I have been questioning the need for fog lights here, and have to admit, that this morning, they were very useful.

I had to drive well before light, so pitch dark and heavy snow and none of the roads had been cleared as yet. In light snow, the xenons are just fine, but when it was snowing heavily, the fogs provided a very nice illustration of where the road was close to the car. No plowing, no street lights, so everything was white and the snow heavy enough that you could not see the roadside markers more than 40 meters ahead - and they are 100 meters apart.

A total distance of 100 miles, the first 45 minutes in the dark. No plowing, gritting or salting anywhere on a Sunday morning. The SM did brilliatly. The only concern was what we now call the Burka drivers - just a small cleared spot on their windshield and the rest of the car covered in snow, headligts and all. It makes you wonder what goes on inside their heads - if anything?

Edited 31 January, 201016 yr by Agerbundsen

The ideal use of the fogs. They are perfect for close illumination where the heads would reflect on the falling snow and blind the driver.

...... The only concern was what we now call the Burka drivers - just a small cleared spot on their windshield and the rest of the car covered in snow, headlights and all. It makes you wonder what goes on inside their heads - if anything?

We have these drivers in Scotland too - the only difference is they can't stay behind you - they have to overtake you no matter what - and whatever the risk .... and then when they do pass you, you meet them 15mins later in the queue for the next junction - they gained 15ft .... :S

Thanks for the tip on the Fog lights - I will be needing to try this soon I think as we have similar conditions here!

Graham

Fog Lights are ideal in conditions of falling snow and are the only other legal situation other than fog when they can be used in GB at least.

When travelling long distances at nigh, falling snow can be a little tiring because of the tunnel effect. It does not matter what direction the wind is blowing, the snow always tunnels in towards the driver. It is quite easy to become mesmerised fallowing the fall of single flakes as they progress on their suicidal journey towards the car.