BOISE – Fall and Winter are just around the corner, and AAA is helping you get ready with some tips to improve visibility behind the wheel.
“With constant reminders that the days are getting shorter and shorter, now is the time to complete some simple maintenance on your vehicle – you’ll quite literally see the difference,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “The good news is that it doesn’t have to be an expensive process.”
To get started, replace wiper blades as needed. Check for signs of skipping and streaking and any cracking. Top off washer fluid, and make sure you regularly wash your vehicle to boost visibility through your windows.
A bright idea
Over time, UV exposure from sunlight, moisture, dirt, and other conditions can cause headlight lenses to become foggy, in some cases blocking as much as 75% of the light produced by your headlight bulbs. Buy a headlight restoration kit from your local auto parts store, or have the work completed by a trusted mechanic.
Don’t want to purchase a cleaning kit? Try one of these home remedies to see if it does the job:
- Toothpaste and baking soda
- Two parts distilled vinegar and one part baking soda
- Diet Coke in a spray bottle
- Dish soap and warm water
- WD-40
Regardless of your preferred method, you’ll need rags or towels, warm water to rinse the surface, and a soft-bristled brush. Home remedies may have different effects on your vehicle, including the lens itself as well as the paint, so AAA recommends testing it before applying completely to the headlight.
Cleaning your headlights
- Tape off the area you wish to clean. Painter’s tape works well.
- Clean the service with any mild cleanser or a VERY light sandpaper (400- or 600-grit).
- Apply the cleaner. Let it sit for five minutes.
- Scrub the lens with a soft-bristled brush.
- Wipe down the surface.
AAA members receive special discounts on NAPA Auto Parts. For a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you, visit AAA.com/autorepair.