In a Fog

Tue., Sept. 6, 2016

Sharon Peters CTW Features

Q: Here in California, the driver manual says to drive in fog with low beams. A recent article you published in our local paper said the same. What’s the use for vehicles equipped with fog lights? A. Excellent question to raise. Here’s a big reason why most advice makes reference to low beams: not all cars are equipped with fog lights. For most makes and models, fog lights are an extra-charge accessory that generally cost $400 plus (and often are part of a package that costs far more). So feel free to use fog lights if you have them (more on that in a second) and have no concern that you might be breaking the law. The real intent of all advice-givers is to steer you away from using high beams. High beams actually reduce visibility in fog because of the increased reflecting that occurs when you’ve got lights bouncing against that much moisture in the air. Will using fog lights give you visibility that’s superior to that which you get with low beams? Possibly, in most fog situations. But it depends on with whom you discuss this issue. Fog lights cast beams that are wide and flat. They’re placed much lower on your vehicle than regular headlights - about 16 to 20 inches above the ground surface - because fog generally forms about two feet above the road. These lights are intended to illuminate a short distance in front of you, under the fog, an area that regular headlights do not illuminate. Fog lights, it must be noted, should not be confused with “driving lights,” which an increasing number of vehicles boast and which are definitely not designed for the very special conditions that exist when there’s fog. Driving lights can be used in addition to regular headlights when you’re in especially dark conditions, like country roads without highway lighting. Back to fog lights: there have been times and conditions when I found my low beams alone more effective than switching on fog lights. I can’t specify what distinguishes a better fog light circumstance from a better low-beam circumstance. And many others who I have discussed this with say the same. You just have to see what works for you. (c) CTW Features What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.

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