Fog lights, which are now an integral part of many cars, have an interesting history. Their development reflects the constant drive to improve safety and visibility on the road.
How did fog lights come about?
The first fog lights appeared in the 1920s on racing cars. The racing participants were constantly faced with low visibility conditions on the tracks, which prompted engineers to look for new solutions. One of these solutions was the use of headlights with yellow light, which is less reflected from fog particles than white light.
In the 1930s, car manufacturers experimented with different types of lamps and their placement on the car to achieve better illumination of the road in low visibility conditions. Specialised headlights were used that projected light at a low angle. This helped to reduce glare from water droplets and provide better illumination of the road.
Racing teams were often the first to experiment with new lighting technologies in an effort to improve visibility on the track.
Development and spread
In the 1950s and 1960s, fog lamps became more common on conventional roads, and many car manufacturers began offering them as an option or standard equipment.
The introduction of stricter safety regulations in the 1970s led to the standardisation of fog light design and functionality.
Over time, technology has improved, and today there is a wide range of fog lights, from simple halogen to sophisticated LED with different functions and designs.
Check the fog lights regularly
It is important to have your fog lights checked regularly. They play an important role in ensuring safe driving, especially in poor visibility conditions such as fog, rain or snow. Their bright light helps drivers to see the road ahead better and be more visible to other road users.
One of my friends told me that when he was rushing in his car to an important event in another city, it suddenly started to rain heavily. And he noticed that one of the fog lights was shining much weaker. He stopped, didn’t want to take any chances. He waited for the rain to stop. After a visual inspection, it turned out that the lens was cracked, the fog light needed replacing. Then he went home, because the event had already taken place without him. Later he replaced the headlight.
Checking the function of the fog lights and replacing them
- Check that the lenses and headlamp housing are not cracked or otherwise damaged. If the headlamp housing is damaged or the lens is cracked, the headlamp should be replaced.
- Switch on the fog lights and check that they are bright and flicker-free. If you notice that the fog lights are dull or not as bright as they used to be, they should be replaced. Replace burnt-out bulbs as soon as possible. It is recommended to replace the fog lights every 3-5 years.
- Check for corrosion or damage to the wires and connectors.
- Check the fuses and relays associated with the fog lights for proper function.
Regular checks and timely replacement of fog lights will help maintain visibility and ensure safe travel in all weathers.
Additional information:
Xenon vs LED: which type is better – autodoc.co.uk
