Does auto automatically turn on fog lights?
2 Answers
Auto does not automatically turn on fog lights. The auto function of motor vehicles refers to the automatic headlight feature. When driving at night and meeting the conditions for turning on the vehicle lights, the low beam and position lights will automatically turn on, but the fog lights will not. If you need to use the vehicle's fog lights, you must manually turn them on. The role of auto: Automatic headlights are controlled by a light sensor installed on the vehicle. The headlights automatically turn on when the light dims and turn off when the light brightens. They can also automatically switch between high and low beams during encounters with other vehicles. When driving through dark tunnels or arch bridges during the day, the light detector at the front of the vehicle will automatically detect and quickly turn on the headlights. How auto works: A photosensitive sensor generates voltage signals based on changes in external light, which are then fed back to the automatic headlight control module. After data analysis, the module determines whether the lights should be turned on. The structure consists of a photoresistor, control module, headlights, speed sensor, and other components.
During normal driving, fog lights usually cannot be turned on automatically, even if you set the headlights to Auto mode. The Auto system primarily switches between low beams and high beams based on light intensity, such as automatically turning them on in tunnels or at night. However, fog lights are designed for low-visibility conditions like heavy fog or rainstorms and require manual control to avoid unnecessary activation. I remember driving for many years and encountering foggy conditions on the highway a few times. The fog light button is typically located near the steering wheel or on the dashboard, and you have to press it manually to activate the lights—otherwise, the system won’t turn them on by itself. This design considers safety factors: fog lights have strong beams, and using them in clear weather could dazzle other drivers, potentially causing accidents. Therefore, it’s a good habit to check your lighting settings while driving to ensure you can manually activate fog lights promptly in rainy or foggy conditions, enhancing road safety.