Visibility is important. Whether you’re heading out on your next road trip, or taking that local commute to work each day – getting to your destination safely is a priority. One way to ensure safety is to increase your visibility. Improving your visibility can help you see potentially dangerous situations, and assess changing road conditions. If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your visibility while you drive, we’ve got 5 steps to help.

Keep your windshield clean

Let’s start with the basics. A clean windshield helps eliminate any barriers to great visibility. A dirty windshield can be dangerous at night as street lights and oncoming headlights will highlight haze on the windshield making it difficult to see. We suggest making a habit of cleaning your windshield every time you fill up with gas. Keep your windshield washer level full – which enables your windshield wipers to keep your view clear in any kind of weather. While you’re thinking about your front windshield, it’s a good idea to check your wiper blades. Dull blades can leave haze and other smudges on your front window. If it’s been a while since you replaced those blades, we recommend replacing them every 6 months.

Check your headlights for better Visibility

For night time driving, you’ll want to make sure your headlights are in working order for better visibility. Dirt and debris can accumulate on your headlights which can make them dim when you need them most. Regular cleaning can help ensure your best visibility when it’s dark.  While you’re focused on your headlights, it’s also a good idea to check for any burned out bulbs, and replace them to make sure they’re ready to go when you need them.

Uncover your windows

Covering your windows for any reason can result in reduced visibility. Make sure your sun shades are rolled up when you’re driving. If you’re hauling things in your back seat or in your  SUV, make sure your items aren’t blocking your rear window. Some ideas to clear window visibility include: when stacking things behind you in your car, make sure the middle is free of your  items so that you can see out the back window, and purchase organizational items for hauling like a hanger that wraps around  your passenger seat that allows you to hang clothes without blocking your view.

Improve Visibility by Repairing damage to your windows

We’ve all had it happen to us. We’re driving along when all of a sudden a small rock flies at your windshield and leaves a chip. Left unattended, that chip turns into a crack traveling the length of your windshield, and a chip that happens in an instant becomes a huge visibility issue. We recommend getting those small chips and cracks repaired right away for greater visibility.

Correct any blind spots

One of the biggest visibility challenges is those blind spots when driving on the highway. Blind spots are all in the angle of your mirrors, so if you don’t already have a blind spot warning system (which is becoming standard on many new cars), there are some things you can do to improve your blind spots. You’ll want to make sure your side mirrors are out 15 degrees on both sides. For your driver’s side, lean your head out the window so that it’s even with the driver side window and adjust your mirror so you can see the side of your car in your mirror. For the right side (or passenger side), do the same while keeping your head in the center of your car. This should significantly lessen any visibility issues from your blind spots.

These 5 steps should help improve your visibility no matter where the road may take you. If you need some assistance in ensuring your visibility is optimized, simply make an appointment and our team can inspect your car for visibility to ensure a safe drive every time you hit the road.