Automation - Fog Lights / Wipers

[adauria]

Hi folks,

Being the nerd I am, I am reading the through the owner's manual on my new Genny 3.8 Prem. It says 2 things contrary to what the dealer delivery guy told me I could/should do:

- Don't use fog lights unless road conditions have poor visibility as it will strain the battery and generator.

- Don't leave the automatic wipers on (safety reasons??)

So my questions are:

1) Do you leave your fog light switch in the on position so they come on whenever the headlights come on?

2) Do you leave the automatic wipers in the auto position all the time, rain or shine?

Thanks!!

-Andrew

 

[Mark_888]

One reason to not use the fog lights unless necessary is that they can overheat and melt the cheap plastic housing if left on for too long, especially in hot weather. This melting has been reported by others, especially by those who have replaced the bulbs. Not sure if this has been fixed in more recent model years.

Yes, having the fog lights on all the time the lights are on will drain the battery more, and cause the alternator to work harder. Not sure if it will actually cause the battery to fail sooner. I cannot imagine why anyone would want their fog lights on all the time.

Not sure about the wipers, but probably not a big deal. I think it is best to have them in off position when a car is shut down, because you may not want them on next time you start up, and it could streak the window or damage the blades if the window is not wet and the wipers start moving.

 

[brfatal]

Foglights reduce your distance vision because the additional foreground lighting cause your pupils to constrict more, meaning you can't see as well in low light.

 

[kpxnsfcxkp]

You should not have any issues having the fog lights on whenever you have your headlights on. If you do have some issues, then it will be covered by warranty. Also for the automatic wipers, you can leave it on auto setting and it won't be bad for your car. The only reason why I leave is off is because I hate the windshield wiper mark on the windshield (I like my windshield clean). You paid for all those options, you should use it if you want to use them. Don't let the dealer tell you what to do.

 

[mtrot]

Foglights reduce your distance vision because the additional foreground lighting cause your pupils to constrict more, meaning you can't see as well in low light.

This is true, but the 35W fogs in the Genesis don't put out that much light anyway.

 

[TommyGardner]

Hi folks,

Being the nerd I am, I am reading the through the owner's manual on my new Genny 3.8 Prem. It says 2 things contrary to what the dealer delivery guy told me I could/should do:

- Don't use fog lights unless road conditions have poor visibility as it will strain the battery and generator.

- Don't leave the automatic wipers on (safety reasons??)

So my questions are:

1) Do you leave your fog light switch in the on position so they come on whenever the headlights come on?

2) Do you leave the automatic wipers in the auto position all the time, rain or shine?

Thanks!!

-Andrew

I think I too follow same rules. There is no need of keeping fog lights on with enough visibility outside.. Same for wipers.. We need to follow rules...

 

[Beau2424]

And i using auto wipers than make sure to take it off auto when going thru a car wash! Believe me, i learned the hard way lol

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

My fogs have been on since day one when I bought it 1 1/2 years ago with no issues. My windshield wipers were put in auto when I found out about them and no issues there either. Just have to remember to turn them off when going thru the carwash.

As for the draining the batterey and making the Altenator work harder, I don't buy it. First off, once the car is started, the electrical system runs off the alternator power, not the battery. That's why you can disconnect the battery all together and the car will continue to run. The Alternator will recharge the battery as necessary using a voltage regulator built into the alternator. It's designed that way. It recharges the batterey so that you have a full charge next time you go to start the car.

By the logic that it will drain the battery and wear out the alternator if you use them, then you shouldn't turn any electronic or electricial equipment on when driving the car because it will wear them out. So in that case, we might as well go back to a horse and buggy.

 

[Beau2424]

Lol good points

 

[Mark_888]

My fogs have been on since day one when I bought it 1 1/2 years ago with no issues. My windshield wipers were put in auto when I found out about them and no issues there either. Just have to remember to turn them off when going thru the carwash.

OP does not have Tech Package, just variable (intermittent) speed wipers.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[adauria]

Thanks for the feedback guys... this is a good discussion and given me some ideas to think about.

I believe the wipes that come with Premium package are auto wipers... They certainly have an "auto" setting on the arm.

-Andrew

 

[Mark_888]

I believe the wipes that come with Premium package are auto wipers... They certainly have an "auto" setting on the arm.

My mistake. Not sure if that applies to 2009-2011 Premium Package.