Why does the Honda Vezel only have one rear fog light?
4 Answers
Most manufacturers now use one fog light and one reverse light to save costs. Additional information: 1. To attract the attention of drivers behind: Drivers tend to have a numb reaction to symmetrical lights, and compared to two rear fog lights, a single rear fog light can better capture the attention of drivers behind. 2. Symmetrical design can easily be confused with other lights: Rear fog lights are usually very close to brake lights, and two rear fog lights with a symmetrical design can be more easily confused with brake lights. In rainy or foggy conditions, when a following car cannot see the vehicle in front clearly due to heavy fog, it will see two dazzling red lights when approaching the front car. The driver of the following car may initially think that the front car is braking hard, leading to sudden braking, which could potentially cause a series of rear-end collisions.
Let me discuss this phenomenon from the perspective of automotive design. The Honda Vezel (HR-V) having only one rear fog light is primarily due to safety regulations and practical design considerations. According to international standards, such as European and Chinese vehicle regulations, rear fog lights are required to have only one light, typically positioned on the right side or a specific location of the vehicle. This is to avoid confusion with brake lights during foggy or low-visibility conditions. Designers are concerned that if both lights were illuminated, following vehicles might misinterpret them as braking signals, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, a single light reduces unnecessary glare. From a cost perspective, this simplifies the vehicle's wiring and components, saving resources. My advice is to always check the manual for light configurations when purchasing a car—if you notice the other light isn't working, it's likely intentional. Avoid modifying it into a dual-light system yourself, as this may violate regulations and affect vehicle inspections. Overall, this design balances safety and efficiency, making it a practice worth promoting.
When I first drove the Honda Vezel, I was also puzzled why the rear fog light only lights up on one side. Later, after discussing with friends, I realized this is a common practice. Regulations require a single light to be illuminated, placed on the right side, to avoid confusion with brake lights in foggy conditions and prevent rear vehicles from misjudging sudden braking. In practical terms, if both lights were on, it might dazzle following drivers at night, making it hard to discern intentions. I pay close attention to this and make it a habit to check if the right-side light is functioning properly whenever I turn on the fog lights. If it doesn’t light up, it might just be a burnt bulb or a blown fuse—easy to replace. No need to rush to the dealership for repairs; save some money. Though a small design detail, it’s highly effective for safety. I’ve personally experienced its importance on highways—keeping signals clear is crucial.
I've been driving for many years and am very familiar with the design of the Vezel. It's perfectly normal for only one rear fog light to illuminate. The reason is that regulations stipulate a single-light structure to prevent confusion with brake light identification in foggy conditions. The position is usually fixed to simplify usage. Don't worry about malfunctions - this is the manufacturer's intention and complies with mainstream safety standards. I recommend owners focus on ensuring correct light positioning rather than attempting modifications. Safety should always come first.
