Fog lights are some of the safety features that provide drivers with a safer driving experience. While most vehicles today come with fog lights already pre-installed, there are those models that are manufactured with bare bumpers with no mounted fog lights on them. So, with this fact in mind, this post will go ahead to uncover the physics behind how to install fog lights as well as share some useful tips on how to select the best fog lights.
But, before we begin, allow me to mention that fog lights are truly helpful as they increase your safety when driving especially in foggy, rainy, misty, and snowy conditions where visibility is nearly zero. They emit a powerful bright yellow, blue or white beam that cuts through fog or smoke to give you a clearer view of the road ahead.
They also help to supplement your car’s conventional headlights making them a must-have in most modern vehicles.
So, with that said, this post will proceed to offer a detailed step-by-step procedure on how to install fog lights from start to finish.
Pick Your Favorite Fog Lights
Choosing the right fog lights that are appropriate for your car is very paramount. Not only do they provide the right illumination, but these lights are also stylish and help to add a bit of tone and decorative flair to your vehicle.
Fog lights come in a variety of colors that include yellow, blue, or amber hues. They also come in a variety of pixilated LED designs that give your vehicle a superior look.
Think of Where You’re Going to Mount the Lights
Now that you’ve already selected the right set of fog lights, the next and most critical step is figuring out where exactly you’re going to install them. Just as we mentioned earlier, some cars are lucky to have fog lights already installed during the manufacturing process. Some may have fog light slots on the bumpers while some may have nothing at all.
In that regard, you might be forced to think of other places to mount these light fixtures such as the racks, grills, or bumper guards.
However, the best location to install fog lights is slight to the side of the bumper nearest to the ground. In this location, these lights will project beams of light to the dark edges of the road where contemporary headlights can’t.
They also provide a wider swath of light that allows you to detect incoming objects, such as wildlife, from either direction in case you’re driving in wildlife-infested regions. In addition to that, light is broadcasted in a more focused beam that doesn’t blind oncoming motorists in case you’re driving on busy roads.
Layout the Wires
So, with that said, lets now switch our focus to our main agenda which is installing fog lights on the bumper.
Now, regardless of the type of fog lights, you’re planning to mount in your vehicle, the layout of the wires is usually the same. By studying the wiring diagram that comes with the fog lights package, you’ll discover that the electrical system comes with the following wires.
- Black colored ground wire
- Red fog light split wire
- Green switch wire
- White power wire
- The relay
- Switch
- Fuse
Locate the Pass-Through Hole in the Firewall
After taking your time to study the wires, the next step is to locate the pass-through hole in the firewall. Now, most cars have this hole in the driver’s side of the firewall where you can pass extra wires in case you need to add more lights in your vehicle.
But, not all cars have the pass-through hole. So, if you cannot locate it, it’s best that you drill a hole in the driver’s side where you can pass the cables.
When you pass the wires through the drilled hole, don’t forget to add a tight rubber grommet around the wires to prevent the elements from penetrating through.
Now Connect the Wires
Before you start connecting the wires, first open the hood of your car and disconnect the battery terminals to prevent causing a short circuit. Next, double-check the wiring diagram to ensure that you know where each wire goes.
Start off by routing one end of the power wire through the firewall hole into the center terminal of the on/off switch.
Pick the black wire and connect one end to the grounding terminal of the switch. The other end should be connected to the unpainted metal part of your car.
The last wire, which happens to be a red one, should be connected to the back of the switch while the other end should go through the firewall hole to connect to the other red wire that connects to the relay and the battery. This piece of connection should be done last.
Mount the Fog Lights to the Bumper
Once you’re done with the wiring, the next step is installing the fog lights in the bumpers. Here, you’ll need to detach the bumper by unscrewing it gently. If the bumper has existing fog light holes, then installing the lights will be much easier.
However, if there are no holes in the bumpers, then you’ll have to drill them yourself. With a rotary cutting tool, all you need is to trace the design of the fog lights on the bumper then cut holes through. Make sure the holes are a bit larger than the fog lights.
Don’t worry about the holes being slightly bigger. That’s because the fog light kits come with plastic bezels that seal or hide the gaps after installation.
Connect the Fog Light Wires
The last step of installing fog lights is connecting the entire wiring system together. Start off by connecting the ground wires of each fog light to the black ground wire extension then to the unpainted metal section of the car.
Link the white power wire extensions to each of the white wires of both fog lights. Link each of the power wires to the existing white power wire that comes through the pass-through hole.
Conclusion
So, there you have it all. If you’ve followed this guide carefully, then congratulations! You have managed to install fog lights right in your bumper. But, before I forget, we had mentioned that the first step is disconnecting the negative and positive terminals of the battery right?
So, to attest that your fog lights are functioning properly, reconnect the battery, turn on the ignition then hit the switch to turn on your new set of fog lights.
In conclusion, installing fog lights requires you to have patience and some basic knowledge of electrical concepts. With the help of a wiring diagram and a comprehensive guide such as this one, the process should be easy and fluid from start to finish.