The ability to see clearly is cardinal when operating a vehicle. Yet, as straightforward as it may seem, the visibility factor often slips drivers’ minds, leading to potentially dangerous situations on the road.

Every year, a significant portion of traffic accidents are attributed to poor visibility. It’s not enough to have a sparkling new car or maintain the engine’s pristine condition. Visibility must become a priority.

In this guide, we provide six practical tips that can help you overcome different visibility challenges, drastically improving your driving experience and, most importantly, safety.

Ensure Clean Windshields and Windows

With the magnitude of bugs, road dust, and environmental residue, maintaining your windshield’s cleanliness is an ongoing battle.

The smallest details on your windshield can refract light in ways that impede vision, especially at dawn and dusk. To maintain a clean windshield, regularly wash your car and use high-quality window cleaning fluid. Invest in windshield wipers with built-in cleaner fluid jets for on-the-go maintenance.

In extreme cases, where the windshield is compromised, seek a professional, and if needed, get windshield replacement. By keeping this glass clean, you not only enhance your driving vision but also ensure a window clean of regulatory fines for obstructed views.

Properly Adjust Side and Rearview Mirrors

The misalignment of mirrors is a common oversight, with many mirrors providing a view too much of the vehicle’s side or too little of surrounding conditions.

To position your mirrors correctly, follow these steps:

• Sit inside your car as you would during regular driving.
• Adjust the side mirrors so a sliver of your car is visible in the far edges.
• Use the rearview mirror to get a clear view directly through the rear window.

By eliminating blind spots and creating a smooth transition between the views of your side and rearview mirrors, you become more aware of your surroundings, fostering a safer driving experience.

Use High-Quality Wiper Blades and Fluid

Rain can be a major impeder of visibility, and wiper blades are your first line of defense against the distortion of vision due to water accumulation.

To maintain effective wipers, remember to:

• Regularly replace wiper blades when they start to leave streaks.
• Keep the wiper fluid reservoir full, using fluid designed to break down grime effectively.

Check and Replace Headlights Regularly

Many drivers underestimate the importance of clear, bright headlights, often leading to more accidents during nighttime.

Your headlights are your eyes in the dark, and their role must never be undervalued. Check for:

• Fading or discoloration of the lights, which reduces their intensity.
• Consistency in the beam to ensure the road is uniformly lit ahead.
• If in doubt, replace them.

Avoid Glare and Use Sun Visors

The adjustment of your vehicle’s interior is just as crucial as the exterior for maintaining clear vision.

To handle glare more effectively:

• Use your sun visors when needed, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
• Wear polarized sunglasses for a better, clearer view, they significantly reduce glare.

Regularly Maintain and Clean Exterior Lights

Often the forgotten components of visibility are the exterior lights other than headlights. Yet they play a crucial role in signaling others on the road as well as illuminating your surroundings. Visibility is not a one-way street.

By maintaining your car’s lights, you’re not only ensuring others see you but also aiding your own visibility through the night.

To ensure your exterior lights are in top condition:

• Regularly clean them of dirt, dust, and grime.
• Check for cracking or cloudiness, both of which can reduce their effectiveness.