Poor lighting while turning

[ChrisA]

First of all, love this Leaf. But I could use some guidance. I notice while turning into my driveway, that the turning area is completely black until I nearly complete the turn. In other words, I could turn off a cliff and wouldn't know it until I was halfway down. I can't see a thing on the sides of the car when I'm turning either direction. My Leaf, like most, has the "plugs" where fog lights could go. I'm tempted to have them installed to see if I can improve my turning sight. But if all they do is light up the road in front of me, then that won't help. I imagine some of you have fog lights. Do they help you see when you turn? Thanks for your help. Chris

[Titanium48]

Fog lights tend to spill a lot of light to the sides so they would probably help, but I can't say for sure because I hardly ever make sharp turns in poorly lit areas. I suspect most owners would say the same - streets in most urban areas are so brightly lit that you could see fairly well with no headlights at all.

[ChrisA]

Thanks for the input. You're right, in town is not so bad. But I was on a country road one night and had to make a hard left turn, and couldn't see a thing. It was very uncomfortable, and I was surprised at the poor vision. I'd like to hear from someone who has the fog lights...do they help with turning vision?

Thanks again.

[johnlocke]

I installed aftermarket fogs in the lower grill area as full time running lights. I picked 18w LED units with 6 horizontal LEDs in each. They certainly throw a lot of light to either side. I can actually use the new lights instead of the low beams most of the time. I also replaced the standard high beams with LEDs as well. The standard high beams threw a yellow tinged light and didn't throw any further than the LED low beams. The new LEDs are a lot better. I just didn't want to hassle with finding the bits and pieces to fit the standard fogs in place.

[ChrisA]

Reading your post again, it sounds like you didn't use the punch-out light holders in the front bumper for your fog lights.

[GerryAZ]

Since fog lights have wide beam patterns, it is critical to make sure they are aimed down toward the road so they don't blind oncoming drivers.

[ChrisA]

Is this a job I can do myself? It would be nice if the wires were just laying behind the caps where fog lights go, but that would be asking a lot!

[LeftieBiker]

Is this a job I can do myself? It would be nice if the wires were just laying behind the caps where fog lights go, but that would be asking a lot!

This is why it's helpful to put your year and model in your signature line...

[cwerdna]

I imagine some of you have fog lights. Do they help you see when you turn? I'm very surprised that I'm not finding more people who are concerned about this, as it is a safety hazard, especially for pedestrians who may be approaching,

Shrug. I've been driving a '13 Leaf for almost 6 years. I have no concerns about this. My leased Leaf had fog lights. I don't recall them ever being that helpful nor helpful in your scenario. The LED headlights on the '13 SV as part of the quick charge + LED headlight package are way better than the crap halogens on the '13 SV w/o it. I have the latter now since my leased Leaf was returned.

Also, my owned '13 SV has no fog lights.

What if you turn on your high beams before turning?

Sorry, I have no cliffs near home nor my driveway. I have no trouble seeing pedestrians before turning, esp. if use my high beams.

[LeftieBiker]

I never had any trouble seeing the shoulder of the road when turning either.