A Bright Idea: Check Your Vehicle Lights and Wipers

As the days get shorter, it’s a bright idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working properly so you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, advises the Car Care Council.

Lights and wipers play a critical role in safe driving. They are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement.

The lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:

• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.
   
• Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaligned headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
   
• Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
   
• If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.   

The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers, and extreme heat from sunny days. Night driving with worn wiper blades is not only irritating, but can also be very dangerous. Wiper blades should be replaced at least twice a year, and even more frequently depending on severe driving conditions.