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Window glare and inclement weather in early fall pose additional risks to drivers and pedestrians.
"Autumn doesn't create visibility problems, it exposes the ones that have been developing for months," said James Mason of Smileys Auto Detailing. "Addressing them before autumn is in full swing helps you stay prepared for changing light and weather conditions."
As a child, Mason spent weekends helping his father prepare the family vehicles for road trips. This life lesson made him understand that clean windshields, working lights and functional wiper blades were just as important as a full tank of gas.
This early experience laid the foundation for a 28-year automotive career dedicated to preventive maintenance and vehicle safety. Mason shares his top visibility car care tips for autumn:
Clean windshield inside and out
"A clean windshield on both sides minimizes glare from low-angle sunlight, oncoming headlights and streetlights. This gives your eyes a sharper and less fatiguing view of the road,” said Mason.
Bug residue, tree sap, pollen and road film bond to exterior glass, while fingerprints and dashboard off-gassing leave behind an invisible haze.
For best results, remove these contaminants by cleaning both sides of the windshield with an automotive glass cleaner and lint-free microfiber towel. Start with the exterior to remove dirt, insect residue and road grime. Next, clean the interior using overlapping vertical and horizontal strokes to avoid streaks.
Replace worn wiper blades
"Start autumn with fresh blades helps them clear rain, leaf debris and road spray more effectively before winter weather places an even greater demand on them," Mason says.
Hose down your windshield to test your vehicle wipers blades. Do they leave streaks, skip or chatter across the windshield? Is the wiper rubber separating from the frame?
Windshield grit reduces the blade's contact with the windshield and leaves smudges that can obstruct your view in wet weather. Mason recommends replacing wiper blades to prepare for the months ahead rather than waiting until they no longer provide a clear view of the road.
Pro tip: Regularly clean the rubber edge of each wiper blade with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime that can cause streaking or scratch the windshield.
Apply a rain repellent
Road spray, dust and grime can combine with rainwater to create a stubborn film that smears the windshield with each wiper pass.
Rain repellent causes water to bead and roll off the glass. This is especially important at highway speeds, where clear vision is critical.
Here’s Mason’s 5-step process for applying a rain repellent:
- Clean and dry the windshield. Even small amounts of bug residue or moisture can prevent the treatment from bonding evenly to the glass.
- Apply in small and overlapping sections. This reduces missed spots that can affect water beading during heavy rain.
- Buff away residue. Clean with a microfiber towel to achieve a streak-free finish. Fold and switch to a clean side to avoid redistributing residue across glass.
- Test treatment. Use the windshield washer system to identify missed areas that require a second application.
- Check the rain repellent regularly. Highway driving, frequent wiper use and automatic car washes gradually wear down the coating. Reapply treatment when water stops beading on the windshield.
Inspect and replace exterior lighting
Take a few minutes each month to inspect your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights and daytime running lights for burned-out bulbs or dim output. Even LED lights found on most newer vehicles can fail.
According to some industry estimates, traditional bulbs can lose 33% of their brightness in two to three years of use – 73-meter beam (240 feet) reduced to 49 meters (160 feet).
For older vehicles with traditional bulbs, replace them in pairs to maintain consistent brightness and avoid having older bulbs fail shortly afterward.
"Replacing bulbs in pairs maintains the same beam pattern, which improves nighttime visibility and reduces the need for an unexpected replacement."
Restore headlight lenses
Months of intense summer sunlight and flying road debris can leave headlight lenses yellowed, hazy and chipped.
Check your headlight lenses for oxidation, rock chips, cracks and signs of moisture inside the headlight housing. If you notice minor surface oxidation, consider using a headlight restoration kit.
Lenses with deep cracks, internal damage or persistent moisture entry must be replaced.
Check headlight alignment
Overloaded cargo, worn suspension components and minor collisions can cause your headlights to become misaligned. Have a service advisor inspect the headlight alignment and determine whether it can be corrected with a tweak or if additional repairs are needed.
"Checking your headlight alignment ensures the beams illuminate the road ahead and not the eyes of oncoming drivers," Mason said.
Extra tips for visibility this autumn season
Mason suggests adding these tips to your visibility checklist:
- Clean side mirrors regularly: Remove water spots, road film and dirt to improve visibility and reduce sun glare.
- Use the right cleaning products: Clean cameras, sensors and mirror housings with safe products and a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching delicate surfaces.
- Keep a spare set of wiper blades: Sudden temperature changes can cause older rubber to crack sooner than expected.
- Have a microfiber towel in the vehicle: Use it for removing condensation, fingerprints or road film from windows and mirrors during road trips.
- Park facing east when possible: Morning sunlight dries overnight dew more quickly, reducing the amount of moisture on the windshield before your commute.
- Inspect windshield trim: Check for loose or cracked moldings that can allow water to seep around the edges of the windshield.
- Schedule a visibility inspection before winter: Have a service advisor inspect your headlights, windshield, wiper blades and washer system to identify and correct minor issues before colder weather affects visibility.
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