I'm pretty familar with the whole issue of Cooper driving lamps and the fact the in the US, they have to be wired so that they are only on during highbeam operation.

My question is why? Is it the wattage of the bulbs? I cite as an example: I just saw a new Mustang (2007) with what looked like 6" or 7" HELLA type lamps in the grill. They were clearly ON while the normal headlights were ON. Not the HB's. Seemed like an almost identical situation (large lights in the grill) as the Mini. What gives?

I apologize in advance for the (probably) dumb question.

Again, I'm only talking about the US and the supposed DOT laws as they apply to the Minis' Driving Lamps.

I await your pummeling....

 

I think I read that the DRL use the high beam lamp at 50%....

 

yah, I'm wondering why too, anyone? Bothers me....

 

They have always set up driving lamps to work only with the high beam, while the fog lamps are only on with the low bwam. The relay in most cars, the computer in the Mini assures this. The mustang you saw most likely had fog lamps in the grill. It has something to do with only so many lights on at one time. To drive, lets say with the fogs and driving on at the same time makes no sense, beam patterns cross over eavh other, or on the other hand I could be completley wrong....Hope I helped.

Larry

 

The lens on the driving light is not designed to focus down on the road surface immediately ahead of the car. Hence they will blind oncomming traffic just like high beams. They are great for turning night into day, but at the risk of burning out the retinas of others. They are an excellent addition to the high beams.

 

 

Going with the dispersion pattern theory for a moment, say you installed some Hella FF200 Clear Fog Lamp from www.rallylights.com on the bonnet grill. You COULD/WOULD wire those to come on with the factory fog lights?

If it's that Driving Lamps (due to their dispersion pattern) have to be wired to the HB's then I'll buy that. Then Fog lights (if you had more than one pair) could be wired together (even if they are mounted at the same level as the normal head lights).

The FF200 Fog Lamp (when turned off) would still give the look of true rally lamp (as they look identical to the driving lamps sans the lens).

What say, your honor? Would that be a ?

 

More evidence that hooking up some Hella FF200 'Fog' lights instead of 'Driving' lights would be the answer of having them on at the same time as the regular headlights or foglights.

http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.c...200-fog-lamps/

• Illuminates the Roadway Over a Broad Area without Dazzling Oncoming Traffic
• Driving Lamp Produces a Far-Reaching, Accurately Directed Light

[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/k3imibbg/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]

 

That would be correct. Not only does the dispersion pattern of the lens affect the purpose of the light, but also the parabolic curvature of the reflective surface.

That being said, if you want best visibility from your fogs in fog, you want to mount them as low as possible to minimize direct reflection back from the fog.

 

And fog, or foul weather lights should be yellow/amber in color to help pierce through the fog...it's like shining a flash light against a white wall...you'll blind yourself....I find it funny that fog lamps are white...

Also remember....these lights are suppose to help others see you as well in weather conditions...