What is the function of fog lights?
3 Answers
The functions of fog lights: 1. Front fog lights can improve visibility in unclear road conditions ahead by providing a high-intensity scattered light source that penetrates thick fog, serving to alert oncoming drivers; 2. Rear fog lights are designed to make the vehicle more visible to other road users behind in low-visibility conditions such as fog, snow, or rain. Installed at the rear of the vehicle, they emit light at a higher intensity than tail lights. Fog lights are divided into front and rear types, with front fog lights typically being bright yellow and rear fog lights red. The symbols for front and rear fog lights differ slightly: the front fog light symbol features downward light lines, while the rear fog light symbol has parallel lines, usually located on the dashboard inside the vehicle.
I've been driving for over thirty years, and fog lights are truly lifesavers in bad weather. They mainly consist of front fog lights and rear fog lights. Turn them on during rain, snow, or heavy fog to help you see the road better. Front fog lights have a low beam angle, shining downward to penetrate fog or rain, illuminating the nearby road and roadside signs without dazzling oncoming drivers like high beams do. As for rear fog lights, they are extremely bright when turned on in dense fog, making you visible to vehicles behind from a distance and preventing rear-end collisions. Once, I encountered heavy fog on the highway where I couldn't see anything ahead. After turning on the fog lights, I immediately stabilized my speed and felt much more secure. Also, don’t use them in all weather conditions—avoid turning them on in clear weather to save power and prevent glare for others. Remember, fog lights are auxiliary lights designed specifically for low visibility, ensuring driving safety in critical moments.
The design of fog lights is quite ingenious. Positioned lower than regular headlights, they cast a narrow beam onto the ground, effectively cutting through the fog layer and reducing blind spots caused by light scattering. This significantly improves visibility in foggy or rainy conditions. I've studied many vehicles, and LED fog lights are quite popular these days—they generate less heat and offer higher brightness. Halogen lights, on the other hand, provide better cost-performance, but the core functionality relies on the precision of the optical lens. Rear fog lights are also smart, with many cars equipped with sensors for automatic activation or manual buttons to ensure they illuminate in heavy fog, helping trailing vehicles identify your position in time. When modifying cars, I always remind people not to underestimate them—they can prevent collisions in critical moments. In fact, regulations in places like the EU mandate rear fog lights. Just remember to use them appropriately—only turn them on when necessary, as they can otherwise dazzle other drivers or waste energy.
