Fog Lights On / Off ?

[miata]

Surely in fog it is just as important to be seen by drivers behind you?

Fog lights aren't really to make you more visible in fog - your regular lights will do just fine for that (especially the rear red lights, instead of a potentially confusing white light).

The main idea of fog lights is to provide a lower level light source that doesn't reflect off the fog (ever tried using high beams in heavy fog?).

Totally agree with you. Maybe I should have pointed out that most cars have a rear red light that glows brighter than the tail or brake lights that is incorporated with the front fog lights. Even my Daewoo Lanos has this feature. Has any one put one on their MX or is there something available through Mania on a commercial basis?

Far from true. There are very few cars sold in Oz with rear fog lights (thank God). These lights are required in some European countries, by a strange co-incidence, countries that have frequent heavy fog. They are fitted locally only on a couple of Korean cars.

[bruce]

ra, ra, ra........leave the bastards off unless IT IS foggy or pissing down.
If not, you're a poser.

[miata]

Surely in fog it is just as important to be seen by drivers behind you?

Fog lights aren't really to make you more visible in fog - your regular lights will do just fine for that (especially the rear red lights, instead of a potentially confusing white light).

The main idea of fog lights is to provide a lower level light source that doesn't reflect off the fog (ever tried using high beams in heavy fog?).

No, the main idea of fog lights and the reason why they are mounted as low as possible, is to illuminate the left edge of the road under the fog as fog usually sits about half a metre off the ground. Low beam and high beam, which are higher mounted, both reflect straight back off the fog, which is the reason why in fog, the fog lights only should be used.

[Red Rotor]

I cant stand idiots who drive around at night with the rear red fog light on, they are a lot brighter than brake lights, and quite frankly, they are bloody dangerous! how do you like driving behind a car with a red spotlight in your face! not only that, because they are brighter than brake lights, you have difficulty seeing the brake lights! those rear red ones should be banned

we simply dont get fog heavy enough to justify their use, they were designed for European condidtions where the fog can get that thick you have difficulty breathing let along seeing the front of your car. condidtions i have never seen in OZ..

as for front ones, wanker value only.

[bruce]

Yes, the light goes below the level of fog illuminating the road.

Otherwise, you're just irritating the crap outta other road users.

[JBT]

Yes, the light goes below the level of fog illuminating the road.

The beam is also diffused.

[miata]

Yes, the light goes below the level of fog illuminating the road.

The beam is also diffused.

I know how it feels!

[JBT]

Diffused an dabused

[ma64rk]

I never have them on, unless it's overcast, raining and or foggy.

[StanTheMan]

I have them on any time i'm on the road.

If it gets people to notice me. I don't have a problem. especialloy with a small car like the MX5.

[Garry]

On NA's some European cars had a central red fog light screwed on to the bottom of the bumper. On the NB's the fog light replaced one of the rear reverse lights, ie one of the reverse lights was clear like ours and the other side had a red lense that iluminates as the rear fog light.

[Mr_Q]

The main idea of fog lights is to provide a lower level light source that doesn't reflect off the fog ...

No, the main idea of fog lights and the reason why they are mounted as low as possible, is to illuminate the left edge of the road under the fog as fog usually sits about half a metre off the ground.

Odd ... I'm fairly certain that's what I said.

In any case, they're not decorations. Turn them off when they're not needed. They're annoying/confusing to oncoming traffic and they make the drivers using them improperly look like twits.

I think the main problem is that the car dealers tend to describe them as "driving lights" and most people don't know what those are for either.

[Casey]

Far from true. There are very few cars sold in Oz with rear fog lights (thank God). These lights are required in some European countries, by a strange co-incidence, countries that have frequent heavy fog. They are fitted locally only on a couple of Korean cars.

Far from true. Every TS series Holden Astra has them, our Lexus (IS series) has them, and most BMWs have them. There are probably countless more. It's just that the drivers of these cars are educated enough to know when and where to use them.

we simply dont get fog heavy enough to justify their use, they were designed for European condidtions where the fog can get that thick you have difficulty breathing let along seeing the front of your car. condidtions i have never seen in OZ..

Canberra gets plenty of heavy heavy fogs over winter - less then 15m visibility would be the norm. Too many idiots don't turn on any of their lights.

[Benny]

It has always puzzled me, as to why some do and some don't. I prefer the look of them being on.

So do the police...the fines add to their bar tab at the policemans ball!

According to a policeman I was speaking to once, he said that the NSW Police do not have balls!
Then he suddenly realised what he said when everyone around him started to laugh.
Ever seen a cop with a red face???????

Back to fog lights, I think the English term, Tosser Lights is a very apt one.
When I see a Hyundai in front of me at night with his rear fog light on, I just put on my high beams and try and get them into his/her mirror to give them the shits.
When I pull up next to them at lights, they often give me a dirty look and I wind down the window and tell them that if they have their rear fog light on, I am happy to recipricate with my high beams.
Then they always say "Oh, I didn't know they were on." to which I reply "If you're driving a Hyundai, then obviously you don't know sh*t."

Everyone knows what HYUNDAI stands for don't they?
Hope You Understand, Nothing's Desireable And Inexpensive.

[Hot Rodders]

Far from true. There are very few cars sold in Oz with rear fog lights (thank God). These lights are required in some European countries, by a strange co-incidence, countries that have frequent heavy fog. They are fitted locally only on a couple of Korean cars.

Far from true. Every TS series Holden Astra has them, our Lexus (IS series) has them, and most BMWs have them. There are probably countless more. It's just that the drivers of these cars are educated enough to know when and where to use them.

we simply dont get fog heavy enough to justify their use, they were designed for European condidtions where the fog can get that thick you have difficulty breathing let along seeing the front of your car. condidtions i have never seen in OZ..

Canberra gets plenty of heavy heavy fogs over winter - less then 15m visibility would be the norm. Too many idiots don't turn on any of their lights.

Yes and it can get quite foggy in Central Victoria. I've had many a slow trip from Bachus Marsh to Bendigo.