Should I install fog lights?

Hey guys, I have been reading up on this topic and still wanted to ask a few questions. I just bought a '14 SR5 that is fairly optioned out for that trim. For some reason it does not have the factory fogs, however. I honestly don't care that much but what I don't like is the dummy lights in that spot. It just looks cheap. So I have yet to crawl under and see if it is still pre-wired for Toyota. But even if it is, I'm not sure if I even want to install fogs or not. Is there another insert that can be purchased that looks better? Like even if it was just a vent or something, I think that would look good. I tried searching and really didn't even see anything. If not, I suppose I can look into getting a kit to do the oem (or comparable) install. I just figured I would ask and see what else is out there as an option. Thanks.

 

Depends on what kind of driving you do. They came in handy for me twice this past weekend driving in some pretty bad storms on some back roads. You never know though. For me, it's a "better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them" mentality.

Could always find someone who replaced their stock bumper with an aftermarket that would sell you the shrouds etc if yours is pre-wired. Same some money or go to a junkyard.

 

I forget I even have them.
So for me, no I can't say I'd spend the time or money adding them.

 

Ya, I suppose I could just do the OEM full install for under $50, even if I am not already wired from the factory. I just wasn't sure if I needed them and would be happy just somehow swapping in a different insert into the bumper that didn't have the dummy light. But I haven't come across anything like that, so I guess my only option is just just buy a light kit. I'm sure I'll use them, if I actually buy them.

 

I have a 2015 base access cab. I bought aftermarket fogs and wired them to be on anytime. I run them alot. Great for dusk/dawn and obviously fog/bad weather. Well worth the effort. Better to have and not need than to need and not have...

 

You should be pre wired, I was. You'll need the fog light relay and a fog light switch as well as the fog light housings themselves of course, which you can probably find in the forum for cheap. It's worth doing as they do make a difference at night. I run them in conjunction with my head lights all the time, that's to say if my headlights are on, so are my fogs. Otherwise I run only my DRL.

 

I like my fogs:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-foglight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.435419/

 

Only time I have ever really been glad to have fogs is during snow storms at night. Leave the lights on dim and the amber fogs on. They really help light up the sides of the road and make it easier to see what your working with over there.

Otherwise, they are just kind of a gimmik and not that useful IMO. I never run them in the summer.

Edit: I have had factory fogs and Rigid LED ones with amber filters. The Rigds are much better than stock in bad conditions.

 

I run my fogs full time and the amount of light spread to the sides is what I like. I know I would have missed seeing animals trying to run in front of me without them on. To me they're more a safety tool than a cool factor.

 

I say yes do it. I love mine. Out in the desert with no moon light or bad weather they kick ass.

 

I got a question about fogs. I wired mine so they only come on with low beams. When snowing or foggy it helps light the road directly in front of you. High beams would just blind out everything. But isn't it a law (in most states) they cannot be wired with high beams?

 

I agree. This is pretty much what I do.

 

OP, I just installed my fog lights about two months ago. Like @geekhouse23 said, I too had some bad weather recently and having the fogs helped tremendously. The advantage of fogs for me is not only that I can see more of my surroundings, but that the idiots driving around me can see me too.

I tend to be of the mindset that the brighter the light output your vehicle has the better, and I think it is a valid way of thinking in terms of general safety.

 

THIS.

 

Ya that is a good point. I think I am just going to buy the OEM kit and throw that on. I do drive a lot and some of that is in bad weather (storms and winters here in PA). I used them on my Z71, so I'm sure they will come in handy. Good info guys, thanks.

 

Check out this link, Unchained5051 has a lead on good deals on OEM parts. Fog lights are not listed but send him a PM, he may be able to help you. He gave me a ridiculous deal on housings.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-unchained5150-the-duke-of-deals-deals-thread.432586/

 

If you do install them don't be one of those douche bags that drives around with them on all the time. Fog lights are for fog or extra lighting when offroading.

 

@CaliRaisedLed should be coming out with a kit for our 12-15s where you can put a LED pod in there, if that's something you're into.

 

Lol no worries. I only used them occasionally on my Z71 (which is why I wasn't even sure I wanted them on this truck, as much as I wanted to change the way the inserts looked without them), so if I install then I would assume it would be much of the same.

 

I guess I'm the only one that thinks the OEM lights suck and barely throw much light. I can't wait to get rid of mine. If I were you OP I'd buy those new Apex Fab mounts with LED's, instead of throwing money at overpriced OEM stuff.