Driving lights vrs Fog lights

When i say driving lights i mean these lights are so bright down low on these vehicles they blind you when you meet them. Now what is the main difference between the two? Im thinking about adding some of those lights but i dont want those that blind upcoming traffic.I just want to see as well as possible in foggy weather. thanks for any response.

 

Driving lights are normally mounted higher and have narrower beams to illuminate the road ahead. Fog lights are normally mounted lower, have wider beams and direct light down so it doesn't reflect off the water droplets in the fog.

 

Are fog lights better in a real heavy fog. Just a few weeks back we had some fog for a couple of nights that was really miserable to drive in. You had no idea where you were on the road if you had to get out for a very short trip. That got me thinking maybe id better put some on. Thanks for the info.

 

My factory fogs do well. The low, spread beams light both shoulders of a two lane road.

 

Some people try to modify their fogs with different bulbs and creates a horrible beam. This is common when they swap their standard halogen bulb to a HID unit without swapping the lens.

 

Has anyone heard of any over the counter fog lights that seem to do real well or some that you can have installed?Appreciatted any input. thanks.

 

I have used over the counter fog lights from napa and was pleased with them, don't remember brand names but if you mount them as per the manufacturers recomendation you should be happy with them.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

 

Sound ok to me.I've never had any problems with parts from napa and their local. thanks.

 

I thought true "fog lights" were traditionally yellow, and driving lights are clear. Although both of my cars have factory "driving lights", I've never figured out what good they are, as they appear to light only a couple of feet ahead of the front bumper and don't do anything to extend the useful range of my low beams. It seems these "driving" lights are mostly for cosmetic purposes. I traditionally keep my "driving lights" off as they don't do a bit of good and probably reduce my gas mileage a bit when they're on.

 

My SUV (Jimmy) has the normal high and low beams (built in with separate bulbs - 4 total) plus it has the lower mounted lights (also built in) with clear lenses.

The lower lights do a great job to illuminate the road close up and the shoulders and work well in both fog and rain. When I switch from low beams to high beams, the "close or fog" lights go out.

In many countries, driving lights are additional lights with a high output for long range. They are usually not permitted in the U.S. because of the output. Something like that is needed when traveling at high speeds (70 to 120 mph) on a road like the autobahn.

In India, it is common to see cars at night with just what we consider to be "parking" lights on because they feel it is rude to shine lights in another's eyes unless absolutely necessary. - Most driving in India is done in cities with streetlights.

Every place has their own terms, needs and customs.

Dick

 

I personally feel that if you need those 9000watt driving lights to see while driving at night, you ought to stick to driving when the sun is up. I personally never use my high beams due to the fact they bother my eyes, since in most areas at night, I can get by with just parking lights if I need to, use the low beams so I don't get pulled over.

 

Ok now you've brought up another question. Are yellow fog lights better than the clear fog lights as far as visibility? I have seen both kinds. I know im getting techical but no use throwing my $ away. What you think?

 

I don't think it really makes any difference...though some people wear yellow tinted glasses during low light situations...gives more contrast I guess.

A good set of fog lights mounted and aimed correctly...whether white or yellow should help. Personally I would use white. When we drive out here..I like to turn them on when we are out in the wide open areas..fog or not. Gives me a little better side view. We do have antelope, sheep, and coyotes..so a bit of warning is a good thing.

Heres the wiki on it...grain of salt as usual..but looks pretty good....check the selective yellow link in the fog lamp section.

Automotive lighting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Thanks alot for that very informative page. Have a good one.

 

The light reflects off of the mist into your eyes, reducing your vision as well as those coming toward you. Yellow glasses are a great help in fog and rain, in my experience.

In the forties fog lights were generally yellow and mounted low on the bumper. Lower the better, IMHO. Yellow may have had something to do with laws, perhaps preventing more than ordinary driving lights (make them yellow so they are "different"?)

Wish there was a law forbidding those awful 9000 watt
coon-hunting lights so many trucks and big SUV's have. Always aimed right in your eyes! GRRRRR!!