ATLANTA – When preparing for winter driving, a vehicle’s lighting system is typically one of the last things on the preventive maintenance checklist, if it even makes the list at all. However, with more than 200 million registered motorists navigating the roadways in less-than-ideal weather conditions, ensuring the upkeep of your vehicle’s lights should be a top priority.
You don’t have to be an automotive expert to properly maintain your lights, but it can help to work with your local NAPA AutoCare Center. According to Kit Johnson, 2007 NAPA AutoCare Center Technician of the Year, older, sealed-beam headlights dim over time and should be replaced periodically. While newer halogen bulbs don’t suffer from this problem, replacement bulbs are available that can increase lighting performance.
Headlight aim is also important. Lights that work but point in the wrong direction will not illuminate the road properly. What’s more, they can cause glare that decreases visibility in snow or fog, and presents a hazard to oncoming traffic.
"Having a trained technician inspect your vehicle’s headlights twice a year will enhance visibility and provide safer, more enjoyable driving," said Johnson. "In the fall, I recommend motorists use the end of daylight-saving time on November 4 as a reminder to get their lights inspected."
While headlights a the brightest bulbs in your vehicle’s lighting system, they aren’t the only ones to check. With rain and
snow on the way, proper functioning of the parking lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and side marker lights is imperative. These lights help prevent accidents by making your vehicle more visible to other drivers and alerting them when you are slowing down or turning. Johnson recommends having your local NAPA AutoCare Center technician check these lights during every oil change visit.
Even when a vehicle’s lights are in good working condition, drivers may be confused on when they should, or legally must, use
their headlights. AAA recommends motorists use headlights during any inclement weather and at dusk and dawn. In addition, because the laws vary by state, motorists are strongly encouraged to check with local authorities for the specific laws in their jurisdiction.
NAPA AutoCare Centers offer a preventive maintenance program that includes complete inspections and regular monitoring of vehicle systems. Consumers can learn more about this program by contacting their local NAPA AutoCare Center or by calling 800-LET-NAPA. To find a NAPA AutoCare Center near you, visit www.NAPAOnline.com.
