What you don't know about fog lamps
These Cars Don’t Have Fog Lights
Omitting fog lights from a car’s design first started with luxury cars.
However, this practice is gradually spreading as automakers make changes to their models as they unveil newer generations.
- Jaguar XE: The Jaguar XE has been in the market for over half a decade. If you look closely at it, you won’t find fog lights. Its narrow headlights give it a unique look.
- Mercedes C-Class: Previous generations, like the second and third generations of the C-Class, had fog lights. The fourth generation has no fog lights; although Mercedes dropped the fog lights, they maintained the style, comfort and performance.
- Range Rover Vogue: Since luxury brands are abandoning fog lights, it makes sense for a Range Rover to be one of them. The 2019 Range Rover Vogue is not equipped with fog lights.
- BMW 3-Series Gran Limousine: Modern versions do not come factory equipped with fog lights.
- Audi Q5: During the first generation of manufacturing, the Q5 came standard with fog lights. From the 2018 model, however, they come sparkling without them.
- Mercedes E-class: Like the C-Class, the fourth generation E-Class has no fog lights. Its third generation was equipped with fog lights, though modern E-Class models have daytime running lights instead.
- Mercedes S-Class: Although earlier models have fog lights, they were excluded from the 2014 model.
Note: European cars must have rear fog lights, but front ones aren’t mandatory. That’s why many European luxury brands now exclude front fog lights.
Why Don’t All Cars Have Fog Lights on the Front?
There are many reasons cars don’t have front fog lights.
However, the most obvious reason is that it’s not required by law. American automakers usually adopt technology when regulatory bodies like the NHTSA declare they should make them standard.
As we’ve established, the NHTSA doesn’t even consider them necessary, so car brands follow in their steps.
Another reason front fog lights are omitted is the demand for them. Automakers also implement innovations when consumers develop a strong liking for them. So, car owners across the country haven’t shown any specific preference for front fog lights.
Apparently, not everyone even thinks fog lights are essential. Some argue that they do little to help drivers see clearly in reality and are only effective in theory.
However, few people can dispute that fog lights help other cars notice your presence. That counts for something.
Car manufacturers may also believe their advanced headlight technology voids the use of “unnecessary” fog lights.
There’s also the cost implication to consider. First, brands do their best to minimize the cost of producing their vehicles as it helps with affordability. They probably believe there’s little sense in adding a feature that is not mandatory or preferred by their target market.
In newer cars, fog lights are now replaced by other features. These features may be daytime running lights, cornering lights, sensors, etcetera. However, you should know that these additional features don’t perform the exact function of fog lights.
How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade to Fog Lights on New Cars?
Installing fog lights in a car that didn’t come factory equipped with them requires some alterations. While some cars already have built-in spaces, others don’t.
So you’d only have to find a fitting equal in size for vehicles with built-in slots before the installation begins.
If your car doesn’t have built-in spaces, you’ll have to create them.
You’ll also need some wiring, which isn’t easy. So, allowing a professional to handle the entire process is better.
The labor cost of replacing old fog lights ranges from $37 to $47. Installing new fog lights must include the fog lights assembly. So, including labor costs for wiring and drilling (if needed), you should expect to pay over $100.
Depending on many factors, including location and vehicle type, the price can amount to several hundred dollars.
What Safety Measures Can Help Me in a Fog?
Whether or not you have fog lights, some of these practices can reduce the risk of driving through fogs.
- Switch on your fog light if visibility is limited to about 100 meters.
- Do not use a full headlight beam to avoid reflection.
- Use your wiper to improve visibility.
- Keep a safe distance between your car and the car directly ahead of you.
- Move at slow speeds.
- If visibility gets worse, please find a safe place and park.
- Switch on your parking light if you decide to halt till the fog clears out.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not your car comes with fog lights, you should be okay as long as it’s a modern one.
Before opting for aftermarket fog lights, question whether they’re worth it. Some geographical locations are more prone to foggy conditions than others.
Also, if you’d prefer fog lights, it’s best to buy a new car factory installed with them. They’re much better and have more appealing aesthetics than aftermarket options.
Ultimately, even with fog lights, forward visibility isn’t very long, and drivers must drive carefully in fogs.
