Ensuring your vehicle’s lights and signals function correctly becomes essential as the days grow shorter and the nights come sooner. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, you'll likely be driving more often in low-light conditions during the fall and winter months. Proper lighting not only improves your own visibility but also ensures other drivers can see you clearly, reducing the risk of accidents.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your exterior lights and signals:
1. Turn on Your Headlights
Start by turning on your headlights. Check your low and high beams to ensure they are bright and functioning correctly. If the light looks dim or uneven, it may be time to replace the bulbs or adjust the alignment. Poor lighting can significantly affect driving at night, especially on roads without adequate street lighting.
2.\Inspect Brake Lights
Brake lights are critical for signaling to other drivers when you're slowing down or coming to a stop. You can quickly check these by asking someone to stand behind your vehicle while you apply the brakes or by backing up to a reflective surface like a garage door and watching the reflection. If one of the brake lights is out, it can lead to dangerous situations, as drivers behind you may not react in time.
3. Test Turn Signals
Your turn signals are essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers, whether changing lanes or making a turn. If your turn signal blinks faster than normal, it often indicates that one of the bulbs is out. While this is a convenient built-in feature to alert you to an issue, please don’t wait too long to replace a faulty bulb, as it can increase your risk of accidents.
4. Check Hazard Lights
Hazard lights can be a lifesaver in emergencies, especially if you find yourself broken down on the side of the road at night or during inclement weather. Take a moment to ensure the front and rear hazard lights are flashing brightly when activated.
5. Fog Lights and Side Markers
If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, these are also important to check, especially as foggy weather is more common during fall and winter. Side marker lights, typically located near your vehicle's front and rear corners, help improve visibility in low-light conditions and when you’re turning. Make sure these are also in good working order.
6. Replace Bulbs as Needed
If you discover that any of your lights are out or dim, replacing them as soon as possible is critical. Driving without fully functioning lights is unsafe and illegal in most areas. At Bret's Autoworks Gardner, we can help replace and install new bulbs to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.
7. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Lights
Finally, while checking your lights, please also take a moment to clean them. Over time, headlights and taillights can become foggy or dirty, reducing brightness. Cleaning them with a proper solution can significantly improve visibility.
Why Regular Light Checks Matter
Not only does having functional lights keep you compliant with the law, but it also increases your safety and that of others on the road. Dimming lights, burned-out bulbs, or malfunctioning signals can be dangerous, especially in poor weather or night-time driving conditions.
At Bret’s Autoworks Gardner, we recommend regularly inspecting your lights as part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance, particularly as the seasons change. If you're uncomfortable checking them, stop by and let our team perform a thorough inspection to keep you safe on the road.
Stay proactive, stay visible, and stay safe!