When winter weather arrives, visibility can change quickly.
Rain, road spray, shorter days, dirty glass and low winter sunlight can all make it harder to see clearly behind the wheel. And while most drivers remember to clear the windshield, there are several other parts of your vehicle that can affect what you see from the driver's seat. Keeping those areas clean throughout the winter can help you get a clearer view of the road and the vehicles around you.
Start With More Than Just the Windshield
Your windshield gets most of the attention, but it isn't the only piece of glass that matters.
The rear window and side windows can collect road grime, moisture and residue that become especially noticeable when headlights shine through them at night. A dirty rear window can make it harder to see what's happening behind you, while buildup on side windows and mirrors can affect your view when changing lanes. Make a habit of checking all of your vehicle's glass, not just the windshield. If you notice streaks, film or buildup, give those surfaces a proper cleaning.
Don't Forget Your Mirrors
Side mirrors are small, but they provide an important view of what's happening around your vehicle. During wet or messy weather, they can quickly become covered in water and road spray. Once that residue dries, it can leave behind a film that makes the mirror harder to see through, particularly at night. Before heading out, take a quick look at both side mirrors and make sure they're clear. It only takes a few seconds, but a clean mirror can give you a much better view of surrounding traffic.
Keep Headlights Clear
Your headlights don't just help you see. They help other drivers see you.
Dirt and road grime can accumulate on the lenses over time, reducing how much light gets through. Winter's shorter days can also mean you're driving more often in darkness or low-light conditions, making clean headlights even more important. When you're washing your vehicle, pay attention to the headlights and other exterior lights rather than treating them as an afterthought.
If a headlight lens appears cloudy, yellowed or damaged, cleaning the surface may not solve the problem. In that case, have it evaluated and follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
Your Backup Camera Needs a Clear View, Too
Many modern vehicles rely on cameras to give drivers a better view when reversing. That camera can be positioned in an area that collects plenty of road spray and grime, especially when roads are wet. A little buildup on the lens can make the image on your screen noticeably less clear.
Before backing out of a parking space, take a quick look at the camera lens and make sure it isn't covered with dirt, water or debris. The same principle applies to other exterior cameras and sensors your vehicle may use. If your vehicle has them, keep the areas around them clean and follow the manufacturer's guidance for cleaning them.
Watch for the Winter Glare Effect
Winter can bring another visibility challenge that has nothing to do with snow. When the sun sits lower in the sky, glare can become a bigger problem during morning and evening drives. A film on the inside or outside of your windshield can make that glare much worse. That's why cleaning the inside of your windshield matters, too.
If you've ever noticed a hazy layer on the glass that seems almost invisible until the sun hits it, that's a good sign that your windshield could use a thorough interior cleaning. Keep a clean microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner that's appropriate for automotive use on hand, and give the inside of your windshield attention throughout the season.
Pay Attention to Road Spray
You don't need a snowstorm for winter driving conditions to affect visibility. Rain and wet roads can send a steady stream of water and grime onto your vehicle as traffic passes. The lower portions of your vehicle can get dirty quickly, but that spray can also reach mirrors, windows, lights and cameras.
If you've been driving through consistently wet conditions, take a moment when you park to look over those areas. You may notice buildup that isn't obvious from inside the vehicle. Regular exterior cleaning can help keep that grime from accumulating.
Make Visibility Part of Your Car-Care Routine
Winter car care doesn't have to be limited to what happens under the hood or in the tire well.
As the days get shorter and weather conditions change, add a quick visibility check to your routine:
Are all of your windows clear?
Can you see clearly through both side mirrors?
Are your headlights and exterior lights free of heavy buildup?
Is your backup camera lens clean?
Is there a film or haze on the inside of your windshield?
Has road spray left noticeable grime on the areas around your windows, lights or cameras?
These are small checks, but they can make a difference when you're driving in rain, darkness or changing winter conditions.
Keep Your View Clear This Winter
You can't control the weather, but you can control how well you prepare your vehicle for the conditions you'll encounter. Keeping your windows, mirrors, lights and cameras clean is a simple part of maintaining a clear view of the road. And when winter weather leaves your vehicle covered in road grime, a regular wash can help you stay ahead of the buildup.
When your vehicle needs a clean, ZIP IN to ZIPS Car Wash.