Winter weather can bring the hazardous driving conditions of ice, snow and fog. While chains assist with travel in snow, fog lights and knowing how to drive in the fog provides the best available means of traveling safely in heavy fog conditions. Fifth Gear Automotive mechanics in Lewisville, TX have the expertise to provide professional fog light installation.

 
 

 

Utilize the following tips for safe driving in the fog:

  • Check the weather forecast, and allow extra time for travel when fog is anticipated.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. Remember, a thick bank of fog can reduce visibility and your time to react.
  • Turn on the windshield wipers and defrosters as needed for maximum visibility.
  • Observe the lines on the right side of the road for an indication of the road direction. Reduce vehicle speed and drive slowly, and cautiously.
  • Drive with headlights on low beam, as high beams reflect off the fog, and impair visibility. Turn on fog lights if available, to improve visibility.
  • Crack a window and listen for traffic.
  • Drive with extreme caution in the fog. In unsafe driving conditions, pull over to the side of the road, or into a parking area, and wait for the fog to clear. When stopped on a roadside, turn on the hazard lights, but turn off the vehicles head and tail lights. Drivers tend to follow tail lights in foggy conditions. However, don’t stop on a freeway or busy road.
  • If possible, when driving in heavy fog tap the brakes when slowing or stopping to ensure the driver behind recognizes braking. In the fog it can be difficult to distinguish behind tail lights and brake lights.
  • Don’t pass in the fog, as oncoming traffic won’t be visible.

Fog Lamps

Fog lamps produce a low, flat, wide beam, which illuminates the road below the fog where it is typically the thinnest. Remember to turn fog lamps off once visibility clears to avoid blinding other drivers. In addition, fog lamps are also useful in driving rain, and heavy snow.

Rear fog lamps will assist drivers behind your vehicle to see your car. Fifth Gear’s certified mechanics in Lewisville, TX can provide professional fog light installation.

Finally, fog lights are for driving in fog, and not in clear road conditions. Remember to turn fog lights off once the fog clears, as they may blind other drivers.

Driving Lights

Driving lights provide a bright beam that projects down the road, supplementing high beams, and allowing you to see farther. They are especially beneficial when driving in rural areas. Driving lights can blind other drivers, operate only when high beams are on. Contact our mechanics in Lewisville, TX for installation.

Running Lights 

Running lights provide bright, white, forward-facing lights with the purpose of improving the front visibility of vehicles in the daytime. They should be turned off at night, as they can blind oncoming drivers at night.

Hazard Lights

Turn on hazard lights during extreme fog, heavy rain or other visibility limiting conditions to assist other drivers in seeing you.

Lighting Installation and Electrical Safety

Today’s automobiles have a complex electrical system which relies on a specific size alternator. Trust your vehicle wiring only to qualified mechanics in Lewisville, TX for lighting installation. This will ensure an electrical system overload doesn’t occur. An overload can result in alternator, wiring or battery damage. Fifth Gear mechanics in Lewisville, TX can provide the safe, effective and professional installation you require.

For repair of faulty vehicle lights, installation or lighting upgrades, contact us to schedule service. Our certified mechanics in Lewisville, TX have the expertise to provide the auto repair, and other automotive services that you require. Fifth Gear Automotive is dedicated to providing first quality automotive service and your satisfaction.