Driving in a storm

[vdk03]

On the ride back from Breckenridge tonight it was snowing pretty hard and we got in a discussion over visibility. Driving in a heavy snow storm do you have your high beams on or off?

 

[Edd]

The heavier the snowfall the more likely it is that I'll have the high beams off. The flakes appear to reflect the light back at me
and make it difficult to see the road beyond.

 

[bvibert]

High beams off in heavy snow.

 

[Nick]

If its really heavy I have used just my fogs alone, the lower angle reflects a lot less but you can't move very quickly

 

[Glenn]

Off. And sometimes, it's almost easier to see with just the parking lights and the fogs.

The lower the lights, the less likley you'll be hit by reflection.

 

[ScottySkis]

Off it just blinds me.

 

[o3jeff]

Off

 

[bvibert]

If its really heavy I have used just my fogs alone, the lower angle reflects a lot less but you can't move very quickly

This is usually the best option if your car is equipped to do so. All the newer cars equipped with fog lights that I've been in don't allow you to have just the fogs on without also having the headlights on.

I've tried just parking lights like Glenn suggested above, but they don't light up enough of the road for my liking.

 

[o3jeff]

This is usually the best option if your car is equipped to do so. All the newer cars equipped with fog lights that I've been in don't allow you to have just the fogs on without also having the headlights on.

I've noticed this too and can't figure out why they make me put my headlights on if I want the fogs on.

 

[SkiDork]

I replaced my stock bulbs in the fogs with halogen. Its really sweet in a storm.

 

[Nick]

you can often have a dealer reprogram it so it isn't required

 

[ctenidae]

I've noticed this too and can't figure out why they make me put my headlights on if I want the fogs on.

Yeah, kind of defeats the purpose of the fog lights. I thought my car was like that, until I fiddled around and realized I could pull the dial out to turn on the fogs and the rear high vis light with the dial in the parking lights position.

 

[wa-loaf]

Definitely not high beams. Fog lights for the win!

 

[hammer]

Doesn't help with forward visibility but I have rear fog lights...anyone ever use them?

No highs and the fog lights definitely help. I only have the option of headlights or parking lights on my car.

 

[wa-loaf]

Doesn't help with forward visibility but I have rear fog lights...anyone ever use them?

No highs and the fog lights definitely help. I only have the option of headlights or parking lights on my car.

The rear fog light just makes one or both of your brake lights brighter so other people can see you. That's a good thing to have when visibility is poor, but it annoys the hell out of me when someone leaves them on and I'm stuck behind them staring at the bright red light.

 

[hammer]

The rear fog light just makes one or both of your brake lights brighter so other people can see you. That's a good thing to have when visibility is poor, but it annoys the hell out of me when someone leaves them on and I'm stuck behind them staring at the bright red light.

Checked my owner's manual and it brightens up the driver side. There is also a light on the dash to remind me they are on. Manual also has a note:

The rear fog light is considerably brighter than the normal taillights and should be used only when conditions such as fog, rain, snow, smoke or dust reduce visibility for other vehicles to less than 500 ft. (150 meters).

 

[bvibert]

it annoys the hell out of me when someone leaves them on and I'm stuck behind them staring at the bright red light.

Same here.

 

[bvibert]

Yeah, kind of defeats the purpose of the fog lights. I thought my car was like that, until I fiddled around and realized I could pull the dial out to turn on the fogs and the rear high vis light with the dial in the parking lights position.

Does the rear high vis light come on automatically with the fog lights?

 

[ctenidae]

Does the rear high vis light come on automatically with the fog lights?

Nope- pulling the dial out 1 click turns on the high vis, 2nd click turns on fogs as well.

 

[hammer]

Does the rear high vis light come on automatically with the fog lights?

Not on my car...fortunately it's a separate switch.