Since we published the list of equipment changes for the 2016 Model Year, there’s been an on-going debate about rear fog lights. For those of you new to this, MINI USA has decided to remove the rear fog lights has an option starting with 2016 MINIs. We believe, like many of you, that this might […] (visit MotoringFile for the full article) More...
How about a petition to teach folks how to use them... Have that one a-hole drive down the highway on a clear night... Rear fog on, blinding everybody behind him cause he can...
Far too often have I been nearly rear-ended in inclement weather. They have a purpose, unfortunately, Americans are generally too dumb to understand what that purpose is.
Most people in the US have never used them before. In Europe they are usually standard I think. As a nation we do not know how to use rear fogs properly.
Rear fogs will not solve the stupid problem..people will still run into the drivers in front. I never understood the why anyone would want them. They simply look like someone is riding their brakes.
Only when they're integrated into the taillights. I hate non-functional things - why even bother putting the non-functional housings on the car if their functionality isn't even enabled?
I've used mine once in the last couple of years. Coming over the mountain from Asheville, NC in sleet, snow, and fog. They stayed on for four hours on I-40 on the way home before the weather improved. I was glad I had them. The Mini is the only car I've had them on. I never even heard of rear fogs before I got the car. Saw it on the option sheet and said yeah, okay, what the hell. Had to read up on them to figure out how/when to use them.
When/If we ever get any rain, the aftermath is a tule fog that nets 0 visibility. It's then I will turn mine on, and frankly I don't care whether or not anyone is bothered by the brightness of the light. They're handy in helping the derelict, driving too fast for the conditions (maybe under the influence) tailgaters to see you.
I vote no, and especially not integrated into the tail lights, the only way I am ok with them is if they are small, round and low on the vehicle. The problem with rear Fog Lights is that they confuse people, people mistake them for brake lights, which in turn causes them to needlessly brake, which starts a potentially dangerous chain reaction, esp. in wet or slippery conditions. I've seen and had to deal with it all too often. Remember most accidents are caused by confusion and people not paying attention, why add to it.
People can't check the oil in a car and you think you can teach them how to use a rear fog light. :lol::lol::lol: My 05 has a rear fog light and I really don't care about the new models.
I didn't think they'd be helpful as such, so I didn't get that option for my 2003 R50, but I swapped the existing rear fog bulbs for LED ones and run them in parallel with my rear brake lights. I do have the front fog lights. Since they're low with a cutoff and don't shine into oncoming cars, I feel ok about using them sometimes.
I'm all for anything that will prevent a potential SUV enema. That's why I installed LED tail lights and a pulse module on my third brake light. Much like I did on my Harley.
Now I know... Tule fog /ˈtuːliː/ is a thick ground fog that settles in the San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley areas of California's Great Central Valley. Tule fog forms from late fall through early spring (California's rainy season) after the first significant rainfall.
On occasion... Yes it does precipitate here. As you might guess, I'll likely never have my rear fog light burn out.
