Car Tip of the Day

LIGHTS AND WIPERS

What is it?
Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving – the chances for accidents increase if you can’t see or be seen. Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers. If you detect any problems with your car’s lights or wipers, have them checked out at once.

What does it do?
The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow or dirt from building up on the windshield and removes them to maintain clear visibility through the windshield. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility, signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.

Typical Wear and Tear
Lights and wipers are normal wear items that require periodic replacement. Factors affecting replacement intervals include:

• Operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades)
• Frequency of use
• Material and type of lights and wipers
• Sunny weather – wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states

Symptoms

• Chattering or streaking wiper
• Rapid signal blinking
• Dimming lights