Adverse weather conditions have a negative impact on safety traffic. They impair visibility and limit the driver's view, preventing him from correctly and timely assessing traffic situation. Important role in ensuring safety in conditions of poor visibility, the optical lighting system of the car plays.
This car has xenon headlights.
Why does a car need fog lights?
Lighting headlights, position lights and warning brake lights that make up the optical system perform their specific functions of detecting cars on the roads and driving at night. In addition to them, many cars are equipped with fog lights.The right choice and installation will allow you to use them not only in fog, but also in other situations. About what these headlights should be, how to use them for their intended purpose, how they differ from ordinary ones lighting fixtures, not everyone knows.
Most drivers are convinced that these headlights should only have yellow lenses or filters, although the Rules stipulate that fog lamp filters can be painted white or yellow. They are of the opinion yellow light travels farther in the fog than normal. In fact, the color has little effect on the range of propagation of light in the fog.
In fog lights, the main role is played by the correct direction luminous flux. The headlight forms a wide in the horizontal plane and narrow in the vertical plane light flux, which is located low above the road surface and directed along it. It is known that fog rarely reaches the ground. Therefore, it turns out that the fog is, as it were, illuminated by headlights from below.
At the same time, the road is illuminated, and the rest of the space is hidden in the shadow of fog. Thus, the fight against fog is carried out due to the special distribution of the light flux. Yellow and white light have the maximum intensity of light energy in their spectrum, in comparison with which the energy density in red, green, blue, violet light is much less.
Even the most correctly set fog lights give visibility of the road in the fog no further than ten meters. But this is quite enough, since in the fog cars move at ultra-low speeds. The advantage of these headlights over conventional headlights is that they also illuminate the side of the road, allowing you to see the side line markings on the roads.
You can turn them on while driving along with the marker lights. Some drivers install a red light at the back, which burns brighter than the brake light and side lights, and allows the driver behind the moving vehicle to notice the car in the fog earlier. This lamp, like the main beam of conventional headlights, must be turned on regardless of the time of day if fog has fallen on the road.
Rear red fog lights
Fog lights can be used with benefit for traffic safety not only in foggy conditions, but also under normal conditions at night. For example, they are extremely useful in the dark on narrow mountain serpentines and winding forest roads, when you need to constantly control the side of the road. On such roads, it is recommended to turn on the “foglights” paired with the dipped beam of the main headlights. This improves the visibility of the road and the roadside. Proper use of the lighting devices available on the car will allow you to confidently navigate in complex weather conditions.
Installation of fog lights
Proper installation of headlights has a decisive influence on the effectiveness of their intended use. They are mounted on the bottom front bumper, at a height of at least 25 cm from the roadbed. The number of headlights should be two - one on each side at the same distance from the edges of the car (no further than 40 cm from the continuation outside diffuser). The optimal distance between the fog lamps is 120 cm.
Due to the fact that the luminous flux of the fog lamps is clearly limited along the upper edge, the light from them does not fall on the microscopic droplets of fog in front of the driver's eyes and is not reflected from them, creating an impenetrable white wall of light, as is the case with the main headlights.
Something else useful for you:
How to choose "fog"
- By color. The glass on the fog lights should be milky or yellow. Optical beams of this spectrum are well scattered in a foggy environment. When purchasing headlights with red or blue glasses, you risk running into a fine from the traffic police inspectors, since they cannot be installed in front of the car. One thing to keep in mind regarding the use of lamps is that in headlights with a yellow filter it is better to use white light lamps, and in headlights with a white filter it is better to use yellow light lamps.
- By marking. When choosing a headlight, pay attention to its marking, in which the presence of the letter “E” with one or two numbers in a circle means that it is certified by one of European countries(numbers indicate code European state). This symbol is followed by a letter of the Latin alphabet, indicating the type and purpose of the headlight. For fog lamps, the letter "B" is selected. As a light source, halogen lamps of categories H1, H3 with a single filament and a power consumption of not more than 60 W are mainly used, which form a luminous flux with a wide emission spectrum.
Video: Fog lights + Daytime running lights Angel eyes on a Chevrolet Sonic
Types of fog lights
Currently, three types of headlights used in fog are popular among motorists:
- LED fog lights are the most popular and economical type of headlights with low power consumption and long term services. advantage LED headlights is also wide choose emission colors, high brightness of the luminous flux and low heating of the headlights.
- Xenon headlights - the most popular type among owners expensive brands auto. The emitted light of these headlights is as close as possible to sunlight, which provides good fog penetration and reduces the physical strain on the driver's eyes. Compared to conventional headlights, they have increased resource, more high efficiency, consume less electricity.
- Halogen fog lights - in many ways technical indicators inferior to their competitors, but continue to be in high demand among motorists, due to their low cost compared to more fashionable types of foglights.
The fact that fog lights significantly improve visibility in poor visibility and on the sides of the car is beyond doubt. The fog reflector is designed in such a way as to create uniform illumination around the headlight, which explains why high efficiency PTF. But as for the rear fog lights, for many drivers it remains not entirely clear why they are needed, and whether they are needed at all, because they do not carry any obvious practical benefit.
And even vice versa. Rear fog lights when driving in dark time days, according to many motorists, only interfere, because they interfere with the review, and the brake light of the car in front becomes difficult to distinguish. However, most vehicles are standardly equipped with rear fog lights, and it is illegal to remove them from the car structure on your own - it will become impossible to pass a technical inspection without them.
Does the car need ZPTF
The rear fog lamps, if they are structurally provided on the car, cannot be removed independently. ZPTF are designed to more correctly designate a vehicle in conditions insufficient visibility. As a rule, such headlights are designed for the installation of standard incandescent lamps - special brightness is not required here. There are also no clear standards regarding the connection scheme - at self installation it is better to use a separate rear fog lamp relay.
The presence of rear fog lights allows you to bad weather avoid collision of two cars. For example, when heavy snow, rain or fog. They are initially somewhat brighter than simple dimensions, and are located at some distance from them, so they turn out to be quite effective. Naturally, without the need to turn on the rear fog lights, it’s still not worth it - in clear weather, at night, they interfere with other drivers.
If ZPTF are absent
Not all vehicles are factory equipped with SPTF. According to GOST R 51709-2001, the presence of rear fog lights on a car is mandatory. Therefore, many motorists are forced to install them on their own - otherwise, certain difficulties arise during the inspection. This is due to the fact that a car without a ZPTF does not comply with GOST. It should be noted right away that such requirements apply only to vehicles manufactured in 2006 and older.
Another important point, which is often “forgotten” by traffic police inspectors - if the rear fog lights are not provided structurally, the driver is not obliged to install them on their own - GOST requirements apply only to manufacturers, not consumers. If the ZPTF is nevertheless installed independently, then this is done not haphazardly, but according to certain rules - if the installation is incorrect, the inspector's refusal when trying to pass the MOT will be completely legitimate.
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 not exceeding one meter from the ground level, and not less than 25 cm from it.
Important! The width between them is not regulated in any way, but there is important point, obligatory to observe - the distance between the ZPTF and each brake light cannot be less than 100 mm.
How to use the rear fog lights
When the 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. In the case of self-installation of this equipment, 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.
So, according to the law, ZPTF can only be switched on together with head lighting or front fog lights, and they should only burn in a constant mode. They are switched off parallel to another external lighting equipment, and should not be included as separate equipment. Under no circumstances allowed teamwork rear fog lights and brake lights that come on when the car is braked.
With self-installation, the choice of headlight type is at the discretion of the car owner. The law does not provide for any restrictions or conditions for the PPTF. The headlights can crash into the bumper, in the manner of the front ones, and mounted options can also be used, on special mounts. The main thing is to observe the above features of the installation. When using mounted options, you need to take care of the reliability of fastening.
Some features of operation
In most cases, a housing designed for a halogen or incandescent lamp, marked "H", is used for the rear fog lamp. This suggests that it is forbidden to install another type of lamp, in particular xenon, in them. When installing mounted ZPTFs, it is extremely important to set the correct angle of inclination - the headlight should not blind the drivers behind.
Because the rear end the car is quite heavily polluted during operation, it is necessary to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the ZPTF, otherwise the meaning of their inclusion is completely lost, and when driving in conditions of insufficient visibility, the car may simply be unnoticed on the road, which will inevitably lead to an accident. A little about the repair of the ZPTF on the video:
A set of lighting devices and signaling devices located outside and inside the car form a lighting system. It performs the following functions:
- illumination of the roadway, curbs and objects located on them in conditions limited visibility;
- providing information to other road users about the presence of a vehicle on the road, its size, the nature of the movement, maneuvers performed, as well as belonging;
- car interior lighting, as well as other parts of it ( luggage compartment, engine compartment etc.) at night.
The car lighting system includes the following main structural elements: headlights, front fog lights, tail lights, rear fog lamp, license plate lamp, interior lighting devices and control equipment.
(other names are headlight, block headlight) illuminates the road ahead of the vehicle, and also provides information to other road users in front of the vehicle. Headlights are installed in pairs symmetrically on the right and left sides of the car. On modern cars in addition to the headlights, a night vision system can be installed.
The headlight is made, as a rule, in a single housing, which combines the following lighting fixtures: low beam, high beam, side light, direction indicator and daytime running lights.
The dipped beam is used to illuminate the road when there are other road users ahead. Dipped beam asymmetric, with right-hand traffic better illuminated right part roads and verges. High beam is used when there are no other road users ahead. It is a symmetrical light beam of high intensity. The marker light is used to indicate the dimensions of a vehicle. The marker light is also installed in the rear light.
The direction indicator can be installed both in the headlight unit and outside it in the front of the car. The direction indicator is used to inform other road users of the intention to make a maneuver (turn, U-turn, lane change). The direction indicator is also installed in the rear light. In addition, on the side of the car, it is provided turn signal repeater. Recently, it has become popular to place the turn signal repeater in the outside rear-view mirror. All direction indicators must work synchronously.
A light source is used as a turn signal yellow color operating in flashing mode. The frequency of the pointer should be 1-2 flashes per second. The direction indicator can have two modes of operation: constant (until it is turned off), one-time (three to five flashes when pressed). The direction indicator is controlled by the corresponding switch. The switch is designed to automatically turn off the signal when the steering wheel is returned to the neutral position.
The turn signal works in conjunction with a number of systems active safety: Lane change assistance , Lane assistance . The direction indicators are also used as an emergency stop signal.
Some countries provide for the use daytime running lights , which are intended to increase the visibility of the vehicle in daytime. Daytime running lights are automatically or manually controlled dipped beam headlights with full or reduced intensity. In some cases low-intensity high beam headlights may be used.
headlight device
Despite the differences in shape, design, color, materials, the following can be distinguished general device headlights: housing, light source, reflector and diffuser.
Frame serves as a basis for placing and fastening the remaining elements of the headlight. It is usually made of plastic. As light sources various lamps are used: incandescent - tungsten, halogen, gas-discharge - xenon. LED light sources are gaining more and more popularity among automakers.
Tungsten lamps are the cheapest in price and have low light intensity. Therefore, these lamps are used as a light source for parking lights, direction indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, interior lighting devices. Halogen lamps are the most common source of near and high beam lights. One lamp can be used for each type of headlight ( e.g. H4 with two filaments) or two separate lamps ( e.g. H7 with one filament).
are very popular in our country xenon lamps, which can be used for both low and high beams. LED light sources are mainly used for signaling functions: parking lights, brake light, turn signal, daytime running lights. Less commonly, LEDs can be seen as a head light source.
Reflector in the design of the headlight is responsible for the formation of a beam of light. The simplest reflector has a parabolic shape. Modern reflectors have a more complex shape. The reflector is made of plastic. To create a mirror surface, a thin film of aluminum is applied and varnished.
Diffuser transmits the light flux and, depending on the design, refracts it. Another function of the diffuser is to protect the headlight from external influences. The diffuser is made from transparent plastic, rarely glass.
The front fog lamp is designed to improve the illumination of the roadway and the roadside in poor visibility conditions: rain, fog, dust, snow. Fog lights are used in pairs, installed as an option, less often independently. May be white or yellow.
Fog lights provide a wide beam of light with a cut-off top. Front fog lamps are used instead of low beam or in conjunction with it. The effect of the use of headlights is to reduce back glare and thus improve visibility during precipitation. Front fog lights are optional, and in some countries they are banned altogether.
The taillight is designed to inform traffic participants behind the car. The lantern combines the following lighting devices: tail light, brake light, rear pointer turn, lamp reversing.
The rear lights are installed in pairs symmetrically. The lamp can be made in the form of a single block or in the form of two connected blocks installed in the body and trunk lid (fifth door).
Rear position light works in conjunction with the front marker light. Structurally, it can be combined with a brake light. In this case, either separate incandescent lamps (LEDs) or lamps with two filaments of different light intensity are used.
Stop signal activated automatically when the driver presses the brake pedal. The tail light and brake light are red, but the brake light is brighter. On some cars, the so-called. adaptive brake light, in which the light intensity is dependent on the intensity of braking (the harder you press, the brighter it burns). Of interest is the function of the emergency brake light ( emergency stop signal, ESS), implemented in the form of brake light flashes when the brake pedal is pressed urgently.
Rear turn signal works in conjunction with the front turn signal. Has a yellow color. reversing lamp provides illumination when the vehicle is reversing. Activates automatically when turned on reverse gear(reverse mode). It is a mandatory light fixture. One or two (symmetrically) white rear lights are installed.
The rear fog lamps are used to warn vehicles behind you in conditions of poor visibility. Structurally, they can be made as part of rear light or separately - below the lamp in the bumper of the car.
The car is equipped with one (on the left side of the car) or two (symmetrically) rear fog lights. The presence of a rear fog lamp is mandatory. It has a greater light intensity than the rear marker light.
Lighting control
The control of the lighting devices that are part of the lighting system is carried out by the corresponding switches from the passenger compartment. Implemented on some vehicles automatic control separate functions: switching on the dipped beam, headlight correction, active headlights, adaptive lighting, high beam control.
Most drivers are probably interested in the question of what fog lights are, what they are and how they differ from ordinary headlights. The peculiarity lies in the lamps that are installed in such lanterns. Each of these elements plays a huge role, because it is thanks to the light emanating from them that the driver can safely drive in bad weather, for example, in fog, during rain and snow. It may seem that fog lights are not needed, since there are ordinary ones. And here it is not.
Fog lamp device
In bad weather, the beams that ordinary high or low beam headlights give out are reflected by water droplets and scattered. Due to this, a translucent film is obtained, which interferes with good visibility. Fog lights distribute light in a completely different way. Since such lamps are installed close enough to the roadway, the light goes under the fog, which never “falls” directly on the road, and the beam of light is strictly horizontal.
They will also help you when driving on winding roads, as they illuminate the roadside well, so you will successfully maneuver. Fog lights can have both white and yellow glass, but fundamental difference No. Special attention you need to pay attention to the quality and the manufacturer of the light bulbs. To date, there are such headlights that have the function of corner lighting when the steering wheel is turned to a certain radius, or when the turn is turned on, the headlight from that side also starts to glow.
Fog lamps must be installed symmetrically, always below the main headlights, or at their level at a distance not exceeding 25 cm from the road and not more than 40 cm from the side markers. Fog lights can only be turned on while driving along with the dimensions.
Fog lights are similar to regular headlights: they have a housing, a parabolic reflector, a diffuser and a light source. In order to be clearly visible in foggy or rainy weather, it is necessary that the upper boundary of the light beam is sufficiently clear, that is, neither the light of the lamp nor the reflected rays should go above the horizontal plane.
Fog lights come in several types: round, oval, square, rectangular. Relatively recently, such headlights have appeared that are powered by wind energy. In addition, they do not require mains power. They also have several other advantages - they are beautiful in design, universal, as they fit any vehicle, they have a bright indicator light, they are painted with waterproof paint.
The fog lamps are equipped with xenon or halogen lamps. Each set of lamps is equipped with all necessary components: fuses, relays. Installation will also require a button to turn on and control indicators.
Rear fog lights have a number of advantages. Thanks to them, your car will be visible even in the worst weather. Thus, every driver who follows you will have time to slow down in time if necessary.
Installing the rear fog lights
Fog lights are installed in rear bumper for standard car wiring. First you need to purchase fog lights that satisfy all technical requirements. When choosing, you need to consult a specialist about which lights are suitable for your car. You should also decide on the characteristics. This choice is individual. Fog lights can be installed in place of regular headlights.
Before performing the installation, you need to check the entire system so that it functions normally. In order to install, you will need the following kit:
- stalk switch with switch;
Two waterproof terminals;
Set of tools.
Remove the rear bumper by unscrewing a couple of screws and 10 bolts along with five clips at the bottom. Regular reflectors are fixed quite simply, so there should be no problems with their dismantling. But this work with the bumper is over.
After that, the most difficult stage is disassembling the steering column. Remove the plugs on the side of the steering wheel, unscrew a couple of "stars" and remove the pillow. Unscrew the steering wheel, loosen it slightly, after which it should be removed. You need to be as careful as possible with this, as you can tear off the airbag wire when removing the steering wheel. The dismantling of the mount must begin from the bottom.
Further, almost all elements will be fastened with latches, their dismantling should not cause difficulties. It will only be necessary, using pliers, to compress the elastic ring that fixes the steering column switches. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order.
Frequent malfunctions of the rear fog lights
The breakdown of foglights consists in violations of their correct operation. You can detect such changes by using diagnostic system cars. Thanks to it, you can determine the problems and their causes: changes related directly to the reference voltage of 12V, that is, to the switch.
Some problems may occur due to the combination light switch signal. May occur serious problems with foglight relay control and their mass. It happens that the fog lights simply do not work or do not turn off. How is the circuit of this system constructed? A signal is sent to the body equipment control unit (BMC) from the fog light switch. The switch is part of the headlight switch assembly.
The voltage to the switch comes from the BCM. All signals go along the chain reference voltage 12V. When you press the switch, the voltage from the reference voltage circuit is closed. This happens due to the pressure of the resistor on the ground in the switch itself. This is the essence of the resistor chain.
The functional purpose of this chain is to issue a signal for adjusting the brightness of the light. Voltage is supplied to the BCM through the signal chain of the switch. What problems can arise on the relay? It makes sense to recall that it is through this node that the battery is powered.
Since the connection of the signal circuit of the fog light switch to ground through the resistor is short enough, the switch is pressed at this time. The fog lamp relay is “powered” by the BCM, that is, the fog lamp relay control circuit is closed to ground. When voltage is applied to the relay, its contacts close. Voltage off battery goes to the foglight control circuit through several fuses. It turns out that they are activated. The system needs to be checked like this:
1) Turn on headlights and ignition. Then, using a scan tool, look at the Fog Lamp Switch parameter. Task given parameter– turn on or off the fog light switch itself. It must sequentially take the value "Active" / "Inactive". If the switch does not occur, then there is a problem in the system.
2) After determining the problem using the same scan tool, you must first command the fog lights on and then off. Keep in mind that these elements turn on and off after changing these states. If the fog lights do not start to light up and go out, then the problem needs to be solved by specialists.
Fog lights can be tricky to maintain, but they do their job well – helping to keep you alive.
All drivers, for sure, will be very interested in which bulbs are installed in the fog lights. After all, these elements are very important in a car, thanks to them it is possible to move safely in difficult weather conditions, such as snowfall, rain, fog. It would seem that there are ordinary headlights, why else foglights? Let's talk about all this below.
Fog lights - what is the feature of radiation?
What is hidden behind the glass of the fog lamp?
The device of foglights is almost the same as conventional headlights: a body, a paraboloid-type reflector, a light source and a diffuser. In order for visibility during rain or fog to be good, it is necessary that the upper boundary of the beam be clear, which means that neither the light from the lamp itself nor the reflected beam should go above the horizontal plane. For good lighting pavement, they should be located as close to the road as possible, but not lower than 25 centimeters above the ground.
Nature itself also influences this. After all, the fog does not spread along the ground itself, but a little higher.
The first reflectors were round, but later ellipsoidal ones were proposed, the fact is that such reflectors have two foci at once. In a parabolic reflector, the light source is located at the focal point, because of this, the reflector directs the beam along the central axis, and the diffuser, in turn, expands this beam, thereby forming a horizontal strip. A special screen prevents the beam from being projected upwards. So we got the optimal lighting device for foggy conditions.
Fog lamp button and "smart" glow mode
Lamps in fog lights are installed both and halogen. It is impossible to unequivocally answer which of them is better, since the first ones shine brighter, but because of this they can blind other drivers. And if you installed them personally, and they were not provided for by the design of the car, then it is quite possible that you may have problems with the traffic police. The device itself provides all the necessary elements, fuses and relays, in addition, you may only need a button for fog lights to turn them on for a short time, and control indicators for operation.
With the momentary power button, you can give someone prearranged signal and “flashing” foglights, this is often practiced among drivers to warn each other about a traffic police post. In order to protect yourself from an accident, the traffic rules say that the driver must, while driving at any time of the day, indicate his vehicle. This can be done with low beam headlights or daytime running lights. It is possible to use foglights in DRL mode (daytime running lights).
By connecting the fog lamp relays to the necessary connectors, we get the following: when the engine is started, they turn on in DRL mode, but as soon as you turn on the dimensions, they immediately go out. If you need to turn them on again, then you need to turn the regular switch. This is a rather convenient and necessary function, especially considering new traffic rules. So you don't have to always remember that every time you go out in a car, you need to turn on something that you are not used to at all.
