recommended to get the laws of your land before incorporating them into your vehicle. Moreover, even if a certain color is legal in your state, it might be illegal in another state if you are traveling.
For instance, throughout the United States, only three color fog lights are legal: Yellow, White, and Amber.
FAQs About Yellow Fog Lights
Q1: Do yellow fog lights help in the snow?
Yes. Be it fog or snow, the yellow fog light helps to reduce the glare and makes it easier for the other drivers. Moreover, it doesn't reflect light on the driver if the snow turns into droplets.
Q2: What is the best color temperature for fog lights?
According to most drivers, 3,000K is the best temperature. However, much automotive fog lighting provides temperatures up to 6,500K but it can be harsh on drivers' eyes.
Q3: Why do Rally cars have yellow lights?
Racing cars usually have yellow fog lights because it helps the driver to understand the depth perception, especially when a fellow racer is approaching from the back.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that some newbies might assume that fog lights are the same as headlights because they are mounted in front of a vehicle. It is not true as fog lights are not just different in terms of functioning but their placement is also different compared to the headlights.
Usually, you will notice that fog lights are placed below the headlights of your vehicle. They are also smaller in size and shape compared to your headlights. Many drivers prefer using white fog lights after learning how well they work in bad weather conditions.
However, it completely depends on your vehicle’s usage before choosing the color of the fog lights. Hope this article was helpful for you to understand which fog light is better.
At SuncentAuto, you can buy fog light bulbs or fog light assemblies at a great price. Shop for our Torchbeam fog lights now. Find the best-fitting fog light assemblies for your vehicle and enjoy free next day delivery!
