Why are fog lights needed?

Fog lights are the optimal lighting method for driving a vehicle in difficult weather conditions. The emission of white or yellow light from two fog lights should be the same for the vehicle equipped with them. The glow of fog lights creates a flat and wide beam that illuminates the road in a horizontal direction and is located above the road - at the lower border of the fog curtain.

In difficult maneuvering conditions - during rain, snow or fog - with the low or high beam of conventional car optics, the effect of reflection and refraction occurs from a small suspension of drops or snowflakes in the air, forming a veil in the light of the car.
This reduces visibility on the road and thus creates the risk of unforeseen situations. The powerful beam of light from the fog lights also covers the side of the road, allowing the driver to drive more confidently along winding roads. It is also important that fog lights contribute to better visibility of the car itself - this is another reason to buy fog lights. For improved visibility in foggy conditions, the fog lamp should:

be located as close to the road surface as possible and illuminate the small space between the lower boundary of the fog and the road surface
the beam of light from the fog lamp must be horizontal and have strictly defined boundaries

Fog lights: why are they needed?

Older car enthusiasts still remember a time when fog lights were an exotic luxury, and the vast majority of cars did not have them at all. Of course, these headlights are still not considered a mandatory component of a car’s equipment, but without them it will be extremely difficult for the driver to move around in bad weather.

When the weather throws surprises at us in the form of fog, heavy rain or snowfall, and this happens quite often in our latitudes, then in conditions of poor visibility ordinary lighting equipment may not cope with the task assigned to it. Light from conventional headlights, as a rule, is simply reflected from micro-droplets of fog, snowflakes or raindrops, and the driver sees only a white veil in front of him. Fog lights, due to their design features, provide a different light spot that evenly illuminates the road and roadsides.

Fog lights for car

What should fog lights be like?

Many drivers believe that fog lights must be yellow, however, the rules also describe white. For some reason, it is widely believed that yellow light penetrates fog better. In fact, there is no difference; color does not affect the speed and depth of propagation of the light beam in the fog at all. The main thing in foglights is proper adjustment of the light flux. Its feature is a wide horizontal plane and a narrow vertical one. Fog very rarely spreads along the ground itself, and this is used in fog lights; the light flux is located below the fog directly above the road, illuminating the fog from below.

Only the road remains illuminated, the fog is not affected, so there is no reflection from it, and it ceases to be visible like a wall. So, there is no magic color, there is only a special distribution, adjustment of the luminous flux. As for the yellow and white light filters for fog lights, the spectrum of this light has a high intensity, which is higher than green, red and other colors.

How much do fog lights help?

Miracles do not happen, and there is no headlight that could illuminate the road through physical objects, which are fog, snowfall or rain. Even well-tuned powerful fog lights can provide visibility of approximately ten meters. However, this is often enough, since the speed of movement in bad conditions drops, cars move quite slowly. Fog lights also have the advantage of illuminating the roadside. This allows the driver to navigate along the side marking lines.

How helpful are fog lights in bad weather?

Types of fog lights

There are several types of fog lights on sale now:

LED systems. Today they are considered the best because they are economical and durable. In addition, LEDs have a wide variety of emission colors. They shine brightly and at the same time get little heat.

Xenon. Such headlights are in demand among owners of premium brands. The light of these halyards is very similar to the sun's spectrum, which, according to experts, provides slightly greater penetration. They are also more economical than conventional incandescent lamps.
Halogen. A budget option, which is significantly inferior in characteristics to previous types. But the demand for them does not fall, since their cost is low.

How to choose

There are many fog lamps available in specialized stores. Their not very expensive Saca or Al Khateeb are worthy of attention; these are Ashchiat producers. If Nuno is something of higher quality and more expensive, then German manufacturers, as always, are ahead. Headlights from Hella are very high quality, but they are also more expensive. By the way, some drivers confuse fog lights with additional lighting. These products are distinguished by their markings: fog lights are marked “B”, and, for example, an additional long-range one is marked “HR”.

What are fog lights?

Today, automotive lighting includes many elements. This is not only head optics, but also additional light, as well as fog lights. In this article we will understand what PTFs are, what they should be, operating principles and whether it is advisable to use them at all.

What is PTF on a car?

Fog lights are devices that should emit white or rich yellow light. But it is worth noting that both lamps in the headlights that are installed on the vehicle must have the same tone of light. The beam of light should be flat, wide and horizontal, which lies directly above the road, which allows better illumination of the space in heavy fog or rain. PTFs are not necessarily additional devices that are located under the head optics. They can be located both on the bumper and directly in the head optics of the car.

Why do you need PTF in a car?

Fog lamps are necessary for use in difficult weather conditions:

Light from conventional lamps installed in head optics cannot cope with difficult weather conditions. The rays of the low and high beam of the head optics from the smallest drops of moisture or snow are reflected and scattered, which creates a translucent wall, which affects the deterioration of the quality of visibility on the road. Due to the fact that the fog lights provide a wide beam of light, the side of the road is well illuminated, making it easier to drive on winding roads. In addition, in difficult weather conditions, fog lights highlight the vehicle well to other road users, and this improves road safety. You can watch a fascinating video about driving in fog at the end of the article.

Operating principle of PTF

In order for fog lights to provide good visibility of the road, they must meet the following criteria:

Have a clear upper boundary of the light beam. Accordingly, neither the reflected light, nor even the light from the source itself should be above the horizontal plane.
Headlights should be installed as low as possible on the vehicle. It is this criterion that ensures high-quality visibility, since there is always a certain gap between the road and the layer of fog, which the PTFs should illuminate.
If the PTFs do not meet these two criteria, then the bright light will be reflected from the smallest drops of moisture, which are a component of fog and, accordingly, blind the driver of the vehicle.

Yellow PTFs – why are they more effective?

It is recommended to use lamps that emit yellowish light in fog lamps, as it is less scattered, therefore providing better effect and visibility. This happens for the reason that it is the light that has the shorter wavelength – the blue part of the spectrum – that is most scattered. The light filter that makes up the fog lights cuts off the blue part of the spectrum and turns white light into yellow light, which has a long wavelength. Note that during fog there is always a clear lane between it and the road, but there is none during rain, snowfall, a smoke or dust curtain. It is in such cases that fog lights provide good visibility thanks to a clear upper limit of light.

Requirements for installing PTF

According to the rules of traffic regulations and GOST 8769-75, the installation of fog lights is allowed only in a quantity of two pieces. Location:

400 mm from the side dimension;
230 mm from the road surface.

According to the rules of the Economic Commission for Europe, there are additional requirements for the installation of fog lights:

They should be located no higher than the low beam headlights;
The visibility angle is vertical from +15 to -10 degrees, and horizontal from +45 to -10 degrees;

PTFs must be turned on exclusively based on the dimensions of the vehicle.

Requirements for the fog lights themselves

Each headlight must have an official certificate of compliance with all the rules of the Economic Commission for Europe. Those products that have successfully passed certification are equipped with international confirmation on the lens or on the protective glass of the headlight, that is, a special indelible inscription. The sign must indicate:

Information about the country that issued the official confirmation of the PTF and certification. Usually the country is indicated by a square;
Confirmation number;
Headlight category.

It is very important that fog lights have a category designation so that their further purpose is clear. There are the following categories of headlights and their designations:

C – low beam;
R – high beam;
H – headlights for mounting exclusively halogen lamps;
PL – plastic light diffuser;
S – glass solid optical element;
B – fog lamp.

What are fog lights?

What is PTF on a car?

Why do you need PTF in a car?

Fog lamps are necessary for use in difficult weather conditions:

Operating principle of PTF

In order for fog lights to provide good visibility of the road, they must meet the following criteria:

Have a clear upper boundary of the light beam. Accordingly, neither the reflected light, nor even the light from the source itself should be above the horizontal plane.
Headlights should be installed as low as possible on the vehicle. It is this criterion that ensures high-quality visibility, since there is always a certain gap between the road and the layer of fog, which the PTFs should illuminate.
If the PTFs do not meet these two criteria, then the bright light will be reflected from the smallest drops of moisture, which are a component of fog and, accordingly, blind the driver of the vehicle.

Yellow PTFs – why are they more effective?

Requirements for installing PTF

According to the rules of traffic regulations and GOST 8769-75, the installation of fog lights is allowed only in a quantity of two pieces. Location:

400 mm from the side dimension;
230 mm from the road surface.

According to the rules of the Economic Commission for Europe, there are additional requirements for the installation of fog lights:

They should be located no higher than the low beam headlights;
The visibility angle is vertical from +15 to -10 degrees, and horizontal from +45 to -10 degrees;

PTFs must be turned on exclusively based on the dimensions of the vehicle.

Requirements for the fog lights themselves

Information about the country that issued the official confirmation of the PTF and certification. Usually the country is indicated by a square;
Confirmation number;
Headlight category.

It is very important that fog lights have a category designation so that their further purpose is clear. There are the following categories of headlights and their designations:

C – low beam;
R – high beam;
H – headlights for mounting exclusively halogen lamps;
PL – plastic light diffuser;
S – glass solid optical element;
B – fog lamp.

Using fog lights as daytime running lights

In the article we will look at the legal norms put forward for equipping vehicles with this type of headlights, and learn about their design features and structure. Based on the information provided, you will be able to correctly select the kit that is suitable for your car and learn how to connect it yourself.

The history of the development of automobile headlights is inextricably linked with the history of the automotive industry and dates back to the first decades of the twentieth century. The desire to use a car at night and experience a minimum of discomfort when moving in bad weather pushed electrical engineers to create and improve electric car lamps and all the units necessary for their operation.

Fog lights were first included in the factory equipment of the Cadillac V16 90 series in 1938, although they have been used by car enthusiasts as auxiliary lighting since the late twenties.

These days, this type of headlight performs the following functions:

provides direct illumination of the road surface, as well as the side of the road in conditions of poor or limited visibility;
used as a means of improving vehicle identification by other road users;
serves as an alternative to daytime running lights - fog lights are used as an economical, gentle method of improving the visibility of moving vehicles during the day;
acts as an element of auto tuning, the purpose of which is to visually change the car without focusing on the use of fog lights for their intended purpose.

Legal standards for the use of fog lights in the Russian Federation

Unlike, for example, the UK, in the Russian Federation legislation allows the use of fog lights, but imposes the following restrictions:

the lens of the device should emit selective yellow or milky white light;
Only paired installation of directional light sources with lamps of the same type is allowed;
devices should be installed below or at the level of low beam headlights, provided that the distance between the headlight and the ground is more than 250 millimeters;
the separation from the vehicle dimensions should be within 400 millimeters;
connecting this type of headlights should allow the driver to turn them on and off regardless of the standard lighting equipment;
The lighting angle cannot go beyond the range from +15° to -10° vertically and from +45° to -10° horizontally, and must also exclude the possibility of blinding the driver of an oncoming car.

If you plan to use fog lights as daytime running lights, pay attention to additional requirements:

the installation distance between lamps for cars up to 1.3 meters wide must be at least 400 millimeters, for all others - from 600 millimeters;
Daytime running lights should automatically turn off when switching to standard light.

Due to the fact that the places for installing fog lights are not strictly regulated by law, the market is filled with a wide variety of devices used to replace standard ones and install additional headlights.

Types and types of fog lights

Headlights used to replace failed standard devices or upgrades are most often produced for a specific car model and are equipped with a mount and housing identical to the original one. Non-standard fog lights often have universal mounts that allow them to be installed as a canopy on the bumper, behind the radiator grille, or instead of plugs on the bumper, if the new car does not have fog lights included in the package.

Fog lights are classified mainly by type of lamp.

Halogen headlights are the most affordable option for most motorists. Due to the low life of lamps, they have to be changed more often than those designed according to a different principle. So it would be useful to make sure that the lamp is easy to replace.
Headlights based on xenon lamps are more expensive, but have better characteristics in terms of duration of use and efficiency of illuminating the road in fog.
LED fog lights are economical and durable, but they are also expensive. In addition, their improper installation or insufficient ventilation leads to overheating and, as a result, a reduction in service life.

Materials used in the manufacture of cases

The case material is often tied to the geography of the manufacturer. Chinese “no-name” headlights are often made of fragile plastic that cannot withstand the operating conditions on our roads. At the same time, self-respecting brands from the Middle Kingdom use aluminum for casting cases.

European brands prioritize reliability, quality and technology. In particular, Hella fog lamp housings are made of magnesium alloys.

Brands originating from the CIS mainly either use VAZ’s developments or copy other people’s ideas. Accordingly, headlight housings are made from all available materials.

Diffuser design

Cheap flashlights are equipped with plastic lenses, often with a reflective coating applied. During use, such lenses become cloudy and begin to scatter light worse, which affects the comfort and safety of driving.

When choosing a headlight with a glass lens, make sure the glass is thick enough and the headlight is designed to allow replacement.

9 conditions for choosing wisely headlights against fog and bad weather

When choosing universal fog lights, follow these instructions:

give preference to flashlights with a durable casing made of material that is resistant to mechanical damage and temperature effects, with the ability to cover the glass with plugs;
when turned on, the headlights should produce a wide beam of light with a clear upper boundary;
The color of the lens is a matter of your personal preference, the main thing is that it is made of thick, durable glass;
the aerodynamic shape of the body and glass will avoid the occurrence of additional noise during operation;
When buying lensed fog lights for a xenon lamp, pay special attention to their settings so that the light does not blind oncoming drivers;
All types of lamps may need replacement at one time, so choose a headlight that allows you to change a burnt-out lamp with minimal time without having to disassemble half the car;
pay attention to the reliability of the fastenings and the ability to adjust the flashlight vertically and horizontally for accurate and reliable settings;
the design of the headlights should fit organically into the exterior of the car without attracting undue attention;
remember that excessive lamp power will negatively affect the resources of the generator and wiring, so the optimal choice is lamps with a power of up to 55 W.

Famous manufacturers include in the kit a wiring diagram for fog lights, as well as everything necessary for switching.

If you intend to use the headlights for their intended purpose, and not as an element of car tuning, take the purchase as seriously as possible, remembering that you are purchasing a device that increases the safety of using the vehicle.

Before you start choosing a specific manufacturer and model, decide on the mounting method and typical use scenario.

How to properly connect lights?

If the installation of headlights is carried out for a car with a basic configuration that allows for such installation, find headlights recommended by the manufacturer or their equivalent, look for a wiring diagram for your car.

In the case of tuning or replacing a damaged fog light, the main difficulties arise at the stage of dismantling the old device. You can solve them by finding information about the mounting diagram on the Internet or by contacting a car repair shop. Otherwise, there should be no difficulties when using original spare parts.

Installing lights on old cars of domestic and foreign production will require you to have experience working with auto electricians at the level of installing a car radio yourself. For VAZs, Volgas and Muscovites, the scheme used in later Zhiguli models is suitable.

For installation you will need:

a set of headlights you like; depending on their configuration, the further list can be shortened or supplemented;
a standard set of tools - you will also need it to replace the fog lamp;
relay complete with block and connecting wires;
additional 15A wire fuse;
6-10 meters of two-core power cable with a cross-section of at least 1.5 mm² (if not included in the headlight delivery package);
a set of female/male terminals, as well as for body ground;
cable ties;
headlight switch button (it is recommended to take one with backlight).

Ready-made kits can be purchased at radio markets or car dealerships.

Let's proceed directly to installation:

remove the terminals from the battery in accordance with safety regulations;
if there is a reserved space on the dashboard for a button to turn on the fog lights, remove the plug and fix the button in its place;
dismantle the torpedo panel (for this you will need a lamp indicating the operation of the stove) - trace the wires feeding it to the two-pin connector, connect the contact with the relay to it;
connect the second wire coming from the relay to the button; from the free terminal we run a wire to the 85th connector of the relay - we get a circuit that powers the button from the relay;
we attach the relay in a suitable place under the dashboard;
we pull the wire from pin 87 to the battery in an accessible way, not forgetting that it will need an additional 15A fuse, located as close as possible to the power source;
We connect the 86th contact to the housing;
we combine the minuses coming from the headlights and attach them to the body;
we collect the positives into a bundle and send them to the 30th terminal of the relay;
return power to the battery and enjoy a job well done!

Setting up the fog lights!

All types of headlights, including LED fog lights, require adjustment after installation. At the service station, special equipment is used for this, allowing the light beam to be aligned as accurately as possible. However, you can adjust the foglights manually.

To do this you will need:

prepare the car - to adjust, you need to fill at least half a tank of fuel, and put a load weighing up to 100 kilograms in the trunk;
enlist the support of an assistant of the same mass as you;
make sure that the tire pressure corresponds to the recommended one;
find a smooth wall located 7-10 meters from a car parked on level ground.

When starting the procedure, follow the instructions:

make a mark on the wall at the height of the lanterns;
turn on the low beam and mark the centers of the beams;
we adjust the headlights so that the upper limit of the beam is 10-15 centimeters below their location;
we adjust the distance between the centers of the rays of the lamps to 1.2 meters.

The intensity of the luminous flux will depend on the type of bulb in the fog lights and their design. Most modern headlights allow you to adjust the focus and are equipped with an adjustment circuit.

If you did everything correctly, you can now move along the highway with greater safety using fog lights as daylight sources. If the headlights do not work or you cannot adjust them, you cannot do without a visit to the service station. The help of a qualified auto mechanic will allow you to quickly identify and eliminate any errors in connecting or adjusting the headlights.