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Home / Driving / Demystifying Fog Lights: Why and When to Use Them on Your Subaru

Demystifying Fog Lights: Why and When to Use Them on Your Subaru

Keep visibility in fog, rain, and dust with the right lighting. Learn how fog lights work, when to use them, and how to turn them on.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, you know that nature can be unpredictable. One minute, you’re cruising through clear skies, and the next, you’re driving through dense fog or a sudden downpour. Whether you’re navigating foggy mountain roads, misty coastal highways, or dusty off-road trails, having the right lighting is essential.

That’s where fog lights come in. But does your car have fog lights, and how do you even use them? Let’s break it all down so you can drive with confidence, no matter the conditions.

What Are Fog Lights?

Fog lights, unlike your standard headlights, are specifically designed to improve visibility in conditions like fog, dust, and heavy rain. While standard headlights project a long, bright beam forward, fog lights are mounted lower on the front bumper and emit a short, wide beam aimed downward, cutting under fog, mist, or dust without reflecting back into your eyes.

Traditional headlights, especially high beams, which tend to bounce off airborne particles like water droplets, creating glare that makes it even harder to see. Fog lights are your solution to maintaining a clear view of the road ahead while reducing visual strain.

Do All Cars Have Fog Lights?

Not all vehicles come with fog lights, as they are not legally required in the U.S. However, many modern vehicles—especially outdoor-ready models like the Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek—include them as a standard or optional feature.

To confirm if your Subaru has fog lights, look near the lower front bumper or check your dashboard for the fog light symbol—a half-oval with a wavy line and three horizontal dashes. Some vehicles also have rear fog lights, which make your car more visible to drivers behind you in low-visibility conditions.

Installing them can be a great investment if your Subaru doesn’t have fog lights but you frequently drive in foggy, snowy, or dusty environments.

How to Turn On Fog Lights

If your Subaru is equipped with fog lights, activating them is easy. Here’s what to do:

  1. Turn on your headlights: Fog lights won’t function unless your regular headlights are on.
  2. Locate the fog light control: This is usually a button or dial near your headlight switch. The fog light symbol will help you find it.
  3. Activate your fog lights: If your control is a dial, rotate it. If it’s a button, press it.
  4. Confirm they’re on: A small indicator light will illuminate on your dashboard, usually in green for front fog lights and amber or red for rear fog lights.

Remember, fog lights are not designed for everyday driving. Only use them in low-visibility conditions and turn them off when they’re no longer needed.

What Lights Should You Use in Fog and Other Conditions?

Driving in poor visibility can be stressful, but knowing which lights to use can help prepare you for any weather conditions. 

Foggy Conditions

Your instinct might be to use high beams in fog, but this can worsen visibility. High beams shine directly ahead, and that light reflects off the water droplets in fog, creating glare.

Instead, switch to fog lights and low-beam headlights. Fog lights will illuminate the road without bouncing light back at you, and low beams will provide general visibility without causing glare.

Dusty Conditions

In light dust storms, fog lights work the same way they do in fog, cutting through the airborne dust and illuminating the road close to the ground. However, in a severe dust storm, it’s best to pull over, turn off all lights, and wait it out.

Why turn off your lights? In low-visibility conditions, drivers behind you may try to follow your taillights, mistaking them for a clear path. Turning off your lights can help you minimize risk.

Rain or Snow

Fog lights can be useful in light rain or snow, helping you see the road better when visibility is reduced. However, fog lights may create glare in heavy rain or snow by reflecting off the wet road surface. In these cases, stick to low-beam headlights for the best visibility.

Dark Roads & Off-Road Trails

High beams may be useful if you’re driving on a dark, unlit road, but remember to switch them off if another vehicle approaches.

For off-road adventures, fog lights can be an excellent tool for illuminating rough terrain to help you navigate rocks, dips, and other obstacles. Many Subaru models, like the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback Wilderness, have enhanced fog light options designed for rugged conditions.

Do You Need Fog Lights? Hicks Family Subaru Can Help!

Whether you need fog light installation, maintenance, or a new Subaru equipped with them, Hicks Family Subaru is here to help. Subaru vehicles are built for adventure, and having the right lighting helps you stay ready for any road condition. Schedule an appointment today or stop by our dealership in Corpus Christi to upgrade your visibility and drive with confidence.

Hicks Family Subaru

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Corpus Christi, TX 78415

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