Driving at night can be a nightmare if the dark joins forces with bad weather, deplorable road conditions, and poor lighting. While you can do little about inclement weather and slippery roads, you can definitely do something about your car’s lighting. These tips will help you keep your car lights in perfect shape throughout the year:
1. Keep the headlights clean
Regularly cleaning your car’s headlights is the best and easiest way to increase their lifespan. Stock lights, particularly headlights, deteriorate relatively fast because debris and dust build-up around the lamps obstructing the light coming from them. Many car owners clean only the headlight covers, leaving the lamps underneath to accumulate debris. Some drivers do it unconsciously while others assume their car is invulnerable because it cost them a fortune, or it is one of the best-selling cars. If you haven’t been cleaning your headlamps, start today, and you will probably record an instant improvement in brightness.
2. Upgrade your lighting
The standard stock lighting the vehicle comes with can be upgraded by up to 100 percent, depending on the replacements you purchase. Auto lighting companies such as XK Glow offer a vast spectrum of bulb options, allowing drivers to improve their headlight brightness to their liking. If you are an avid night driver or a sufferer of age-induced night vision issues, replacing your standard lights should be at the top of your checklist.
3. Replace related bulbs at the same time.
Whether it is the turn signal lighting, headlights, brake lights, or tail lights – always change them in pairs. Dealers sell auto lights in pairs because changing one at a time can cause inconsistency in brightness, either because one of the bulbs is newer or they have different performance levels. Inconsistency in headlight brightness can be nonplussing to oncoming drivers, increasing your risk for nighttime collisions.
4. Pay special attention to the brake lights.
Many accidents on American roads can be attributed to defective brake lights. Once in a while, get someone to press the brake pedal while you watch to see how quickly the lights go on and off. If there are any delays or both or one of the lights is visibly dim or broken, check with a mechanic to install a new pair of bulbs. While you are at it, inspect the reverse lights too.
5. Install fog lamps
Fog lights are a great safety addition for when the road ahead is foggy, or there are low-light visibility conditions. The beam of light from fog lamps is powerful and can penetrate moisture, fog, and smoke more easily than standard headlights. Since most drivers don’t find themselves in situations where they need fog lights, the bulbs are often overlooked in routine checkups and may conk out without the driver knowing it. Note that not all cars come with fog lights preinstalled, so check to see if your new automobile has them.
Conclusion
All vehicles are vulnerable to lighting deterioration, whether it is a gasoline car or electric car. These tips should help you optimize your car’s lighting for safe driving. If you are not sure about the health of your car’s lights, check with a mechanic for a professional assessment.
