Don’t Let The Light Go Down On Your October Fun

Published on October 01, 2022 06:39 PM in Maintenance, Before You Go

The arrival of autumn can turn simple errands into a scary ride. The blanket of early darkness, slick roads, glaring headlights, school zones–October confronts drivers with lots of challenges.

According to the National Safety Council, the risk for crashes increases in October and also presents drivers with new challenges. In fact, the risk of fatal crashes increases by 300% during hours of darkness.

Among the reasons cited by NSC: reduced depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark. Also, glare of headlights from oncoming traffic can temporarily blind a driver.

Tips for driving in the dark

Take stock of the following maintenance recommendations to improve visibility, safety and performance for all of your October excursions:

Headlight misalignment, dimmed brake lights and damaged lenses

Headlights always need a bit of TLC in early spring and early autumn. Getting jarred by potholes, yellowed by sunlight and cracked by impacts can affect lense performance and safety.

Are your headlights aimed correctly? The jarring roads of summer driving and newly formed potholes can knock your headlights out of kilter. They may need some minor adjustments to help you see the road better and keep them from blinding other drivers.
Are your headlight lenses yellowed or cracked? Replacement headlights can dramatically improve brightness. Yellowed headlights may be restored depending on the amount of discoloration. Crackled lenses need to be replaced.
Do you have any burned out bulbs? Newer vehicles tend to use LED headlights that can go for years without replacement. Other vehicles typically use halogen bulbs that burn out. Check all of your lights, front and rear.
Consider replacement for bulbs more than two years old. They can lose as much as 20% brightness within two years, according to manufacturer estimates. New bulbs help other drivers see your vehicle and act as inexpensive insurance against accidents.

Windshield cracks, smears and fogging

Your vehicle’s windshield is an integral part of the air bag system. Cracked windshields may not allow airbags to deploy properly. Moreover, hazy and smudgy glass impedes visibility (see related article).

Do you have any cracks in your windshield? They can grow quickly as cold weather arrives. Not only do cracks impede visibility, but they also reduce occupant safety.
Eliminate haze from your windshield, inside as well as outside to prevent glare. The thin film of contaminants inside your vehicle is caused by off-gassing from upholstery. Remove it simply with a microfiber towel and glass cleaner intended for vehicles.
Fill your window washing tank with fluid before more rain and snow arrive.
Replace wiper blades in early autumn. Summer heat and the sun’s ultraviolet rays degrade blade performance, leaving your window a streaky mess. don’t forget the rear blades on your SUV.
Heating and air conditioning problems

Your vehicle’s climate control system needs regular maintenance to perform adequately in cold weather. Here are some of the common issues.

Check coolant levels. A low level of radiator solution is one of the most common causes of inefficient climate control systems. The solution diminishes over time through evaporation, especially from summer weather.
Ask about a coolant flush to replace worn out coolant/antifreeze solution. Heat and time break down the chemicals. The system needs to be cleaned and refilled periodically to maintain performance and prolong the life of parts. Mileage and time intervals vary by vehicle and type of driving.
Clean vents to increase flow throughout the cabin. Vents clogged with dust, bugs, pet fur and leaves can reduce air flow.

Other October driving safety maintenance reminders

All drivers, experienced and novices alike, can use some gentle reminders about the vagaries of autumn driving. We’ve heard most of these items before but they’re easy to forget in the rush to that next errand or school event.

Halloween night calls for extra caution for pedestrians and drivers. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed 126 fatalities from alcohol-related driving during the five-year period of 2015 through 2019. Fatalities among young pedestrians were four times higher on Halloween night than the same time period any other evening of the year, according to NHTSA data studied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Leaves on the wet road increase the chances your vehicle will slide. Tires are designed to handle precipitation, not a layer of cellulose between your tread and the asphalt.
Keep an eye out for critters. They’re on the move in early autumn and at dusk, especially deer migrating from higher altitudes. Scan the road shoulder and be prepared for sudden movement across the roadway.
Are you prepared for nighttime or twilight driving associated with the end of daylight savings time? Equip your trunk with emergency items such as flares, gloves, a blanket, flashlight and some basic tools.
Avoid driving drowsy. Another study by the NHTSA tells a scary story: Drowsy driving led to at least 91,000 crashes in 2017 including 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths. In 2020 alone, more than 600 people died as a result of drowsy driving