Winter weather brings dangerous driving conditions that can ruin your day and your life. Many winter accidents result from poor visibility situations when motorists cannot see the road and other cars, so anything you do to improve visibility can help everyone stay safe during a treacherous time of year. The following five tips for improving visibility during winter can help you and your car stay safe.

Windshield wipers

Wipers can help clear windows of ice and frost, but they cannot improve visibility when left unused. Make sure you activate your wipers as soon as precipitation starts and leave them on until it stops. Of course, only wipers in good condition can stand up to the task of dealing with snow and sleet. Worn or damaged windshield wipers can leave a thin layer of snow or ice on your windshield or leave streaks that can impair your ability to see the road. Check with your dealer to have your wipers inspected. If needed, service technicians can quickly install high-quality replacements that meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Maintaining your windshield also plays a part in improving visibility during the winter driving season. Rocks and road debris can fly into your windshield, leaving behind a cracked or chipped surface that can obstruct your view of the road as you drive. Make sure that you have your windshield repaired or replaced soon after it incurs damage so that you can keep the best view of the road.

Headlights

Headlights help other drivers see your car and help you get a good view of the road ahead. For these reasons, you should always activate your headlights during inclement weather. You should always periodically inspect your headlights to make sure they are working properly. Promptly replace burned-out or dimmed units to get the safest winter driving experience.

Most modern cars use plastic headlight lenses that become cloudy over time. These aging lenses reduce the effectiveness of your headlights, setting the stage for a low-visibility driving environment. Your dealer can restore these lenses to clear, like-new condition, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Snow removal

Accumulated snow camouflages your car, making it difficult to see while on the road. To stay safe, remove snow from the hood, roof, and trunk of your car as well as from the bumpers before leaving your driveway or the mall parking lot. Keep a small brush or broom in your car so that you can remove accumulated snow wherever you are.

Safety flares

Treacherous winter roads become worse when your car breaks down. You can improve the visibility of your disabled car by deploying safety flares that attract and reflect the lights of oncoming vehicles to alert motorists of a stranded stationary car. Buy high-visibility safety flares at your dealer’s parts counter and store them in your car for emergency use. While you’re at it, stow away a blanket, flashlight, and emergency food and water to help you survive an extended ordeal.

Night-vision equipment

Bigger and brighter headlights can help you see during difficult weather, but they can also impair the vision of other drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is evaluating the effectiveness of night vision devices that can improve vision at night without jeopardizing the safety of drivers in other cars. Some manufacturers offer infrared-based night vision equipment options when you order a new car. Your dealer may also have manufacturer-approved IR systems that can be added to your car, so stop by or schedule an appointment to learn more about your options.