When you live in a place like the Mid-Atlantic, you come to appreciate having all four seasons. Yet, with the colder fall and winter months comes wetter weather. Whether it's fog, rain, sleet or snow, you have to be prepared to drive in all types of nasty conditions. Your safety is at stake, along with the safety of your passengers and everyone else on the road around you.
One of the most important things to consider is your visibility. That's why it's a good idea to take some simple maintenance steps now before the weather starts getting too bad. Here are a few helpful visibility maintenance tips from Fox Run Auto in Bear, DE:
1. Replace Those Windshield Wipers
Now is a good time to replace worn out windshield wipers. You will need them a lot during the winter months, and you will want them working well. Don't wait until it's too late.
2. Refill Your Windshield Washer Fluid
Having an ample supply of windshield washer fluid is helpful to keep your windshield as clean and clear as possible. Top it off and check the reservoir regularly to make sure you always have plenty.
3. Keep an Ice Pick Handy
When ice forms on the windows, it can take awhile to get it clear in the morning. Keeping an ice pick in your glove compartment is always a good plan so it's handy when you need it.
4. Check Your Lights
The days are shorter and any stormy weather can make it difficult for you to see. It can also make it harder for other drivers and pedestrians to see you. Make sure all your exterior lights are working properly. If not, get the bulbs replaced as needed.
5. Get a Heater/Defroster Inspection
It's definitely worthwhile to bring your vehicle to an expert auto mechanic for a inspection and tune-up of your air conditioning/heating system and your rear window defroster. Windows will quickly fog up when it's cold outside, so you want to be able to clear them up as quickly as you can for improved visibility.
6. Consider a Window Treatment
Now is an ideal time to use a window/windshield treatment like Rain-X. It's simple to apply and it will help keep rain, ice and snow from sticking to your windows. It's another handy life hack for improved driver visibility.
7. Take Care of Your Mirrors
Whether it's the rear view mirror inside or the outside mirrors, make sure they are kept clean and angled properly for the best possible visibility.
These are just a few of the things you can do to stay safer during the wet and cold winter months of Northern Delaware. Other maintenance steps like oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections and wheel alignments are also good ideas this time of year. Fox Run Auto is here to help with all your automotive maintenance and repair needs. Just give us a call at (302) 597-9205 or schedule your service appointment online.