Want to improve your visibility in foggy conditions and add a cool, custom look to your car? Installing fog lights is a great way to do both, and it’s easier than you might think! In this guide, we’ll show you how to install fog lights yourself by using the factory fog light, bezel, and wiring kit.
Contents
How to Install Fog Lights: The Step-By-Step Guide
Get to the battery and disconnect the negative terminal.
Lay the wiring in the layout you want while avoiding any areas that can get in the way.
Under the steering wheel, you will find the interior panels. Handle these parts with care and remove the fuse access panel by hand. Another panel that is below the steering column should be unbolted.
Now you can choose the location for the switch. It should be a location that is easily accessible.
Go to the ground and look for other ground wires. You would find a bolt going through metal. You need to remove this bolt and slide the ground connector, and retighten the bolt.
Find an empty fuse of 12V by using the voltmeter when the engine is on. Find the fuse and connect the positive connector. This will turn the fog lights on and off when the engine is on and off.
Now, going further on how to wire fog lights, take the wiring through the firewall. You can use a coat hanger if the firewall seems stiff enough.
Here, you connect the on/off switch wiring to the engine bay wiring. Any excess wiring should be bundled and put in the interior panels so it doesn’t come in the way.
Now you need to make the connection to the location of the fog lights or where you would install the fog lights. You may find an open space behind the headlights, and you may also need to remove the fender to access it from the other side.
When the piece is removed, you will access the space where the fog lights can be equipped. Use a plastic trim removal tool to take off the plastic cover if it doesn’t come off manually. Just connect the wiring connections on each side, and you are done.
Make sure you connect the positive lead to the positive battery terminal and connect the fog lights to the wiring.
Before bolting these lights, you can run a test to check if everything works fine. Reconnect the negative battery terminal that you disconnected before starting the process. You will know if the fog lights are working while performing the test. Later, you can bolt everything and arrange it neatly.
Do not let your car fail, and repair the malfunctioning right away with these maintenance tips.
Adjusting the Fog Lights
Lastly, you may also need to check the orientation of the fog lights. Use the adjustment screw and aim the lights. Put everything back in order, and your fog lights should be installed neatly.
Whether you are replacing the fog lights or installing them in a vehicle that never had fog lights, always install them on the lower half of your front end. These lights should exist below the headlights, or measuredly, 10 to 24 inches above the ground.
Remember that fog usually starts about 2 feet off the ground; it would be better if you install fog lights below that level.
The simple idea to mount the fog lights is below the fog level, so the illumination can penetrate fog and provide visual clarity. However, you should never use them with high-beam headlamps or auxiliary lights. This will not let you see the oncoming traffic and would be dangerous.
Why are Fog Lights Essential in Any Vehicle?
Now that you have an idea about fog lights installation, let’s know why having fog lights in the first place is essential.
Fog lights let you see even the edges of the road in the dark that headlights simply can’t.
These lights do not create glare, or it is much less, and hence they create clear visibility of the ground, especially when the environment is foggy.
Since fog lights don’t point straight, unlike headlights, this illumination source doesn’t reflect fog or snow in the driver’s eyes.
Fog lights make the overall appearance in the front much better. Also, there are various styles of these lights that one can choose as per their preference. There are OEM-style lights that come with blue or amber hues.
To get additional help with fog lights installation, you can watch videos about the installation and follow the instructions. Fog light kits are available offline as well as online. Get these lights as per your comfort, but always stick to your budget. Depending on the quality and overall accessories, a fog light kit can cost you up to $50.
FAQs
Do fog lights need to be on?
No, fog lights don’t need to be on all the time. Fog lights should only be used in fog when visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet), which is roughly the length of a football pitch. The Highway Code also states that you must switch both front and rear fog lights off when visibility improves.
Is it OK to drive without fog lights?
Even though fog lights are not a legal requirement, these lights improve your field of vision by shedding more light on the roadway and verges. Also, never drive in fog without your lights on.
Should I use fog lights or high beams?
You might think of using your bright high beams in fog, but their light bouncing off the water droplets will make it harder to see. Fog lights are designed to cut through the fog by aiming their beam lower.
How much to install fog lights?
Expect to pay anywhere from $149 to $500 for dealer-installed fog lights, according to Element Owners Club. If you’re replacing existing lights yourself, you can save money, with costs ranging from $100 to $150.
Conclusion
In case you are using a universal fog light kit, you can choose the place where you want to mount the fog lights. You won’t have to find a place behind the headlights in this case. So this was all about how to install fog lights that is a simple enough process you can try with your vehicle.
