While spring brings a welcome turn in the weather conditions, it also creates foggy mornings, which aren’t ideal for safe driving. Aptly named, fog lights can help with the problem. These supportive lamps provide better illumination during foggy conditions than standard headlights. While fog lamps are standard or optional from the factory on increasingly more cars, not every vehicle is equipped with this upgrade. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to walk you through selecting, installing, and maintaining fog lights for your vehicle.

Understanding Fog Lights and Their Benefits

Fog lamps are specialized lighting units usually mounted below the front bumper. Fog lights function differently from regular headlights and other driving lights, which can create glare by reflecting illumination off the water droplets present in the fog. Quality fog lights that are correctly installed are designed with specialized characteristics:

• Low mounting position (usually 10-24 inches from the ground, varying by vehicle and regulation)
• Wide, flat-beam pattern to minimize glare instead of a precise cutoff output like a projector-style headlight
• Yellow or white light spectrum options

Standard headlights are engineered for normal nighttime driving but are ill-suited when encountering fog, rain, snow, or dust. In these situations, these minuscule particles are suspended in the air, creating a wall of reflected light that reduces visibility. Fog lights counteract this problem by illuminating the road surface (not the road ahead), allowing the driver to see lane markings, road edges, and potential hazards.

Choosing the Right Fog Lights for Your Vehicle

Here’s an overview of three popular fog light options and their respective advantages and disadvantages:

^HID fog lights with a color temperature above 6000K (bluish-white) are less ideal for foggy conditions due to their high light output, which can create excessive glare. Look for units that operate in the 2500-3000K (yellow) or 4000-5000K (white) range.

There’s no right or wrong in choosing the type of fog light — it all depends on your driving experience, environment, and budget. If dense fog is a common driving condition, then spending more on LED or HID units may be a worthwhile investment over the long term.

Tools and Materials Needed for DIY Fog Light Installation

Have the right tools and supplies on hand before starting any DIY project. To install fog lights, you’ll need:

Tools

• Socket set and wrenches
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Wire strippers/crimpers
• Trim tool (to remove panels or covers in the cabin)
• Drill and bits (if mounting brackets need installation)
• Voltmeter or circuit tester
• Pliers
• Work light or headlamp
• Jack/jack stands or wheel ramps (for accessing underneath the vehicle, if needed)

Materials

• Fog light kit (lights, mounting hardware, wiring)
• Switch (if not included or if replacing stock switch)
• Automotive-grade wire (if additional is needed)
• Automotive-grade electrical tape
• Zip ties (to secure the wiring)
• Wire connectors/terminals
• Relay and fuse kit (if not included with the lights)
• Silicone sealant for waterproofing connections/openings
• Cable loom or wire wrap for protection

Review your vehicle’s specifications before purchasing a fog light kit to ensure compatibility. Some cars have pre-wired harnesses or pre-existing mounting points to simplify installation. Other vehicles may require more elaborate custom work.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Fog Lights

Planning Phase

1. Watch YouTube videos on fog light installation (ideally covering your specific vehicle) to familiarize yourself with the overall project.
2. Check local laws to confirm any restrictions or requirements for fog light use in your area.
3. Identify fog light kit options and look for quality products from well-known manufacturers. If possible, look for a kit designed for your specific car to simplify installation.
4. Before purchasing any kit, review the installation instructions to better understand the process and requirements.
5. Buy the fog light kit best suited to your needs and installation abilities. Then, purchase any necessary tools and materials.

Preparation Phase

1. Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and disconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure safety.
2. Review the installation manual for the fog light kit. Always follow the manual’s instructions if there’s a conflict with any guidance provided in this guide.
3. Review the vehicle owner’s manual to identify possible mounting locations and locate existing fuses and wiring that could be accessed.
4. Lay out all components, including the wiring, to map out what you’ll install and where.
5. Verify you have all the necessary parts and materials to complete the project.

Mounting the Fog Lights

1. Identify the mounting position, usually in the lower front bumper or fascia area.
2. If your car has factory fog light locations, remove the covers to access mounting points.
3. For vehicles without factory locations, you’ll need to:
   • Determine a suitable mounting spot that allows for proper positioning.
   • Carefully mark and drill mounting holes if necessary (use caution to avoid damaging anything behind the drill point).
   • Install the mounting brackets securely.
4. Attach the fog lights to the mounting brackets, ensuring they are aligned.
5. Temporarily position the lights, but don’t fully tighten the mounting hardware until after final alignment (see below).

PRO TIP: Take pre-installation photos of applicable areas for reference as needed

Wiring Installation

1. Plan the wiring route from the lights to the interior switch location.
2. Install the relay in a protected area of the engine compartment, away from extreme heat.
3. Connect the power wire (with fuse) directly to the battery’s positive terminal or use a jumper harness to tap into an ignition-activated fuse in the fuse box. Use a 10A-15A fuse for LED fog lights and a 20A-30A fuse for halogen or HID fog lights (or as directed by the manufacturer).
4. Route the ground wire to a clean, bare metal surface in the engine bay.
5. For the trigger wire:
   • If using with existing headlights, tap into the low-beam positive wire.
   • If using an independent switch, route the wire through the firewall to the interior switch location.
6. Connect the output wires from the relay to both fog lights.
7. Before securing with the zip ties, place the wiring in its final locations away from moving parts, heat sources, and sharp edges.

Switch Installation

1. If your vehicle has a factory switch location, install the fog light switch in the designated spot (remove the blank cover, if needed, with the trim tool).
2. For custom installations:
   • Select a suitable dashboard location.
   • Carefully drill the appropriate-sized hole (avoid drilling beyond the surface to prevent damaging adjacent components).
   • Mount the switch and connect the wiring. Reverse this order if needed.

Testing and Alignment

1. Reconnect the battery.
2. Test the fog lights to confirm proper operation.
3. Secure all wiring with zip ties and wrap any exposed wiring in a protective loom to prevent damage.
4. Park 25 feet from a wall or garage door at night to check alignment.
5. Adjust the aim of each light so the top of the beam is below the regular headlight beam to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Both fog lights should be aligned with each other.
6. Once properly aligned, fully tighten all mounting hardware and double-check the alignment.
7. Verify all connections are secure and protected from moisture.
8. Apply the silicone sealant to new openings that may allow moisture into sensitive areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Fog Lights

While installing fog lights is a straightforward project, there are still opportunities for errors. Here’s what to watch for:

Electrical Problems

• Not using the relay and instead wiring directly to a switch (can overload circuits)
• Incorrect fuse selection (too large or small)
• Poor-quality connections that can fail over time
• Failing to protect the wiring from abrasion, heat, or moisture
• Not securing ground connections to clean, unpainted metal surfaces

Mounting Mistakes

• Positioning the lights too high (creates glare)
• Aiming the beams improperly (should be aimed at the road surface, not forward into the distance)
• Installing in locations vulnerable to damage from road debris
• Loose mounting (leads to misalignment)
• Overtightening plastic housings (causes cracks)

Operational/Installation Errors

• Wiring the fog lights to operate with the high beams (they should only work with low beams)
• Using overly bright lights that blind oncoming motorists and reduce visibility in clear weather.
• Not checking local regulations regarding fog light placement, color, and output

Maintaining Your Fog Lights for Long-Term Performance

Now that you’ve made the effort to install fog lights, you’ll want to keep them in good operating condition. Follow these maintenance steps.

Regular Cleaning

• Clean the lenses with automotive-grade plastic cleaner
• Remove any build-up of road grime, insects, and debris
• Check for moisture inside the housings (indicating seal failure)
• Inspect the housing and lenses for cracks or damage

Electrical Maintenance

• Periodically check all wiring connections for corrosion or separation
• Ensure the ground connections remain secure and clean
• Monitor the fog lights for flickering (a sign of electrical issues)

Alignment Checks

• Re-check the alignment after any front-end service or driving over rough terrain
• Verify the alignment regularly, as the mounts can shift over time

How an Extended Warranty Can Help Protect Your Vehicle’s Electrical System

A car’s electrical system is complex because it interacts with many vehicle components, making some repairs challenging and expensive. According to RepairPal, a new alternator costs $664 to $879, while replacing a starter motor costs $455 to $629. Diagnosing and repairing wiring problems can run into the thousands.

An extended warranty (also called an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract) can protect your car’s electrical system, keeping the cost of unexpected repairs in check. Endurance electrical system protection starts with the Secure Plus plan, which safeguards core, factory-standard electrical components like the starter motor, electronic ignition module, and engine wiring harness. There are options that expand electrical system coverage, including for high-tech electronics such as the infotainment system. The Supreme plan is most similar to the manufacturer warranty that accompanies a new car, offering protection on most vehicle systems and parts.

Learn how to protect your car’s electric system and more with Endurance Warranty. Request a FREE quote or visit the Endurance online store for instant plan and pricing information. Endurance plan advisors can be reached by calling (800) 253-8203.

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