Fog lights supplement the amount of visibility your headlights produce in various driving situations. To help increase visibility in foggy conditions, fog lights emit a wide beam to help the driver see more of the road. When the fog lights fail, drivers may struggle to readjust to the standard high beam/low beam headlights.
How this system works:
When a driver wishes to use their fog or driving lights, they engage a switch in the cabin which indicates to a relay that the lights should be turned on. The relay then transfers power from the battery to power the lights. Fuses keep electrical components on the vehicle from overloading the system and will blow or break the connection when they sense a problem.
Common reasons for this to happen:
- Blown Fuse: As a first resort, many mechanics will inspect your fuses in the event an electrical component, like the fog lights, fails. When a fuse blows, it prevents the circuit from completing and will not allow the lights to turn on.
- Burned-out Bulbs: Over time, bulbs will wear out and will stop working. A good indication that a bulb has burned out is if only one light is out and the other light is functioning properly. If a bulb burns out, it typically will not affect the rest of the electrical system, allowing other bulbs to function normally.
- Faulty Relay: A relay transfers power from the battery to the lights themselves, but when a relay fails, the connection is unable to be completed. A relay may also fail because it is not grounded properly. A wire that is not grounded properly is unable to protect the circuit and provide an outlet for excess charge that builds up. A vehicle with a faulty relay or bad ground may not be able to successfully power your fog or driving lights.
How important is this service?
Fog lights provide a driver with more visibility in potentially dangerous situations. Drivers with a greater need for this extra illumination should be diligent when seeking out repairs. It can be difficult for some drivers to adjust to high and low beams exclusively, after regular using fog lights. Having that extra layer of security, the extra visibility, can increase a drivers ability to avoid dangerous situations. So if you’re used to driving with fog lamps, we recommend having them checked as soon as possible.