Traditional incandescent lamps and xenon bulbs don’t compare favorably to “light-emitting diodes,” or LEDs, which offer a number of benefits.
They have a much longer service life, are significantly more efficient, and require less electricity to operate while maintaining the same luminous efficacy.
In addition to that, the effect of the glare is felt to be reduced. It’s possible that making a change will be beneficial, but doing so won’t be simple.
That’s because, in addition to the conversion itself, there are a few other factors to take into account.
What exactly is a fog lamp, then?
Rally cars always have fog lamps, which are always used when the visibility conditions for the driver are not at their best. Rally cars typically mount fog lamps in a prominent location on the roof, and they are always used in these situations.
The majority of automobiles on the road are also equipped with fog lamps, which are typically positioned on the underside of the front apron to the left and right of the radiator grille or in recesses that have been specifically designed for the purpose.
They should be used whenever normal dipped headlights fail to function properly, such as during periods of heavy rain, at night on rural roads without adequate lighting, or even when it is foggy.
How are the settings for the fog lights changed?
In Spain, motorists are required to have both daytimes running lights and rear fog lights. Although front fog lights are useful on narrow roads with successive signposted curves because of their greater lateral range, they are optional, so not all vehicles have them. This is despite the fact that they are useful on such roads.
If they are able to be adjusted and are mounted symmetrically in the front of the vehicle, LED fog lights can be used as daytime running lights. This is the case in the vast majority of contemporary automobiles.
Several commissions, such as the Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations (ECE), are responsible for publishing the pertinent technical regulations.
White or bright yellow can be the color of the light that is emitted by fog lamps. Any other hues are strictly prohibited.
It is only permissible to turn it on if there is a significant obstruction to the driver’s line of sight and if it is used in conjunction with the low beam or the parking light.
A fine of up to 25–30$ may be imposed upon offenders who turn on their fog lights before the conditions outside require it.
What are the benefits of making retrofits to existing buildings?
Traditional fog lights make use of bulbs with a high lumen output, which, in addition to being expensive and having a limited lifespan, consume a significant amount of electricity.
Therefore, even with the correct dimming, using the light as a daytime running light while it is also being used simultaneously is a disadvantage.
In contrast, light-emitting diodes, which are more commonly referred to as LEDs, do not behave in this manner.
In this scenario, the lifetime is well over 10,000 hours, and in some cases, it can even reach 30,000 hours, which is equivalent to three to five years. As a result, the luminous efficiency, as well as the energy efficiency, are both significantly improved.
The technical characteristics of LEDs cause them to emit light in pulses rather than continuously. This is one of the reasons why the glare effect is seen as not as severe as it actually is.
The utilization of contemporary light sources that utilize LED technology not only ensures that oncoming traffic is not dazzled to the same extent but also prevents glare in fog, which occurs when bright light is reflected.
When making a purchase, what factors should be considered?
LED fog lamps are available in a variety of versions, each of which may have a unique set of features and technical specifications, depending on the model.
On-board networks for 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V fog lights are all included. This latter feature can be found on only the most up-to-date hybrid vehicles.
The brightness of the majority of fog lamps can be adjusted, making them suitable for use as daytime running lights. There are also models that do not contain this function; therefore, it is necessary to identify them as missing this function explicitly.
The same is true for the cornering function, in which the headlamps are designed to follow the path of the curve.
Some of the LED fog lamps need their own “switch box” (a control unit), which must be stored in the engine compartment.
Other LED fog lamps are powered by the existing socket and are only connected to the fuse box. All of the LED fog lamps must be stored in the engine compartment.
It is guaranteed that the car will continue to be safe to drive as long as it carries the appropriate certification mark, such as the E-mark (ECE) and the SAE-type approval.
The permit will be revoked and the vehicle will no longer be able to be driven if spare parts that have not been homologated are installed.
Infractions are subject to financial penalties in the form of fines, but the complete cancellation of insurance coverage in the event of an accident is an even more severe consequence.
Ahead of the assembly- a summary of the topics that were discussed:
An element of the lighting system of cars, buses, and trucks are fog lamps.
In the case that there are severe obstructions to the driver’s ability to view their surroundings, they are designed to give the driver more light.
Why we are performing the conversion:
LEDs have higher luminous efficacy for the same amount of power, in addition to having a higher energy efficiency.
They also prevent the obstruction of oncoming traffic and glare caused by fog, in addition to having a lower glare effect.
You are permitted to do the following:
– Either white or yellow must be the color of the headlights.
– You are only allowed to use them in conjunction with the parking light or the low beam.
– Utilizing it as a daytime running light is allowed, provided that it possesses the necessary function.
In Spain, daytime running lights are required on all newer models of cars, and while rear fog lights are required for all motor vehicles, daytime running lights on older models of cars are optional.
Consider the following aspects:
– Fog lamps can be designed for 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V
– The form can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and vehicle to vehicle.
– The installation of additional components is necessary in order to achieve the intended purpose.
– Only replacement parts that have the appropriate approval (an E-number and an approval mark)
In the event that these regulations are violated, there may be severe repercussions.
Instructional guide with sequential steps:assembly including the associated wiring
Note: Fog lamps with secondary purposes, such as cornering or daytime running lights, in addition to their principal ones, require a control unit.
Before installing, it is important to locate an appropriate spot in the engine compartment to ensure proper positioning.
It should be close to the two locations where the headlights are positioned or within reasonable walking distance of the battery.
Step 1
Find the old fog lights in the area. See what instruments are needed to free them by checking.
In addition to wrenches, you can make use of screwdrivers with flat blades, screwdrivers with six blades (Torx), or screwdrivers with cross-threaded heads.
Step 2
To access the headlight housing, you will need to carefully pry off the plastic cover. The handbook should always be consulted in the event that the type and the range are significantly varied between vehicles.
Step 3
First, use the appropriate tool to remove the housing, and then carefully pull out the plug.
Step 4
Using double-sided tape, spray glue, or another similar technique, fix the control unit to the predetermined spot once the hood has been opened (make sure to follow the installation instructions).
Step 5
The extra wires must be inserted through the perforations to reach the installation position. Join the pieces of the adapter together with the existing connectors, and then join the adapters to the two housings.
Step 6
Establish a connection between the positive pole of the battery and the power cable coming from the control unit. This cable is colored red.
Step 7
The colorful wires that match the negative pole of the battery should then be connected (either brown or black).
Step 8
The terminal must be linked to the pre-installed control wires in order for the cornering light to work.
The installation manual will provide detailed instructions on how to carry out the procedure.
Step 9
Look in the fuse box of your vehicle for the connection for the ignition (you can use a manual or a multimeter for this).
This will allow you to use the daytime running light function. Join the piece of the adapter that is already there with the cable that was provided.
Step 10
Check to see if the daytime running light turns on when you activate the ignition key. Another thing you should do while you have the chance is to check the fog lights.
Step 11
After that, position the housings where they need to be and secure them there using the appropriate instrument.
Step 12
Install the plastic cover, then pull the hood over your head. The rebranding is complete after the conclusion of the last test run.
