Whether it’s a clear sunny day or fog at night, being able to see the road clearly is important to all drivers. Visibility is an important factor when it comes to getting home safely – regardless of the roads you travel. Improving your visibility while driving can help you see potentially dangerous situations on the road up ahead, as well as, assess any changing road conditions. Greater visibility can be the difference maker when it comes to driving accident free. If you’ve been wondering what you can do to increase your visibility, we’ve got you covered with some simple steps you can take to ensure your safety while driving on the road.

Minimize your blind spots and improve visibility

Newer cars have a blind spot warning system built in, but if your car doesn’t have this feature – it’s a good idea to take some steps to minimize your blind spots and improve your visibility. For starters, make sure your side mirrors are out 15 degrees from both sides. For your left mirror, lean your head so that it’s even with the driver side window and adjust the mirror so you can see the side of your car. For the right mirror, you can do the same from the center of the car. Making these small adjustments to your side mirrors, will give you greater visibility when cars are approaching on either side.

Uncover your windows

This may seem like a no-brainer, but covered windows (especially in your back seat) can become a visibility challenge. Be sure to roll up those sun shades before hitting the road. In addition, you’ll want to pay attention to any belongings that cover your windows – for example, when you’re moving boxes, hanging clothes, and the like. When your belongings are packed in your back seat or the trunk area of your SUV, you’ll want to load these on both sides of the car – leaving the middle open for you to see out the back window. You can also consider investing in organizational items for your car like a hanger that attaches around your headrest allowing you to hang clothes without blocking your view.

Clean your windshield regularly

Keeping your windshield clean while driving is an easy way to improve your visibility. Dirty windshields can be dangerous especially at night – as smudges and haze can reflect off the windshield in the face of street lights and oncoming traffic making it hard to see. For peace of mind, we recommend making a habit out of cleaning your windshield every time you fill up on gas.

Improve visibility by Inspecting your wiper blades

While you’re thinking about your windshield, it’s a good idea to inspect those wiper blades. Did you know that windshield wiper blades can dull over time leaving dirt, ice, and debris on your windshield while you drive? We recommend replacing these every 6 months, so if it’s been a while since you’ve replaced them now would be a great time. While you’re checking those blades, also check your windshield washer fluid levels and fill it to the proper levels – ensuring that you’ll be prepared no matter what hits your windshield while driving.

Keep your headlights clean

Did you know that dirt and debris can accumulate on your headlights? Any buildup can make your lights dim which can cause issues for night time visibility. You’ll want to regularly clean your headlights to make sure they shine brightly all year long. While you’re cleaning those lights, you’ll also want to check and replace any burned out bulbs.

Repair cracks and chips immediately for better visibility

We’ve all had this happen a time or two. You’re driving down the road when all of a sudden a small rock flies into your windshield leaving a small chip or crack. Leaving this small issue unattended can develop into a large crack that impedes your visibility. We recommend getting that small chip or crack repaired as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming a bigger visibility problem.

When it comes to improving visibility, these steps will give you peace of mind and ensure your safety while you drive. If you’re ready to improve your safety and visibility, our team is happy to help. Simply make an appointment and we’ll inspect your car for safety, and get you back on the road in no time.