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The days are getting colder and shorter, so make sure your car is equipped for inclement weather now, while the sun is still shining.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), risk of accidents rises in the fall and winter months because darkness encroaches earlier and potentially hazardous weather conditions make everyday driving riskier.
Drivers just don't see as well in darkness as they do in daylight, and this might put you and your passengers at risk. Here are some quick tips to help keep you safe on the roads during the relatively dark months ahead
Check wipers. Change them at least once a year, or more if they're leaving streaks across your windshield.
Check headlight brightness. Headlight bulbs dim over time. To check their brightness, park on a level surface and face five feet from a wall. Check the light display. The circles of light should be bright or soft white and not yellow or dim, and should be even and aligned straight on the wall.
Change the bulbs. High-quality bulbs burn brighter and last longer than those from the bargain basement. Replace both bulbs at the same time, even if it they both don't necessarily need changing.
Check headlight lens. If there is a cloudy, milky surface and you can't see the bulb through the plastic, there is damage that can limit your visibility. See your mechanic or dealer to have the lens replaced.
Check mirrors. Make sure they are in working condition and without cracks.
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