Fog lights are typically mounted low on the front of the car, integrated into the bumper or the lower section of the front fascia, and sometimes in the lower grille area. Their placement is strategic: positioned 10 to 24 inches above the road, they are designed to cut under the fog, which tends to hover a foot or two off the ground. Unlike main headlights, which can create a blinding glare in foggy conditions by reflecting light off the water droplets, fog lights produce a wide, bar-shaped beam pattern that illuminates the edges of the road without reflecting back into your eyes.
You can identify them by their distinct, often yellow or white, lenses. On the dashboard, you'll find a separate control switch or button, usually marked with a symbol that looks like a lamp with a wavy line in front of it. It's crucial to only use them in conditions of reduced visibility like fog, heavy rain, or snow, as they can be dazzling to other drivers in clear weather. Many modern vehicles also have rear fog lights, which are significantly brighter than standard taillights and are activated by a separate control to make your car more visible from behind.
| Feature | Headlights (Low Beam) | Fog Lights |
|---|
| Beam Pattern | Long-range, focused | Wide, flat, and short-range |
| Mounting Height | Higher (on the hood/fender) | Lower (on the bumper) |
| Primary Use | General nighttime driving | Fog, heavy rain, snow, dust |
| Glare in Fog | High (light reflects off droplets) | Low (beam cuts under fog layer) |
| Common Color | White | White or Selective Yellow |
