LED fog lights - how to convert and comply with legal requirements?

LEDs, "light emitting diodes", have a number of advantages over traditional light bulbs or xenon lamps. They consume less energy for the same light output; they are more efficient and durable. In addition, they are perceived as less dazzling. Thus, substitution can be useful, although it is not difficult. In addition to the conversion, a few things must be observed.

What is a fog lamp?

We've all seen the fog lights on rally cars where they are prominently mounted on the roof and used when the driver is in adverse visibility conditions.

Most regular cars also have fog lights , usually located in the lower part of the front skirt on both sides of the grille or in special recesses. They are intended for use when normal dipped headlights are insufficient, i.e. in heavy rain, at night on unlit country roads or in fog.

How are LED fog lights adjusted?

In our country, front fog lights are optional, and one rear fog light is mandatory. Since 2011, new cars are required to be equipped with daytime running lights (DRL) .

LED fog lights can be used as daytime running lights, provided they have the appropriate dimming function and are positioned symmetrically in front of the vehicle . This is typical for most cars. Features of technical regulation are published by several EU commissions such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe .

The fog lamp must be either white or bright yellow . Other colors are prohibited. Their inclusion is allowed with a significant deterioration in visibility and when used in conjunction with dipped beam or side lights. Illegal use of fog lights is punishable £50 fine .

What are the benefits of converting?

Traditional fog lights use extremely bright bulbs that consume a significant amount of energy. . They are not cheap and their service life is limited. Therefore, their simultaneous use as daytime running lights is disadvantageous even with proper dimming. .
This is different for LEDs. Their service life is 10 and sometimes 000 hours (30 to 000 years) , while the light output and energy efficiency are much higher.

Due to its technical characteristics, LED light is a pulsed light source, and this is one of the reasons why its dazzling effect is perceived as less strong. . Thus, the use of modern LED light sources prevents dazzling of oncoming traffic, as well as self-dazzle in case of fog, when the bright light is reflected by tiny water droplets in the fog.

What to look for when buying

LED fog lights are available in several versions , differing in functionality and technical characteristics.

There are fog lights for the on-board network 12 V, 24 V and 48 B. The latter are found only in modern hybrid cars .

Many fog lights are dimmable , which allows them to be used as DRLs. Models without this feature exist and should be specifically marked as such.

The same applies to the adaptive headlight function, allowing the headlights to follow the curve. Some LED fog lights require installation separate control module in the engine compartment. Others are powered by a plug connection and connected only to the fuse box.

ECE and SAE certification for products ensures their installation is legal . The use of non-approved spare parts renders the vehicle unsuitable for road traffic. Violation of these rules can lead to large fines, and a more serious consequence is the potential loss of insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

Before installation - an overview of the topics mentioned:

- Fog lamps are part of the lighting system of family cars, buses and trucks and are designed to support the driver with bright light in the event of a serious deterioration in visibility conditions.Why convert?-LEDs are more energy efficient and have better light output for the same power consumption. In addition, their dazzling effect is lower, which prevents them from interfering with oncoming traffic and self-dazzle in the event of fog.The following is normative:-Fog lights white or yellow. – They can only be used in combination with dipped beam or side lights. -Use as DRL is allowed when the feature is available. -Front fog lights are optional.Note the following:- Fog lights can be rated for 12V, 24V or 48V. - The shape is determined by the manufacturer and model of the car. -Depending on the operating mode, additional devices must be installed. – Only approved spare parts are permitted. - Violation can have serious consequences.

Walkthrough:
Convert and connect

Tip: fog lamps with additional functions (adaptive headlights or DRL) require a control unit. Therefore, prior to installation, find a suitable location in the engine compartment in close proximity to the battery and headlight mount.

Step 1: Locate the old fog lamp. Check which tool you need for disassembly: flathead screwdriver, Torx screwdriver or a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.

Step 2: Carefully remove the plastic cover to get to the fog lamp housing. The version and size may vary greatly depending on the vehicle ( if necessary, refer to the vehicle owner's manual ).

Step 3: Remove the housing with a suitable tool and carefully remove the plug connector.

Step 4: Open the hood and secure the control box with a piece of double-sided tape, spray adhesive or similar methods in the desired location ( see installation guide ).

Step 5: Pull the additional cable through the shafts towards the installation site. Connect the existing plug to the adapters and the adapters to both housings.

Step 6: Starting from the control box, connect the power cable ( red ) to the positive battery terminal.

Step 7: Then connect the cables with the corresponding code ( black or brown ) to the negative battery terminal.

Step 8: For the adaptive headlight function, the terminal must be connected to the existing control cables. The corresponding procedure can be found in the installation manual.

Step 9: For the DRL function, locate the connection to the ignition in your vehicle's fuse box ( manual or multimeter ). Connect the existing cable to the existing adapter.

Step 10: Check if the DRL turns on when the ignition key is turned. In this case, also check the actual fog lights.

Step 11: Replace the shrouds and secure them with the appropriate tool.

Step 12: Attach the plastic cover and close the hood. The last test completes the transformation.