Reminder for Motorists to Check Vehicle Lights

The end of Daylight Savings Time happens in most parts of the United States during the first weekend in November and creates unfamiliar driving conditions that can be hazardous without proper vehicle lighting. The Car Care Council recommends vehicle lights be checked as soon as the clocks “fall back” to help ensure safe driving, especially during dusk and peak evening traffic hours.

 

A vehicle’s lighting system includes the headlights (both high and low beam), parking lights, turn signals/emergency flashers, brake lights, tail and marker lights, back up lights, interior lights and instrumentation lighting. Some vehicles are also equipped with fog lights.

 

Headlights should also be periodically cleaned of dirt and grim and properly aimed to procedures outlined in the owner’s manual. Cleaning the exterior lens can improve lighting efficiency by up to 30%. There are many inexpensive products on the market made especially for cleaning and waxing headlight lenses. Rough driving can knock headlights out of alignment, and if not properly aimed, can be distracting to other drivers.

 

Vehicle inspections during National Car Care Month have shown lighting to be an often neglected maintenance item, with 8% of vehicles inspected needing work on at least one of the turn signals and 6% having problems with at least one of their brake lights.

 

For the safety of you and others, it’s best to have your vehicle’s lighting system inspected and repaired soon to be ready for the increased driving during darker hours.

A Clean Car is Money in the Bank

  Purchasing a new car is a major financial investment. Keeping it clean is an easy and inexpensive way to protect its resale and trade-in value, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “Many motorists procrastinate when it comes to...

Always replace headlight bulbs in pairs

  Typically, motorists will only replace a headlight bulb that has burned out or is failing. However, replacing just one failed bulb can result in an unbalanced or unpredictable headlight beam, which presents a potential safety risk. From...

A Little Auto Care Goes a Long Way

Performing simple preventative maintenance on your vehicle will go a long way toward protecting your vehicle investment, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “Buying a new car today comes with a hefty price tag when you add up the down...

Basic Tire Maintenance for Every Driver

The tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road. When they are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability and safety of the vehicle will be maximized. Conversely, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or...

Recognizing the Signs of Vehicle Engine Damage

  It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your engine, there are some...

Avoid Surprise, Winterize

As you say goodbye to autumn, winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists perform a six-point winter maintenance check of areas that have direct impact on winter...

Seeing is Believing When it Comes to Road Safety

It’s no secret that properly functioning vehicle lights, wipers and mirrors allow for better visibility while driving, yet these items are often forgotten or ignored when performing basic auto care, says the non-profit Car Care...

Keep Your Car Breathing Well: Change the Air Filters

  You need clean air to breathe and so does your car, and a vehicle’s air filters make that possible. The non-profit Car Care Council reminds car owners to have the engine and cabin air filters inspected and changed regularly to ensure...

Basic Auto Care Many Drivers Miss

  Fluids and lubricants rank among the most neglected items when it comes to basic auto care, says the non-profit Car Care Council. Community car care events held throughout the country found that the top-three fluids most likely to be...

Six Ways You Could be Killing Your Car

  Owning a car can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how well you take care of your vehicle, says the non-profit Car Care Council. The following are six things that many motorists do that can harm their car and their...

Vehicle Checklist for Back-to-School Carpool Season

School carpool season is upon us and the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers to make sure their vehicles are kid-safe and road ready with a five-point checklist: Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement...

Are Your Brakes Trying to Tell You Something?

If your brakes are trying to tell you something, you should pay attention. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation and it should be checked immediately if you suspect any problems, says the non-profit Car...

Five Steps Towards Better Battery Behavior

Here’s hot news about your car battery that may seem surprising: It’s not so much the cold that gets it down as it is high heat. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s...

When, Where, and Why to Change Your Vehicle's Oil

The Car Care Council reminds motorists that basic vehicle maintenance is an easy, inexpensive way to prolong the life of vehicles and avoid costly repairs down the road. “When thinking about vehicle maintenance, regular oil changes likely...

Is Your Car Ready for a Road Trip?

If you are planning a road trip this summer, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just put gas in your car and go, says the non-profit Car Care Council. A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so...
Page: 123456 - All
Find An Auto-Lab® Near You!
Be Part Of Our Growing Community

…I would drive out of my way to have them service my vehicle any day of the week because I know I am getting service the way it should be!! Capt Colter B., US Marine Corps
star star star star star
Read More Reviews