Do you find yourself distracted while driving at night due to the dark? Turning on your fog lighs is a great way to ensure better visibility and safer nighttime driving. Driving with your fog lights in addition to high beams can improve overall visibility, especially during periods of inclement weather like rain or snow.
But if you’re not careful, it could lead to an intense glare for other drivers and cause potential hazards. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to keep fog lights on with high beams safely so that you can achieve maximum visibility without compromising others’ safety. Let’s get started!
Can You Run High Beams and Fog Lights at the Same Time?
The short answer is no, you cannot run both your fog lights and high beams at the same time. While your fog lights may still remain on when you switch to high beam, they will be blocked by the brighter light from your headlights.
This is due to the fact that fog lights are mounted lower than headlights and because of their wider spread of light, it could potentially impair other drivers’ visibility if left on in combination with high beams.
The best way to make sure that your fog lights stay on while driving with high beams is to install a switch that allows you to turn them off independently from each other, or adjust the headlights. This would allow you to keep the necessary lighting for safe night-time driving without compromising others’ visibility.
In addition, you can also install a light relay switch which will automatically shut off your fog lights when the high beams are turned on and then switch them back on again once they are switched off. This is an ideal solution if you frequently need to adjust the brightness of your headlights or fog lights while driving at night.
Is It Safe to Leave My Fog Lights on?
When it comes to using fog lights, safety should always be the primary concern. The use of fog lights is meant to help drivers see better in adverse weather conditions, so they can drive safely. However, if you leave your fog lights on for too long or improperly utilize them, you could end up causing more harm than good.
In general, it is not recommended to leave your fog lights on when there’s no need for them. This is because they are powerful and can blind other drivers, making it difficult for them to see the road ahead and potentially leading to an accident. The intense light also makes it difficult for your eyes to adjust quickly from bright light (from the fog lamps) back into the dark conditions.
It is also important to remember that in certain countries, fog lights are only allowed when the weather conditions require them and the use of these lights outside of those conditions can lead to hefty fines or other penalties.
Therefore, it is best to make sure you turn off your fog lamps after driving in adverse weather has passed and you no longer need them. This will not only keep other drivers safe, but it will also help to ensure that your car is running safely and efficiently.
7 Methods How to Keep Fog Lights on with High Beams
1. Get a Set of Relay Fog Light Harnesses
One of the best ways to keep your fog lights on with your high beams is to invest in a set of relay fog light harnesses. Relay harnesses are designed to keep your fog lights on even when your high beams are activated.
They work by routing power from your high beams directly to your fog lights, bypassing your headlight switch entirely. This is an effective way to ensure that your fog lights always stay on, regardless of what setting your headlight switch is in.
2. Use a Set of HID Conversion Kits
Another way to keep your fog lights on with your high beams is to use a set of HID conversion kits. HID conversion kits are designed to upgrade your existing halogen fog lights to more powerful and efficient HID bulbs.
HID bulbs produce a much brighter light than halogen bulbs, making them ideal for use in Foggy conditions. Additionally, HID bulbs consume less power than halogen bulbs, meaning that they will not cause your battery to drain as quickly when used in conjunction with your high beams.
3. Install a Set of LED Fog Lights
If you want the brightest possible light for use in Foggy conditions, then you should consider installing a set of LED Fog Lights. LED Fog Lights are significantly brighter than both halogen and HID bulbs, making them the ideal choice for use in conditions where visibility is limited.
Additionally, LED Fog Lights consume very little power, meaning that they will not put a strain on your battery when used in conjunction with your high beams. With a set of LED Fog Lights installed, you can keep your high beams on without worrying about draining the battery or straining the electrical system.
4. Use a Wiring Diagram to Wire Your Fog Lights Directly to Your High Beams
If you are comfortable working with wires and have some experience doing so, then you may want to wire your fog lights directly to your high beams. This can be done by using a wiring diagram to determine which wires need to be connected in order for the circuit to be completed.
While this method does require some knowledge and experience working with electrical systems, it is generally not too difficult and can be completed in just a few minutes.
5. Connect Your Fog Lights to an Auxiliary Switch
Another option for wiring your fog lights is to connect them to an auxiliary switch. This type of switch can be mounted anywhere inside or outside of your vehicle and can be used to activate the fog lights independently of the headlight switch. This is a convenient option if you often find yourself driving in Foggy conditions and do not want to have to remember to turn on the fog lights every time.
6. Use a Set of Aftermarket Daytime Running Lights
If you want an easy and effective way to keep your fog lights on without having to wire anything, then you should consider using a set of aftermarket daytime running lights (DRLs). DRLs are designed to turn on automatically whenever the engine is started, providing an additional level of visibility during daytime hours.
Many sets of DRLs come with built-in fog light functionality, making them an ideal solution for those who want the benefits of both products without having to install two separate systems.
7. Have a Professional Install the Lights
If you are not comfortable working with wires or do not have the necessary knowledge and expertise to complete the installation properly, it is best to have a professional install your fog lights. A mechanic or auto body shop can easily do the job and ensure that everything is installed correctly.
This will help ensure that the lights are functioning properly and will not cause any damage to the vehicle or electrical system. Additionally, a professional installation may also be less expensive than attempting to do it yourself. It is important to make sure that any modifications or changes you make are done safely and correctly.
Things to Consider When Keeping Fog Lights on with High Beams
1. Check your state’s laws regarding fog lights. Some states require you to turn off the fog lights when you activate the high beams. Be sure to check the laws in your state before proceeding.
2. Make sure that your fog lights are even with your headlights. This will ensure that you aren’t blinding other drivers on the road. If they are higher or lower, adjust the beam angle of the fog lights until they are aligned properly.
3. Avoid using your high beams in foggy conditions. High beam headlights can cause the light to reflect off of the fog, which will make it difficult for you to see and potentially lead to dangerous situations.
4. Make sure that your fog lights are functioning properly before turning them on with your high beams. Faulty or malfunctioning fog lights can be dangerous, as they can cause glare and reduce visibility.
Conclusion
This is a great skill to have for any driver, whether you’re an expert or just a beginner. By following the steps mentioned in this article, it’ll be easy to use high beams and fog lights at the same time. Not only will you be able to navigate safely on dark roads, but you’ll also be much more comfortable while doing so.
To further ensure your safety on the road, make sure you pay attention to other cars and follow all driving laws and regulations.
There’s nothing worse than putting yourself or another at risk because of an oversight. So keep your fog lights on with your high beams and get ready for a safe journey ahead! Follow these simple instructions outlined in this blog post about how to keep fog lights on with high beams and you’ll be able to get the job done with ease.
