How To Drive Safely In Fog
A sudden fog warning on the news can be stressful for drivers, particularly if you’re unsure of how to operate your car fog lights. We’ve put together a quick guide to make winter journeys easier, and to make understanding your fog lights as clear as day!
What causes fog?
Fog is caused when the air temperature cools and water droplets within become suspended, condensing into fog. Moisture in the air and higher levels of humidity combined with colder temperatures increase the chances of fog.
So, what is fog?
Fog is essentially a cloud at ground level that reduces visibility to below 1000 metres, making it a tricky weather condition to drive in.
Preparing for foggy weather
Get ahead of the fog this winter by preparing your vehicle now. It is a legal requirement that all UK cars have working rear fog lights; you’ll fail your next MOT without them.
Drive safely by picking up a new set of fog lamps today. It’s a good idea to check that your fog lamps work before every drive, as fog can arrive unexpectedly throughout the winter season.
You can also give your headlights some TLC ahead of longer, darker nights with our Duxback Headlight Treatment. Using a professional-quality treatment, your car’s headlights will undergo a dramatic transformation for improved road visibility in all conditions.
It’s just as important to check that your windscreen wiper blades are up to speed to keep your windscreen clear of moisture, water droplets, and ice crystals. If your vision is obstructed due to a frozen or foggy windscreen, you’re driving illegally and dangerously, and could even receive a fine.
Our range of Rain-X helps to eliminate fogging and steaming on the interior of your glass, perfect for winter journeys and quicker morning commutes.
Where to find your fog lights?
If you’re unsure of how to turn on your fog lights, the easiest way is to consult your car’s handbook.
Generally, you can locate your fog lights by looking for a switch or dial on your dashboard or the indicator stalk / light stalk. It will be marked with the fog light symbol, so it should be easy to recognise. The rear fog light symbol is an oval semicircle with its flat side pointing to the right at a wavy vertical line with three horizontal lines. The front fog light symbol is the same, just flipped to point left.
If your car has been imported, you may need to fit rear fog lights before driving it on roads in the UK as they are a legal requirement.
How do fog lights work?
Fog lamps are positioned lower on the car and emit a wide, low beam, aiming for short-distance visibility. Because fog lights work this way, they won’t benefit you in drizzle as their short-range beam can’t illuminate the road far ahead.
Full beam headlights can worsen your visibility in fog as they may reflect off moisture in the air and create glare.
Driving in fog
Driving through fog can be daunting, but there’s no need to feel anxious or confused. The Highway Code clearly displays the key points you should abide by when driving in fog. This can include:
- Keeping a suitable distance from the vehicle in front.
- Using your windscreen wipers and demisters (and maintaining them so that they work).
- Checking your mirrors before making any manoeuvres, including breaking.
- Driving at a slower speed and anticipating sudden hazards.
If visibility is extremely limited, it can be useful to roll your windows down when waiting at junctions to listen out for oncoming vehicles.
When to use fog lights?
The rules on when to use your fog lights are very specific and legally enforced. You should only ever use them if your visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less.
It’s also important that you remember to switch them off when visibility does improve, otherwise you risk dazzling other drivers and obscuring your brake lights. It is prohibited to use front or rear fog lights when not needed. This includes using them in drizzle and rain. Using your fog lights when you shouldn’t could result in a driving fine or invalidated insurance.
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Throughout the dark, wet winter season, fog is much more likely to occur as there is more moisture in the air. Stay prepared for adverse driving conditions by preparing your car before the fog arrives.
Familiarise yourself with your fog lights so that if you ever need them, you feel confident and prepared to drive in trickier conditions.
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