Like most Australians. It was certainly something that puzzled me when they first started to appear as imported European cars became more common in perhaps the 1980s - I can't remember when I noticed them.
John
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I find this thread very interesting as I don't remember ever not knowing what they were, though perhaps it's because my parents are European and I am of a younger generation. It makes me wonder what bits of common knowledge I'm missing (no doubt a substantial amount is regarding defenders)...
And there's nothing wrong with learning something for the first time
I've driven in dense fog a few times and have appreciated just how effective rear fog lights are in clearly seeing other cars ahead of you, though my appreciation of their use is outweighed by my hatred of those who drive around with front fogs on permanently. Usually they're little more than a nuisance, but when you're on a dark country road and the opposing car dips their hi-beam you're still left with a pair of glaring fog-lights which, because they are less focussed, often appear brighter than the low-beam headlights more than doubling the amount of light shining at you. And for what? Fogs are useless for long distance lighting and in my opinion are in fact detrimental as they illuminate the ground 1-3m in front of the car making the road ahead relatively darker. :censored:
I've changed the fog to a reversing light on my previous 110 & current 90.
Although I have not yet needed to use it, I relocated the fog to the hole in the rear cross member of the 90 so if I do want it, it's only the push of a button away. :angel:
I read my car's owner's handbook when I got my RRC and found out what the switches did and what the lights on the dashboard were for. And I'm probably of your parent's age (but not European).
From the number of cars driving around with the rear fog light on, it's apparent that many drivers don't read the handbook.
I was more trying to say that I was surprised that people didn't know this as everyone I have ever encountered has, which I might attribute to growing up with fog lights on cars and having parents who learned to drive in Europe.
Also, fog lights come up in L Tests these days which probably wasn't the case 20+ years ago. I also think there's plenty who turn rear fogs on to 'make the car more visible' even though it's midday and they're driving a bright red SUV. Or those who think the front fogs look cool (I'm looking at you Subaru drivers).