Driving In The Dark

Daylight savings time is now upon us, making most nightly commutes a dark one. This is can be dangerous for drivers due to decreased visibility on the road. In fact, most fatal accidents happen at night than any other time of the day. As with driving any time, alertness and common sense should also be used at night. Other than practicing safe driving skills, there are things you can do to your car to increase visibility and safety. The following are steps you can take to ensure your drive is safe in the dark.

Make sure your mirrors are clean and free of any scratches or abrasions. You should also check your mirrors for steam, frost, water droplets, or tarnishes before you start driving. Because we use artificial light sources to see at night, signs, pedestrians and other vehicles can be difficult to see. Keeping your mirror and windows clean allows you to see the road and others around you more clearly. Your car’s light sources are crucial for driving at light. Make sure all of these lights are in proper working condition before you start driving. This includes headlights, tail lights, corner lights, signal lamps, and license plate lights. Often times we find out too late when a tail or headlight is out. After checking for functionality, make sure they are aimed correctly. Then, make sure they are clean of any debris and dirt. Dirty headlights can severely affect your visibility on the road.

Cleaning your headlights is relatively easy and an inexpensive fix. One common method is to wash the outside of the lights with soap and water and dry them with a lint free cloth. This will remove any grime or dirt. Next, you can apply an aluminum-polishing compound with a soft, dry cloth. Work the compound by using small circular motions. Let the compound dry until it becomes hazy. Finally, buff the haze off with a clean towel or cloth. Repeat this process until the headlights are clear again.

Another, much cheaper method is to use regular white toothpaste. Apply it the same way you would with the aluminum-polishing compound using small circular motions until the grime is removed. However, simply rinse the headlights with water and wipe with a wet cloth. You can then apply some polish to make the lights shine. Check with your mechanic or auto-body shop for more techniques and more products for cleaning headlights.

A car cover is an easy way to make sure your car stays clean between uses. You won’t have to worry about cleaning before you drive because our covers keep dirt, dust and other contaminants from getting onto the exterior of your car. Follow these instructions for a safer night commute this winter!