Every vehicle owner, be it a motorcycle, a passenger car or a truck, at least once, but fell into conditions of limited visibility. Fog or light but light rain at night can make driving difficult even for experienced drivers. Needless to say about people who have just received a license, driving from a comfortable and fast movement turns into real torture, because even from a seemingly empty road you can’t take your eyes off for a moment.
Of course, such a load makes a person get tired faster and, as a result, lose concentration, which in turn increases the risk of moving off the road, colliding with an oncoming one or even knocking down a pedestrian. Therefore, in order to prevent such dangers, drivers often look at PTFs (fog lights). The features of their designs can significantly increase the viewing range and protect themselves from unpleasant consequences.However, it is important to understand that it will be the benefit of high-quality and popular models (among which there are both expensive and quite affordable, and their main quality lies precisely in reliability and performance), which will tell the rating of the best fog lights for 2022.
Content
Today, there are a huge number of PTF manufacturers on the market, but not all of them (despite the price tag) really correspond to their characteristics. Among the brands that you can unconditionally trust, there are even Chinese manufacturers, but this does not change the fact that their products from year to year fall into the selection of the best components of the most authoritative resources. Among the verified brands are: Hella, PIAA, Osram - unconditionally, Morimoto, Wesem and Philips - selectively (some models).
Regarding the choice of light: no matter what PTF the motorist chooses halogen, gas discharge or LED (this is a matter of taste and the expected result), it is important to remember that the maximum effect can be achieved by following the advice:
With the advent of LED headlights, many predicted the departure of halogen analogues from the market (and this is partly true - it is LEDs that are installed on the latest models of expensive equipment). However, the high cost of the former and the presence of certain disadvantages played a decisive role - halogens are still in demand. Their main feature is a warm, slightly yellowish color. Moreover, even in the top-end variations, this feature does not disappear, but only becomes less noticeable. But here, all fans of white light, it is worth considering that it is yellow that allows you to best illuminate a wet or ice-covered road - unlike white, it does not create reflections, but is superimposed. Also, this type of lamp is characterized by heat radiation. From here come problems when the glass heats up, and cracks when it comes into contact with water. True, today this phenomenon has practically disappeared.
Price: 1660 rubles.
Dlaa is a purely Chinese manufacturer that produces products for the budget segment.Therefore, it is definitely not worth looking for something worthwhile from them, however, if the very minimum is considered, then here it is - LA-930EX Y. It should be said right away that most of the products of this brand cannot be used for their intended purpose at all, so you should not pay more (in In any case, the improvement in quality will hardly be noticeable, and on paper, all Chinese goods are almost superior to European counterparts).
And yet, Dlaa can be considered as the simplest solution, however, you should be prepared for the fact that you have to buy extra light bulbs. After all, those that come with the kit are quite low in performance and are not able to perform the tasks. So the cost of the headlights will have to add the price of light bulbs with an H3 base. By assembling such a “constructor”, you can get quite good PTFs with normal performance for their class.
Features and specifications: halogen fog lights (optional) with a power of 55 W, a voltage of 12 V (which indicates the possibility of an early failure); the case is made of metal, from which the coating is quickly erased, the shape is a circle; yellow or transparent glass, without additional protection; The set includes two headlights.
Conclusion: when choosing a PTF, you should think carefully before buying a Dlaa LA-930EX Y. After all, if you take into account all the costs and the need for refinement, then this model comes out at cost as a good Polish counterpart.Regarding the service life and work, Dlaa leaves behind twofold feelings: on the one hand, everything works, on the other, some “jambs” and shortcomings are constantly noticed. It is also worth considering that these headlights may look good on Soviet-made cars and old foreign cars, but such a kit installed on a new car will most likely look comical.
Price: 2700 rubles.
Wesem is a respected Polish brand that has held the brand for almost half a century. During this time, the company has been able to create many interesting developments and can boast of creating good lighting fixtures for any type of transport (cars, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, etc.). It is also worth mentioning here that in addition to HM2 082.31, for the same price, you can also look at newer models, since they are all of approximately the same quality.
The first thing you feel when you take Wesem in your hands is definitely not Chinese rubbish, but a well-made product within its price. Of course, there was no cost reduction. So, the case is made of simple plastic, and there are no lamps in the kit. True, if we recall the example of Dlaa, then it is probably good that the Poles refrained from the temptation to “plug in” cheap light bulbs and charge good money for them. As practice shows, and reviews, in the end, the vast majority of lamps in inexpensive PTFs have to be changed.
What will please the owners of HM2 082.31 is the glass diffuser and IP66 water and dust protection. Regarding glass, it is yellow, which allows you to be less picky about the choice of light bulbs (yellowness will still adjust their color temperature to the optimum). Now about protection.Although the case is well protected from dust and moisture, its fragility spoils the picture a little. Therefore, this model is best placed on passenger cars for driving around the city or country roads (but it’s better not to install Wesem HM2 082.31 on jeeps and SUVs). And besides, these PTFs are lightweight and without problems in the form of additional frame reinforcements are placed on plastic bumpers.
The process of replacing light bulbs is also very thoughtfully implemented without the use of mounts and violations of the headlight adjustment. The front panel is easily unscrewed (which also helps to simply replace the glass if necessary, without changing the headlight itself), and the optical element is removed entirely, after which it is replaced.
Features and specifications: Halogen fog lights (optional) 55W, 12V; the case is made of plastic, the shape is a rectangle; yellow glass, without additional protection; The set includes two headlights.
Conclusion: if in the selection criteria the item stands alone to find inexpensive and high-quality, without unnecessary "bells and whistles" PTF, then there is no better option than Wesem HM2 082.31. Resistant to the influence of water and dust, a reliable case, together with hand-picked light bulbs, will be the best budget option.The possibility of disassembly also plays an important role, because in the event of a breakdown, everything is easily removed and replaced even independently.
Price: 2300 rubles.
Valeo is a well-known French brand whose products are regularly used by the giants of the global automotive industry, namely Renault, Ford, Nissan and Opel. So there is no need to doubt the reliability of the manufacturer, but it is very necessary to evaluate the compact Valeo 088358, which are suitable for installation in a bumper (especially for those motorists whose vehicles initially have holes for their installation). The quite acceptable price is also surprising, as for a company whose clients are not only domestic, but also foreign concerns.
Headlights are installed elementarily in a standard 90 mm connector. There are no complaints about the light either - the spot is symmetrical with clear edges illuminating even the roadside. However, this is not surprising, because the headlights are supplied immediately with Phillips bulbs or, if you are very lucky, Osram.
However, as in previous models, savings could not be avoided. Case 088358 is made of plastic, although of high quality. The lack of protection is also disappointing, so any contact with water is a risk to be avoided.
Features and specifications: Halogen fog lights (optional) 55W, 12V; the case is made of high-quality plastic, the shape is a circle; glass is transparent, without additional protection; The set includes two headlights.
Conclusion: these French-made fog lights are definitely worth attention due to their excellent performance and reasonable price. However, it is important not to forget that their use does not imply too frequent contact with water, and the design features are not suitable for all machines (it is important that they not only fit, but that it is convenient to interact with them if necessary).
Price: 7500 rubles.
Hella is one of the world's leading manufacturers of lighting equipment, with which the largest representatives of the European and American automotive industry cooperate, and for the development and long-term stable quality, the brand has repeatedly received the most prestigious industry awards. This review will consider several representatives of the German company, because its range really allows you to choose the best components for any task.
On the Internet, you can find a lot of positive reviews about the Jumbo 320 FF, because these foglights managed to combine a compact size, a relatively low price and excellent performance.
True, plastic is also used here as a frame, which slightly spoils the impression of the headlights, but everything quickly falls into place, you just have to put them into action. The standard bulbs here are so good that most owners only change them after they burn out or for fun. And light weight allows you to attach headlights even to the bumper of a car (although they are not designed for this) and at the same time the risk of losing them after another “shake” on domestic roads is quite low.Here it’s time to recall the reliability, the performance of which in the “Hella” is really on top: the plastic is durable, the reflectors are metal, and the diffuser is made of thick glass.
The shape of the Jumbo 320 FF is slightly non-standard, it is a rectangle with cut and rounded edges, but this does not prevent it from creating a powerful directional beam of light, which many experts call "correct". However, this is even confirmed by a special ECE certificate.
Regarding the replacement of light bulbs during combustion, the product uses a running size for the H7 base, which allows you to quickly find a replacement in the nearest car shop.
And finally, the last pleasant feature of Hella is the sealing performed at the proper level, and, surprisingly, there are practically no complaints about this.
Features and specifications: Halogen fog lights (optional) 55W, 12V; the case is made of durable plastic, the shape is a rectangle with cut and rounded edges; transparent glass, protected from water and dust; The set includes one headlight.
Conclusion: Jumbo 320 FF is a great option for any car, from a simple DAEWOO to famous foreign cars.There are no problems with these PTFs in any criteria (the quality of work and reliability are on top) and the only really serious minus can only be called a price tag.
Price: 8400 rubles.
Like the previous representative, Luminator differs in that it is sold individually and has an even more impressive price tag. Although, it is worth considering separately that this model is characterized by the manufacturer as a top-end, so everything is logical.
Of the features, especially in comparison with the cheaper Jumbo, Luminator has significantly larger dimensions (200 mm in diameter) and is represented by a whole series. As for the use, the "luminators" were definitely designed for large SUVs, which is clearly hinted at by the dimensions and fastenings (but, for the sake of truth, you can attach such a "thing to a passenger car, but how aesthetically it will look").
In films, often the main characters have a large, but not too new jeep, whose headlights are lit like searchlights. So this is not fiction at all, because Hella Luminator will have a similar effect. This beast with H3 bulbs is really capable of a lot, and it is confirmed by ECE certificates.
Also, this is the first representative of the rating with a metal case (Dlaa does not count, we are talking about high-quality material), which at first sight inspires respect. And even if it looks rough (the optics are fixed exclusively on the metal with the help of a metal ring, which I hold with four bolts attached to the internal hexagon), the result is worth it. By the way, despite all the imaginary "rudeness" of the work, everything inside is very carefully sealed.So, no puddles and even fords are not terrible for a car with Hella Luminator Metal - thick-walled glass is able to withstand significant temperature changes and will not burst, even if the driver installs more powerful light bulbs. In addition, water that has got inside will be able to safely leave the case, thanks to the holes located in it.
And finally, a few words about native light bulbs. It does not make sense to change them, since even the most picky motorists agree that they are very good.
Also, in order not to be confused with the markings, it is worth mentioning right away that the Luminator Chromium is completely identical to the Metal version and differs only in the case, without affecting the characteristics at all (in Chromium it is chrome, and in Metal it is metal covered with paint).
Features and specifications: halogen fog lights (optional) 55 W, 12 (24) V; the case is made of durable metal, the shape is a circle; glass is transparent, with a high level of protection and sealing; The set includes one headlight.
Conclusion: today Hella Luminator is recognized as one of the best PTFs, as the above characteristics and reviews of satisfied users speak eloquently. And the presence of two variants of the model only emphasizes its high class.So this is a universal option that can be installed even on a jeep, even on a truck, and they are one hundred percent suitable for travel, no matter how long and difficult they are.
Model | Power and voltage | Protection | Producing country | Amount) | average price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dlaa LA-930EX Y | 55W/12V | without additional protection | China | 2 | 1660 rubles |
Wesem HM2 082.31 | 55W/12V | without additional protection | Poland | 2 | 2700 rubles |
Valeo 088358 | 55W/12V | without additional protection | France | 2 | 2300 rubles |
Hella Jumbo 320FF | 55W/12V | protected from water and dust | Germany | 1 | 7500 rubles |
Hella Luminator Metal | 55W/12(24)V | with a high level of protection and sealing | Germany | 1 | 8400 rubles |
The times when motorists experimented and put LEDs in an optical system designed for "halogen" and got rather dubious results gradually left. Now on the market it is quite possible to find certified products from famous brands whose products can really provide good lighting. It is also important to choose models with good built-in heatsinks and make sure that the size of the case matches the space available in the car for its installation.
One of the most important points when buying LED headlights is fakes. There are a lot of them, and sometimes they are very similar to the originals, only because of the wrong cooling system or excessive power they burn out like matches. Therefore, if you can save a little on halogen lamps by buying them at the car market, then it is advisable to purchase LED ones in a car shop.
Price: 7400 rubles.
And again, Polish headlights are included in the selection as the most ideal option in terms of price / quality ratio.You should not expect any super indicators, however, by purchasing CDC2 you can be sure of the reliability and origin of the goods.
Headlights are made for landing in a bumper socket with a size of 80 mm. The case is quite durable, as it is made of polymers resistant to mechanical damage. The diffuser, as expected, is glass, but the lens is plastic. Has a serious protection against moisture and dust class IP68, IP69K.
And if the drivers could be a little upset about the hull, then inside Wesem is all right. As a light source, three 3 W LEDs from OSRAM are used, the heatsink is also excellent, made of aluminum. There is a choice of configuration with various connection options: wires or connectors.
There are no complaints about the light, judging by the reviews, the light spot is of the correct shape and width. It is also worth noting that well-tuned PTFs should not blind oncoming drivers.
Features and specifications: LED fog lights (optional) 9 W, 12-24 V; the case is made of shock-resistant polymers, the shape is a circle; white glass, with protection IP68, IP69K; The set includes two headlights.
Conclusion: Wesem CDC2 is one of the best and most affordable LED headlights on the market. At the same time, the owner receives not only high-quality components, but can also be sure of their reliability and durability.
Price: 12,000 rubles.
If anyone knows how to make high-quality lighting products based on LEDs, then it's Osram engineers. The German quality of the goods of this company is confirmed by the relevant certificates and many prestigious awards.
As for the Osram LEDriving FOG PL, this little miracle for a 90 mm socket can be installed as a daytime running light, and in a PTF, even in a KAMAZ, even in a passenger car. To do this, German headlights have two special modes of operation: 24 W and 14 W, which allows us to call them universal. Moreover, as you know, if the device is universal, then it is often worse than a simple analogue. So this is not at all about LEDriving FOG PL, because they shine like xenon ones (it's all about the company's own development - a collimating lens).
This model is produced with a different color of light (silver, pink, orange), which allows the driver to choose the color to his liking and make his vehicle unique. No problems were found in the body: an aluminum frame, thick glass, a lens made of high-quality polymers. The headlights are not afraid of the ingress of water, stones, since in matters of reliability it has no equal (the manufacturer guarantees operation for 5 thousand hours, which is equivalent to several hundred thousand kilometers of driving). Also, it would not be superfluous to say that all the characteristics and degrees of safety are confirmed by ECE, SAE, CCC, EAC and IP certificates.
Features and specifications: LED fog lights (universal) with a power of 48 W, voltage 9-12 V; the case is made of aluminum, the shape is a circle; glass of white color, with protection confirmed by IP; The set includes one headlight.
Conclusion: If you need a high-quality, economical and versatile light source that can work for thousands of hours in the most difficult conditions, then this, undoubtedly, should be Osram LEDriving FOG PL. Also in the shortcomings, the price is listed as a separate item, however, if you calculate how long these headlights work, then their owner can significantly save on the constant replacement of components.
Model | Power and voltage | Protection | Producing country | Amount) | average price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wesem CDC2 | 9W/12(24)V | with protection IP68, IP69K | Poland | 2 | 7400 rubles |
Osram LEDriving FOG PL | 48W/9-12V | with verified IP protection | Germany | 1 | 12 000 rubles |
Discharge headlights look very impressive, expensive and really effective as foglights. However, it should be borne in mind that the prices for such products are high, and their service life is approximately 3-4 years (it is also important to know that if one light bulb breaks, both change). Another interesting point is legality. So, xenon lamps can only be installed in optics with a special marking (usually the letter D), while an automatic corrector is required.
Price: 6700 rubles.
This model is not in vain called “Micro”, because it is really the smallest model from the DE series developed by Hella.Also interesting is the fact that such a headlight is often found in the halogen version.
The case is made of durable magnesium alloy, which ensures good safety of the product, the glass is also quite strong, but without additional protection. The joints are rubberized and should not allow moisture to enter.
Installation is simple: the lamp is attached to a wide variety of cars, thanks to a convenient U-shaped bracket. It is important to consider that the length of this product is 14 centimeters, and therefore it is necessary to check in advance whether the headlight will fit in a special socket. You also need to remember that all manipulations with the lamps are carried out from the back side (the rubber block is removed). Car owners will be pleased with the price, because two PTFs are supplied at once, as well as a complete set that has all the consumables for installation.
In terms of light, everything is also very good, as the owners of cars that are not intended for PTF of this size say, the trouble was worth it, since the light is several times better than the factory one. The light spot is clear with a good girth of the road.
Features and specifications: xenon fog lights (optional) 55 W, 12 V; the case is made of magnesium alloy, the shape is a circle; glass of white color, with the rubberized case; The set includes two headlights.
Conclusion: Hella Micro DE is an excellent, inexpensive option for high-quality xenon headlights from a well-known brand. The only drawbacks are the possible difficulties in installation (if the machine socket fits, everything clings quickly) and the external quality of the Romanian assembly (scratches, traces of screwdrivers).
Price: 3000 rubles.
Morimoto is a famous American brand that works closely with China. It is the Americans who monitor the quality of products assembled in the Celestial Empire and, admittedly, they do it very successfully. However, recent events in the world, which had a negative impact on the economic and political relations between the two countries, have become a serious threat to further cooperation.
As for the Morimoto Mini H1, this is not quite a headlight, but only its element - a bi-xenon lens (designed for the H1 base, but there are adapters for H4, H7 as well). But it is precisely in this feature that its main advantage lies - Mini can be installed on any vehicle, including a tricycle! To do this, you have to tinker a little and connect the lamp, while its elements are combined only with the body and glass, but the effect is worth it.
The light of this model is simply excellent for its price - a clear light boundary of the light flux, a wide coverage of the light spot and the absence of a dazzling effect of other road users. At the same time, reliability will also please - the manufacturer says about 6 thousand hours of operation, which is a very good result for this type of lamp. And finally: the kit contains all consumables in the amount of two pieces (adapters, locks, ignition blocks, rings, washers, seals, wiring).
Features and specifications: bi-xenon fog lights (optional) 35 W, 12 (24) V; the body of the light bulb is made of metal, the shape is a circle; glass white gray, foggy, two headlights are included in the delivery set.
Conclusion: Morimoto Mini H1 is a great solution for any vehicle. A good price, excellent performance and the availability of all consumables make this model one of the most advanced in its segment. And let the Chinese origin of the lamp do not scare drivers - Morimoto specialists know their stuff.
Model | Power and voltage | Protection | Producing country | Amount) | average price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hella Micro DE | 55W/12V | with rubber body | Germany | 1 | 6700 rubles |
Morimoto Mini H1 | 35W/12(24)V | – | USA | 2 | 3000 rubles |
When choosing fog lights, the driver should immediately familiarize himself with the rules for choosing lamps, and, of course, figure out how much he is ready to part with. So, in each segment there are very high-quality and inexpensive models, remember at least Morimoto Mini H1, Wesem HM2 082.31 or Valeo 088358. Another thing is if the car owner focuses not on price, but on the service life of the product. Then Osram LEDriving FOG PL and Hella Luminator Metal will be the undisputed leaders here.But, in any case, you should be aware of fakes and that no amount of money saved is worth the safety and good visibility in poor visibility conditions.