Jack Williams

Car's Filthy? At Least Clean Your Headlights

You already know that the melted rock salt that splatters onto your car from treated roadways in the wintertime can leave an unsightly, translucent white and grey film all over the exterior of your vehicle.

You may also be aware that, if left unwashed, that rock salt film can have a corrosive effect on both your car's finish and any other exposed surfaces, particularly to any areas in the undercarriage or in the wheel wells.

What might not have occurred to you is that it also creates a direct hazard to your driving safety. When it covers your headlights, that grimy film can reduce their effectiveness by a whopping 75 percent. Not only does it become more difficult for you to see the dark road in front of you, but just as dangerously, it makes it more difficult for drivers and animals such as deer to see you coming. The same is true in fog or heavy precipitation.

One option for reducing your headlights' vulnerability to road grime is to treat them with a coating of car wax. This will help make the plastic covering more water-repellent. The less water is able to stick to your headlights, the less grit and dirt it will be able to deposit.

So, even if you've been having trouble finding the time to take your vehicle through the car wash, take a few minutes each week to inspect your headlights and wipe them clean.