What are fog lights?

Bad weather is not a reason to refuse to use a car; on the contrary, on rainy days, car owners move in this way. When using conventional lighting devices, movement is limited in speed. This problem is solved by using fog rear lights.

A distinctive feature of this device from conventional lighting is the horizontal wide beam of light produced by a lamp with a diffuser and reflector. Its advantage over simple headlight analogues in foggy or non-flying weather is undeniable. Ordinary rays reflect from raindrops and fog with light that prevents the driver behind from driving the car. Rear fog lights illuminate the area “under the fog”, solving this problem. Let's look at this question in more detail.

Device

Since fog does not tend to lie tightly on the road surface, the rear fog lights allow you to direct a horizontal beam of light onto the road, thereby increasing visibility through the fog significantly.

The light intensity used for this type of taillight is typically up to 300 times higher than conventional optics. In addition, the fog light is sure to emit red light to avoid collisions in bad weather conditions. Just like the front fog lights, the rear ones emit light from under the fog in a long red rectangle, which increases the distance from which a car can be detected several times. These lighting devices have increased efficiency during the daytime.

If there are no ZPTF

Not all vehicles are equipped with a closed-circuit vehicle at the factory. According to GOST R 51709-2001, the presence of rear fog lights on a car is mandatory. Therefore, many car enthusiasts are forced to install them themselves - otherwise, certain difficulties arise when passing a technical inspection. This is due to the fact that a car without ZPTF does not comply with GOST. It is worth immediately noting that such requirements apply only to vehicles produced in 2006 and older.

Another important point that is often “forgotten” by traffic police inspectors is that if rear fog lights are not provided structurally, the driver is not required to install them himself - GOST requirements apply only to manufacturers, not consumers. If the ZPTF is nevertheless installed independently, then this is not done haphazardly, but according to certain rules - if installed incorrectly, the inspector’s refusal when trying to pass the MOT will be completely legal.

The number of ZPTF can be one or two. If one headlight is installed, then it is placed only on the left side. If there are two ZPTFs, then they are placed at a height of no higher than one meter from the ground level, and not less than 25 cm from it. The width between them is not regulated in any way, but there is an important point that must be observed - the distance between the ZPTF and each brake light cannot be less than 100 mm.

Kinds

With Fresnel lens:

without reflector;
diffuser - Fresnel lens.

2. Reflex:

a reflector is used;
a smooth diffuser forms a beam of the desired shape.

3. Combined (the most common type):

reflector;
Instead of a smooth diffuser, a Fresnel lens is used.

The best gas-discharge PTFs for 2020

Gas discharge headlights look very impressive, expensive and are really effective as fog lights. However, it should be borne in mind that the prices for such products are high, and their service life is approximately 3-4 years (it is also important to know that if one light bulb breaks, both are replaced). Another interesting point is legality. Thus, xenon lamps can only be installed in optics with a special marking (usually the letter D), and an automatic corrector is required.

Hella Micro DE

Price: 6700 rubles.

It is not for nothing that this model is called “Micro”, because it is indeed the smallest model from the DE series developed by Hella. Also interesting is the fact that such a headlight is often found in a halogen version.

The case is made of durable magnesium alloy, which ensures good safety of the product; the glass is also quite strong, but without additional protection. The joints are rubberized and should not allow moisture to enter.

Installation is simple: the lamp is attached to a wide variety of cars, thanks to a convenient U-shaped bracket. It is important to take into account that the length of this product is 14 centimeters, and therefore it is necessary to check in advance whether the headlight will fit into a special socket. You also need to remember that all manipulations with the lamps are done from the back (the rubber block is removed). Car owners will be pleased with the price, because two PTFs are supplied at once, as well as a package that contains all the consumables for installation.

In terms of light, everything is also very good, as the owners of cars that are not designed for PTF of this size say - the trouble was worth it, since the light is several times better than the factory one. The light spot is clear with good coverage of the road.

Features and Specifications: Xenon fog lights (optional) 55 W, 12 V; the body is made of magnesium alloy, the shape is circle; white glass with rubberized body; The delivery set includes two headlights.

Hella Micro DE

Advantages:

Nice, bright light;
Does not blind oncoming traffic;
Sealed design;
Durable frame;
Clear boundaries of light and shade;
Compactness;
The delivery set includes all consumables.

Flaws:

Large depth (you need to check in advance whether the headlight will fit into the socket);
Build quality (recently there have been complaints about the Romanian assembly).

Conclusion: Hella Micro DE is an excellent, inexpensive option for quality xenon headlights from a well-known brand. The only downsides are possible difficulties in installation (if the machine's socket fits, everything clicks quickly) and the external quality of the Romanian assembly (scratches, marks from screwdrivers).

Morimoto Mini H1

Price: 3000 rubles.

Morimoto is a well-known American brand that works closely with China. It is the Americans who monitor the quality of products collected in the Middle Kingdom and, admittedly, do this very successfully. However, recent events in the world, which have negatively affected the economic and political relations of the two countries, have become a serious threat to further cooperation.

As for the Morimoto Mini H1, it’s not exactly a headlight, but only its element – a bi-xenon lens (designed for the H1 socket, but there are adapters for H4, H7). But it is in this feature that its main advantage lies - Mini can be installed on any vehicle, including a tricycle! To do this, you will have to tinker a little and connect the lamp, while its elements are combined only with the body and glass, but the effect is worth it.

The light of this model is simply excellent for its price - a clear luminous boundary of the luminous flux, a wide coverage of the light spot and the absence of a blinding effect on other road users. At the same time, you will also be pleased with the reliability - the manufacturer talks about 6 thousand hours of operation, which is a very good result for this type of lamp. And finally: the kit contains all consumables in the amount of two pieces (adapters, locks, ignition blocks, rings, washers, seals, wiring).

Features and characteristics: bi-xenon fog lights (optional) with a power of 35 W, voltage of 12 (24) V; The light bulb body is made of metal, the shape is circle; glass is white grey, foggy, the delivery set includes two headlights.

Morimoto Mini H1

Advantages:

Lifetime;
Excellent light performance;
Does not blind oncoming traffic;
Acceptable price;
The delivery set includes all consumables;
Can be connected to any type of vehicle.

Flaws:

It takes a little fiddling with the installation;
It is unknown how recent events will affect production quality control.

Conclusion: Morimoto Mini H1 is an excellent solution for any vehicle. A good price, excellent characteristics and the availability of all consumables make this model one of the most advanced in its segment. And don’t let the Chinese origin of the lamp scare drivers – Morimoto specialists know their stuff.

Model	Power and voltage	Protection	Manufacturer country	Amount)	average price
Hella Micro DE	55W/12V	with rubberized body	Germany	1	6700 rubles
Morimoto Mini H1	35W/12 (24)V	–	USA	2	3000 rubles

Replacement

Replacement of the rear fog lamp is required in the following cases:

Damage during an accident.
Moisture entering the headlight as a result of a crack and causing it to fog up.
Violation of integrity due to sudden temperature changes in winter.
Electrical failure.
Outdated technology.
The presence of other defects that reduce the efficiency of the device.

If the rear fog lights do not light up, and no obvious reason has been identified, this is also a reason to dismantle the optics and repair or replace them. This will take no more than two hours.

The installation of rear fog lights (according to GOST) is carried out no higher than 1 m above the road level and no lower than 0.25 m.

In order to replace lighting equipment, the following tools are needed:

Switch with switch (steering column).
Set of tools.
Relay.
Waterproof terminals (2 pcs.).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing taillights:

When dismantling the fog lights, you need to remove the bumper by unscrewing a couple of self-tapping screws and 10mm bolts.
The mounting of the headlights themselves is dismantled.
Electrical connectors are removed.
Pressing out the fixing parts.
The frames are removed and the old lighting fixtures are removed.
The electrical connector is configured for installation of new equipment.
Cleaning fasteners and preparing them for installation of new headlights.
Direct installation.
Checking the correct installation of equipment.

LED fog lights

Wesem CDC2

Universal products made in Poland are designed for installation inside a bumper seat. The case of this model is made on the basis of a special polymer that can resist even very significant shock loads. The optical unit here is quite standard - it is equipped with a glass diffuser and a lens made of thick plastic. The light source here is three three-watt LEDs produced by OSRAM. They are cooled by an original high-power aluminum radiator.

More: Top 10 best breathalyzers, how to choose a breathalyzer for personal use

If necessary, the user can choose the most convenient modification for connection, which has wires or a special connector. During operation, these headlights allow you to obtain a light spot of the correct shape and the required width. If you adjust it correctly during installation, the headlights will not blind drivers of oncoming cars, which also has a positive effect on traffic safety.

Advantages:

Forms a clear boundary between light and shadow without glare;
The housing is completely sealed;
High power with low energy consumption.

Flaws:

Burnt-out LEDs cannot be replaced.

Fog lamp Wesem CDC2

Osram LEDriving FOG PL

The key feature of such headlights is that they can be used as fog lights or ordinary daytime running lights. In the first case, the amount of energy consumed is 24 W, in the second – 14 W. In terms of brightness, such headlights can compete on equal terms with xenon. The most common headlight diameter is 90 mm, the optics can be of various colors: silver, dove, pink and even orange, so these headlights can be selected depending on the overall color of the car body. Due to the fact that the housing practically does not heat up during operation, the headlights will last a long time. The glass is durable - it will not break if a pebble hits it.

According to the manufacturer, the service life of the lamps is about 5 thousand hours. Even if you use the car every day and drive about a hundred kilometers a day with the headlights on, their lifespan is quite enough for three to four years of intensive work.

Advantages:

Quite a powerful luminous flux;
Can be used as daytime running lights;
Diameter fits most cars;
Reliability and durability of products.

Flaws:

High price.

Osram LEDriving FOG PL

PIAA 50XT

Quite effective reflex-type products made in Japan. The headlight has a rectangular shape and is fixed to the body using an original metal bracket in a standing or hanging position. These headlights are equipped with 55 W lamps manufactured by PIAA, they have high performance qualities and an H3 socket. In terms of light output, these devices fully correspond to the standard 85 W halogen model. With their help, it will be possible to illuminate the road surface at a distance of up to 20 meters.

If you install these fog lights correctly, you will ultimately be able to form a clear cut-off line with a symmetrical light spot, the width of which will reach 95 degrees. According to tests and some other experiments, this is the only headlight that can almost completely eliminate the grid in the illuminated area.

Advantages:

Not only the side of the road, but also the adjacent lane is widely illuminated;
With proper adjustment, they will not dazzle drivers of oncoming cars;
The kit contains everything you need;
It is easy to change burnt out light bulbs.

Flaws:

Except for the high price not found.

PIAA 50XT

Adviсe

The use of fog lights helps increase visibility in bad weather conditions by up to 30%.
It is worth limiting the light output of the rear lights to avoid discomfort for road users driving behind.
If you decide to install a single lamp, it must be mounted in the center of the rear of the car, slightly higher than the main row of headlights.
When choosing lighting equipment, you should pay attention to the material from which the headlights are made: it must be durable and resistant to temperature changes to avoid cracks in the glass.
Installing such a device is not an easy operation, so it is recommended, if possible, to contact a professional so that the fog lights function correctly, do not cause increased attention from traffic police inspectors, and last as long as possible.
When installing it yourself, be sure to set it to be switched on together with other elements of outdoor lighting. This rule is provided for in the traffic rules.
It is strictly not recommended to use fog lights in clear weather to avoid making traffic difficult for other drivers.

Fog lights are not a simple piece of equipment, but they are mandatory for use, as they help save the lives of car passengers, as well as other road users in bad weather.

How to use rear fog lights

When rear fog lights are installed by the automaker, the question of how to turn on the rear fog lights and how to turn them off is determined by him - the driver can only press the buttons. If you install this equipment yourself, there are a lot of connection options, but you cannot use the ZPTF as you please - this procedure is quite strictly regulated and cannot be changed independently.

Thus, according to the law, ZPTF can only be turned on in conjunction with headlights or front fog lights, and they should only be lit in constant mode. They are turned off in parallel with other outdoor lighting equipment, and should not be turned on as separate equipment. Under no circumstances should the rear fog lights and brake lights, which come on when the vehicle is braking, operate together.

When installing it yourself, the choice of headlight type is at the discretion of the car owner. The law does not provide any restrictions or conditions for PLTF. The headlights can crash into the bumper, like the front ones, or mounted versions can be used, on special mounts. The main thing is to comply with the above installation features. When using mounted options, care must be taken to ensure secure fastening.

Rating TOP 7 best fog lights

According to automotive experts, the following models are considered the best:

Wesem CDC2;
Osram LEDriving FOG 101;
Morimoto Mini H1;
Hella Micro DE;
Hella Comet FF 450;
PIAA 50XT;
PIAA LP530.

Let's take a closer look at them.

Wesem CDC2

Wesem CDC2 - fog lights from a well-known Polish manufacturer, designed for installation in an 80-mm seat in a spoiler or bumper. A durable polymer housing, an optical unit with a glass diffuser and a plastic lens, and 3-watt OSRAM LEDs are all the main characteristics of the presented device. Among other things, it is possible to choose the most convenient modification for connection - with wires of one of the 3 most popular types.

Lamp connector	H11
View	Light-emitting diode.
Color	white
Frame	plastic
Voltage (W)	24

Cost: from 2847 to 2999 rubles.

fog lights Wesem CDC2

pros

excellent quality of light and shadow separation;
does not blind oncoming drivers;
optimal power level (24 W), efficiency;
tightness;
good design.

Minuses

restriction of movement on snowdrifts.

Good headlights: they look cool and work efficiently. Yes, they slightly restrict movement on ruts and snowdrifts, but if you use the device only on asphalt, then no problems arise.

Osram LEDriving FOG 101

The following headlights will fit the most commonly used 90mm diameter standard. The body is made of durable aluminum alloy. The lens is made of impact-resistant polymer. The DRLs light up when the engine is started and go out when the PTF, low and high beam headlights, and also the side lights are turned on. The device creates a wide spot of light and a clear border of light and shadow.

Lamp connector	H11
View	Light-emitting diode.
Color	white-blue
Frame	aluminum
Voltage (W)	10

Cost: from 11250 to 11660 rubles.

fog lights Osram LEDriving FOG 101

pros

resistance to frost, water and mechanical stress;
clear spot of visibility;
optimal cut-off limits;
autonomous system;
headlight efficiency;
effective reflectors (95%);
stylish appearance;
service life – up to 10 thousand hours.

Minuses

too soft lighting.

I decided not to skimp on quality headlights and purchased a product from Osram. Everything works fine, the headlights are completely worth their cost. They connect quickly, it took me no more than 3 hours. The light is gorgeous both day and night – up to 10 meters ahead.

Morimoto Mini H1

A popular brand on the American goods market, which has recently become incredibly widespread in our country. Mini H1 fits into almost any bumper. Masks are available in different diameters from 2.5 to 2.8 inches. Can also be connected to connectors H4 and H7.

Lamp connector	H1, H4, H7
View	lensed
Color	transparent
Frame	aluminum
Voltage (W)	35

Cost: from 2200 to 2250 rubles.

Morimoto Mini H1 fog lights

pros

the light spot covers an area of regular geometric shape;
light flux – 3200 lm with a clearly stepped border;
does not blind oncoming drivers;
long service life - up to 6 thousand hours.

Minuses

was not identified.

I replaced my first lenses with Morimoto ones. Before that, I read reviews in which this model is considered one of the best on the market. After purchasing them, I realized that it was not in vain. The headlights suited me perfectly - they shine well and do not blind drivers. For the money I think it’s just an ideal option.

Hella Micro DE

One of the most compact models in our rating, with a diameter of 40 mm. German manufacturers have done their best, creating a high-quality product for an objective amount. The headlights are made of magnesium alloy, so they can withstand even significant heat. Mounting using a bracket can be done in a standing or hanging position of the device.

Lamp connector	H3
View	lenses
Color	transparent white
Frame	magnesium
Voltage (W)	55

Cost: from 5208 to 5230 rubles.

Hella Micro DE fog lights

pros

the headlights do not dazzle the eyes at all;
durable magnesium body;
Excellent value for money and quality;
the boundary between shadow and light is clear;
compactness (diameter – 40 millimeters).

Minuses

There may be some installation difficulties due to the depth of the headlights.

I hesitated for a long time during the purchase. I heard about such headlights for the first time, however, the seller strongly recommended this particular product. Fortunately, they shine really well, there are no complaints about the work, so I didn’t regret a penny of the money spent.

Hella Comet FF 450

Another model from the above-mentioned German company, which can serve as a classic version of rectangular halogen headlights. They are in demand among Russian motorists due to their durability and efficient operation: fog lights create a wide (with an angle of up to 90 degrees) spot and a light beam with a clear boundary.

Lamp connector	H3
View	halogen
Tone	transparent
Frame	plastic
Voltage (W)	55

Cost: from 8447 to 8490 rub.

fog lights Hella Comet FF 450

pros

uniform lux distribution;
excellent light output;
does not blind oncoming motorists;
good light spot;
clear border of light and shadow;
modern appearance;
durable plastic case;
wide viewing angle (90 degrees).

Minuses

no serious deficiencies were identified.

I've been using the headlights for six months now. Mostly in the city I only blink high beams, that’s why they are under covers. At night on the highway exclusively with the Hella Comet FF 450, I can’t even imagine what I would do without them. I recommend everyone to buy.

PIAA 50XT

The Japanese model PIAA 50XT has a rectangular shape and is simply mounted on the car body. The kit includes 55V high specification lamps with H3 socket. They illuminate the road well for a distance of up to 20 meters, forming a clear light spot up to 95 degrees wide.

Lamp connector	H3
View	halogen.
Tone	insight
Frame	plastic
Voltage (W)	85

Cost: from 17922 to 18233 rubles.

fog lights PIAA 50XT

pros

the lamp is easy to replace and does not require long adjustments;
clear chiaroscuro – visibility of the spot at an angle of up to 95 degrees;
does not blind drivers of oncoming cars;
the grid is invisible in the lighting area;
with a grid, luxes drop by only 10%;
high quality 55W lamps.

Minuses

not detected.

I'm all for the PIAA 50XT! We still need to look for such headlights. I've had them for 5 months now, the light is excellent, I haven't seen any problems with their operation. I agree, the cost is not that cheap, but it’s not a shame to pay that kind of money for Japanese quality, the headlights will last a long time. So don’t hesitate, I recommend it 100% for purchase.

PIAA LP530

The PIAA LP530 headlights have a widely used 90mm diameter. Innovative crystals of our own production are used as a light source. The primary radiation is directed backwards onto the surface of the multi-reflector, which provides better focusing of the light beam.

Lamp connector	H3
View	Light-emitting diode.
Tone	transparent
Frame	plastic
Voltage (W)	55

Cost: from 6360 to 6500 rub.

fog lights PIAA LP530

pros

excellent focusing of the light beam;
does not blind drivers;
high-quality plastic case;
lenses are protected from impacts;
use of innovative crystals as a light source;
the radiation is directed back to the multi-reflector.

Minuses

Crystals cannot be replaced if broken.

These headlights were recommended to me by an old friend. I had read about the PIAA LP530 before, mostly positive reviews, so I decided to take a risk, especially since it’s definitely not a shame to pay that kind of money for Japanese quality. The headlights work great and are well made. They perform the main task perfectly.