Do you have to drive in foggy weather? Fog will significantly reduce visibility when you’re driving, increasing the risk of crashing with other cars.
According to law, you should use the fog lights when the visibility is reduced to 100 meters, equivalent to 328 feet or less while driving. Their main purpose is to shed light and help you see in bad weather conditions, so you can reach your destination safely.
So, how can you use them properly? Keep on reading to learn how to aim fog lights properly.
How to Aim Fog Lights: A Step By Step Side
In addition to choosing high-quality fog lights, you need to know how to aim the fog lights appropriately, or you will still be unable to see the road ahead of you.
The fog light also helps you see road markings and sidewalks when visibility is reduced. If you have rear fog lights, they’ll guarantee your safety because they help other drivers see you and reduce the risk of crashing. This is why you need to follow this step-by-step guide to install and aim the fog lights.
Choose the Right Spot
Start by parking your car in front of a garage door or any wall and make sure that the ground is level, as this will help you adjust your fog lights properly.
Make a Mark
Make a mark on the wall using a vertical strip of tape, using the front of the car as a guide. Next, you need to mark the center of the light and measure the height from the ground to this point.
Draw a Mark
After getting the height, use the same number to draw a mark on the wall using a measuring tape. Use the measuring tape to draw a vertical line from the ground to the light’s height, and then use a marker to draw a horizontal line that cuts through the tape and make a cross.
Make Another Mark
Place a mark on the centerline and another one two inches below. Then make a second horizontal line and use a piece of measuring tape to make a cross on the wall.
Adjust the Light
Keep on adjusting the light to hit the bottom of the second tape you put on the wall.
Repeat
Repeat the steps for both sides.
Move your Car
Now you need to park your car 25 feet away from the wall. If you can, start adjusting the light from the screws on the side.
In some models, you’ll have to crawl under the car and have the driver turn on the light. Refer to the owner’s manual to locate the screws that allow you to adjust the fog lights properly.
Move the Gear
Use your screwdriver handle to put pressure on the adjuster gear and keep on moving it clockwise and counter-clockwise. This movement will change the fog lights’ level. Keep on adjusting the fog lights until the light beam hits the bottom of the measuring tape.
Test Drive
Take the car for a test drive and see if the fog lights are set at the same level. Adjust the lights one more time if they don’t work properly.
How to Prepare the Car Before Adjusting the Fog Lights
There are several factors that you need to take into consideration before adjusting the fog lights. Paying attention to these factors will help you set them properly.
- Make sure that the tank is at least half full, as this will affect the overall weight and height of the car. If you adjust the car with an empty tank, it won’t be properly adjusted when you go on a ride.
- When you’re adjusting the light, make sure that someone is sitting in the car. This way, the car will weigh the same as if you’re driving, so the light adjustment will be accurate.
- Check the tires’ pressure. If the tires aren’t properly adjusted, the car will be dangerous to drive, and the light beam won’t be accurate.
- Clean the headlights and fog lights before adjusting them. This will allow you to get the best light beam.
- Start adjusting the fog light when it’s dark after the sunset or at night. This will allow you to see the beam clearly.
- Make sure that you’re using the right fog lights for you. LED fog lights are cooler and brighter than halogen fog lights. They’re more expensive, but they’ll last for a long time.
Fog Lights Do’s and Don’ts
Fog lights aren’t mandatory according to traffic laws, but they can greatly improve visibility while you’re driving. Here are some things that you need to do and things to avoid while using the fog lights.
What You Need to Do
- Make sure that you’re taking more time to reach your destination, as the fog will reduce your ability to see the road even while using the fog lights.
- Increase the braking distance between you and the car in front of you for more safety.
- If the visibility is too low, be ready to pull over.
- Use your low beam light with the fog lights to provide excellent visibility.
- Fog is patchy, so you need to be ready to turn the lights on and off according to the intensity of the fog.
- Make sure that you’re paying attention and driving slowly to be able to see all the details of the road ahead of you.
What You Need to Avoid
- Avoid using the high beam light while turning on the fog lights. Due to its reflective nature, it might decrease visibility.
- When there’s no fog, fog lights won’t provide any visibility, so you shouldn’t turn them on unless you need them.
Wrap Up
Driving in fog can be a little risky, but the fog lights will help you see the road ahead of you. However, you have to set them up and adjust them properly to make sure that they’re providing the best visibility. At the same time, you have to turn your low-beam lights on to see the road and the sidewalk.
