Shopping for a new car and noticed that only the premium trims come with fog lights? Ever wondered why they’re considered optional—or even what they really do? You’re not alone. Most drivers aren't fully familiar with the different types of automotive lighting, let alone when or how to use them properly.

In this guide, we’ll break down what fog lights are, what they do, how they work, and whether or not they’re worth having on your vehicle—especially if you live in an area prone to fog, heavy rain, or snow.

What Are Fog Lights?

Fog lights are special lights on your car designed to help you see better in bad weather. When fog, heavy rain, or dust clouds your view of the road, these lights provide extra visibility.

There are two types of fog lights: front and rear. Front fog lights are installed low on the front bumper and shine a wide, flat beam that stays close to the road. This helps reduce glare and makes it easier to see the road surface in front of you. Rear fog lights, usually a single bright red light or a pair, are mounted at the back of the car.

They are not the same as your regular headlights in both placement and function.

What Do Fog Lights Do? Are They Really Helpful?

Yes, fog lights are useful. They’re not something you’ll use every day, but when conditions get bad, they can significantly improve safety.

Fog lights serve a specific purpose that regular headlights simply can’t handle well. In fog, heavy rain, or snow, your headlights—especially high beams—can actually make visibility worse. That’s because the light bounces off the moisture in the air and reflects back at you, making it harder to see what’s ahead.

Front Fog Lights

Front fog lights project a wide, low beam that stays close to the road surface. This helps illuminate lane markings, the edge of the road, and nearby obstacles without creating glare. It’s especially useful when you need to drive slowly and carefully in poor weather.

Rear Fog Lights

There are also rear fog lights. These are bright red lights on the back of a vehicle, about as intense as brake lights. Their job is to help drivers behind you see your car in dense fog or heavy rain.

They’re common in European vehicles—where they’re required—but relatively rare in the U.S.

Unlike brake lights, rear fog lights stay on continuously when activated and do not respond to braking. It’s important to switch them on only when visibility is truly low. If you've ever been blinded by a bright red light on the car ahead—especially in clear conditions—you’ve likely witnessed this feature being misused.

Image Credit: cars.com

What Do Fog Lights Look Like?

If you’re trying to spot fog lights on a vehicle, the front ones are usually small and mounted low, close to the corners of the bumper. They often emit either a white or slightly yellow light.

Rear fog lights are harder to notice unless they’re turned on. Typically, there’s just one rear fog light, located low on the back of the car, usually on the driver’s side. It shines an intense red beam—brighter than a brake light—meant only for use during severe weather.

You can also recognize fog lights by their dashboard symbols. Front fog lights are indicated by a lamp icon pointing to the left with lines cutting through it, while the symbol for rear fog lights is similar but points to the right and often glows red or amber.

How Do Fog Lights Work?

Low Placement: Fog lights are installed low on the vehicle, typically in the lower bumper, because fog usually hovers above the ground. This allows the light to shine under the fog instead of into it.

Downward Angle: The lights are aimed sharply downward to illuminate the road directly in front of the car. This helps reduce the amount of light reflected back into the driver's eyes.

Yellow Light: Many fog lights emit yellow light instead of white. Yellow light creates less glare and cuts through fog, rain, or snow more effectively than white light, which tends to scatter more.

LED vs. Halogen Fog Light Bulbs

When it comes to fog light bulb types, you’ll usually be choosing between halogen and LED.

Halogen fog lights have been around for decades and are known for their warm yellowish light. They’re affordable and easy to replace but don’t last very long. On the other hand, LED fog lights are more modern and efficient. They produce brighter light, often in a cooler white tone, and can last several times longer than halogen bulbs.

LEDs also use less power and generate less heat, making them a better long-term investment, even if they cost a bit more upfront. If your fog lights are not working and you’re looking for a replacement or an upgrade, they’re worth considering—especially if you often drive in difficult conditions.

Read more: How Much Does the Fog Light Replacement Cost?

Yellow vs. White Fog Light Color

There’s a long-running debate about which fog light color is better: yellow or white. Each has its pros and cons.

Yellow fog lights tend to be easier on the eyes and create less glare in thick fog. Their warmer tone cuts through mist and rain without reflecting as much. Many drivers feel yellow lights reduce eye strain on long drives through foggy or snowy weather.

White fog lights, however, are more modern-looking and brighter overall. They tend to offer better clarity in lighter fog or at dusk. And if you care about aesthetics, white LEDs often match the color of your headlights for a cleaner look.

Ready to Upgrade Your Fog Lights? Try SEALIGHT

If you're ready to upgrade or replace your fog lights, SEALIGHT offers high-performance LED fog light bulbs built for durability, clarity, and easy installation.

Our bulbs are engineered for maximum brightness without blinding glare and fit a wide range of vehicles. With long lifespan, plug-and-play installation, and excellent weather resistance, SEALIGHT LEDs are a smart way to make your car safer and more stylish at the same time.

Visit SEALIGHT.com to find the right LED fog light bulbs for your car and take the uncertainty out of driving in bad weather.