12 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

Is there any way to link the front foglights to the spotlights/full beam so that they all come on together. Don't want to do this if it's illegal of course.

[ImagoX]

Is there any way to link the front foglights to the spotlights/full beam so that they all come on together. Don't want to do this if it's illegal of course.

Fog lights and driving (spot) lights are completely different animals and are aimed completely different. Fogs are for lighting the street very low to see the road markings when visibility is limited and driving spots are aimed *high* to show what's ahead. There are different aiming patterns for driving lights as well (pencil beam, corner beam) that are intended for different uses. As such, if I understand what you're asking, you'd get poor performance if you mix fogs and spots.

If, however, you mean that you want the driving spot lamps to only come on with your high beams then yes that's easily accomplished, and actually in the US is the only *legal* way to install driving lamps. True fog lamps should always be independently controlled and used specifically in inclement weather only.

If you describe exactly how you want the accessory lights to operate I can give you more specific wiring suggestions.

[Mini_Magic]

The spotlights already come on with full beam, I was wondering if the foglights could come on when the spotlights come one. Don't really want to do it if it affects vision or is illegal.

[ImagoX]

The spotlights already come on with full beam, I was wondering if the foglights could come on when the spotlights come one. Don't really want to do it if it affects vision or is illegal.

I think I'm getting confused with your terminology. Here in the US we use the following terms for lights:

* Low beams = standard headlights
* High beams = the more powerful setting on the headlamps - used to illuminate dark roads/further distance
* Fog lamps = independently-mounted lamps, generally mounted low on the bumper, used only in foggy conditions. have a very sharp "cut off" at the upper edge to keep the driver from being dazzled by reflections off the fog or rain. The primary purpose of fog lamps is to show a driver the center line and side line.
* Driving Lamps = independently-mounted lamps, generally mounted at the mid-line or up higher - used in clear conditions to extend the range of the car's high-beams. Driving lamps can be set for extreme distasnce (pencil-beam pattern) or to help illuminate curves (wide-beam pattern). Driving lamps should never be used in fog or rain as they will reflect and dazzle the driver.

So.... If what you're asking (in American terms) is should the fog lights also come on with the driving lamps then the answer is "no" - they're two different lighting systems with two very different aiming patterns (assuming you have them aimed properly).

Also, even if properly aimed, both driving lamps and fog lamps can dazzle oncoming traffic, and so they should only be used where appropriate, namely fog lamps in diminished visibility with no oncoming traffic and driving lamps in clear weather when no traffic is oncoming.

Does this give you what you need?

[Mini_Magic]

Yes but what I was thinking was the foglights could turn on along with the spotlights/driving lights when the lights are on full beam/high beam. This would mean that both the spotlights and fog lights would be off when there is on comming traffic as the lights would be dipped/low beam. Then when it is safe to put full beam/high beam on, all the lights including the fog lights would be on. I'm thinking this could improve visibility (when full beam is on) but would turn off when there is oncomming traffic to prevent dazziling (dipped beam).

EDIT: Basically I want to use the foglights as spotlights. Can I do that?

Edited by Mini_Magic, 30 August 2007 - 07:26 PM.

[ImagoX]

Yes but what I was thinking was the foglights could turn on along with the spotlights/driving lights when the lights are on full beam/high beam. This would mean that both the spotlights and fog lights would be off when there is on comming traffic as the lights would be dipped/low beam. Then when it is safe to put full beam/high beam on, all the lights including the fog lights would be on. I'm thinking this could improve visibility (when full beam is on) but would turn off when there is oncomming traffic to prevent dazziling (dipped beam).

EDIT: Basically I want to use the foglights as spotlights. Can I do that?

You CAN... but I wouldn't. Usually the only difference between fog lamps and spot lamps is aiming pattern (more expensive, dedicated-use fogs have a special beam pattern that cuts off sharply at the top but that's the exception to the rule). If you use standard lamps like Wipacs then fog units are mounted pointing very low as their only purpose is to show the driver where the edges and centerline of the road is in reduce visibility. Remember that under these conditions you should be driving very slowly. Spotlamps are aimed high, in order to show you more of the road ahead and therefore drive faster and with better visibility.

The problem with your setup is that mounting 2 lamps aimed high and 2 lamps mounted low work at odds... In clear weather the fogs do nothing for you except show you what's 15 feet in front of the car, giving you the false impression that you can see better, and in foggy/rainy weather the spot lamps will reflect horribly off the fog and totally blind you.

The ideal solution is to mount 4 lamps on the front, one set aimed high and the second low, and then control each pair from a separate switch... That way if you want to light up all 4 lights at once (at a show... to impress a hot lady..... whatever) you can do so, but when out on the road you can use JUST the pair that are best suited for the conditions you're in.

Keep in mind that you can also just keep a small adjustable spanner in the car and can set up all 4 lamps as spots or fogs with a bit of effort if you want max illumination for a particular condition - just park at least 30 feet from a flat surface like a wall or garage door and then aim one set (the one you want to change) up or down to match the set you want to use and tighten. Probably too much work for everyday use, but it IS an option.

Edited by ImagoX, 31 August 2007 - 06:17 AM.

[redhotmini]

you can but its not strictly legal and probably wont pass the mot

[Mini_Magic]

Alright nevermind, was probably a silly idea anyway.

[redhotmini]

i know what you mean, it does light the road up much better and saves you trying to find the foglight switch everytime someone comes the other way. mine only has the 2 outer driving lights but it could still do with being a bit brighter

[tomdale86]

can either of you other me advice on how to wire two spots up. i've got wipac's with the standard wiring kit and would like them to come on with full beams. i'm a real novice with electrics so much help is needed!

bit demanding i know!

tom

[Mini_Magic]

Sorry I can't help you, my spots came as standard with the car. Good luck finding out!

[1984mini25]

tomdale86 - Try this

http://www.theminifo...mp;hl=fog lamps

[BLACK LE]

Is there any way to link the front foglights to the spotlights/full beam so that they all come on together. Don't want to do this if it's illegal of course.

why not get a set of angel eye fogs and spots, all you need to do is get a supply from the sidelight feed and wire it to all the leds in the lamps.
this way all the fogs and spots come on together but dim untill they are switched on with the main beam or fog light switch. It is more legal if you use the white leds.