Yellow Fog Lights...
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Vernon, NY
Yellow Fog Lights...
I want better fog visibility. But I'm not too sure if I want yellow fog lights or just plain white ones. I think the yellow ones, from what I've always known, have better visibility for the driver because of less backscatter in the fog, thus allowing the driver a greater distance of view without bothering other drivers. However, some of the yellow ones out there are quite ugly.
But, I was reading on Autoanything's website and I came across this:
So if that is the case, should I really care what color? Or should I just go with white ones?
As long as they look half-decent, I really don't care.
But, I was reading on Autoanything's website and I came across this:
Originally Posted by Autoanything.com
Are yellow fog lights really better than white or blue ones?
The old wives' tale that yellow fog lights give you greater visibility over white or blue ones is just not true. The premise of that superstition, that yellow light waves are long enough to pass through water particles without reflecting back into the driver's eyes, is based on a misinterpretation of Lord Rayleigh's principle of light scattering. As it turns out, the water particles in fog and mist are entirely too large to have an effect on any light waves from fog lights, be they yellow, white, blue or even green. In other words, any fog light that is properly mounted and aimed is effective, so don't worry about the color.
The old wives' tale that yellow fog lights give you greater visibility over white or blue ones is just not true. The premise of that superstition, that yellow light waves are long enough to pass through water particles without reflecting back into the driver's eyes, is based on a misinterpretation of Lord Rayleigh's principle of light scattering. As it turns out, the water particles in fog and mist are entirely too large to have an effect on any light waves from fog lights, be they yellow, white, blue or even green. In other words, any fog light that is properly mounted and aimed is effective, so don't worry about the color.
As long as they look half-decent, I really don't care.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 284
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From: Abbotsford(Near Vancouver),Canada
I put yellow HID's in my fog's and they are amazingly bright and I have never been flashed for having them on. They aren't as yellow as a normal fog but they put out a nice color. I have thought about putting the yellow HID's in my regular headlights. I can understand that the yellow may not go as far as first suggested but I do believe that if you drive in fog, rain what have you that the back glare from a yellow light wouldn't be as bad as a straight white light.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 303
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From: Blacksburg,VA
I use yellow bulbs in my fogs http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.as..._prod_ids=1903 just for the higher contrast that yellow provides (ever wore those yellow shooting glasses?).
When it comes to fog lights, brighter isn't necessarily the answer. The problem with fog is both low light penetration and then light reflecting back to you, so brighter lights would result in more light shining back at you. I believe that's why yellow is the color of choice for aftermarket fog lights - better contrast.
When it comes to fog lights, brighter isn't necessarily the answer. The problem with fog is both low light penetration and then light reflecting back to you, so brighter lights would result in more light shining back at you. I believe that's why yellow is the color of choice for aftermarket fog lights - better contrast.
Last edited by fireman137; Jan 3, 2008 at 08:04 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 393
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From: Ohio
I have Hella 500 fog lamps-clear on my truck and they are awsome
if its raining/snowing or what not ill shut off my headlights and run with these and see much better-only time i see the light come back is if is a freaking white out
trust me-takes a while to get them aimed right but once you do you wont regret it
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
if its raining/snowing or what not ill shut off my headlights and run with these and see much better-only time i see the light come back is if is a freaking white out
trust me-takes a while to get them aimed right but once you do you wont regret it
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku