As we all know, fall and winter (and even spring!) means lots of rain in the Pacific Northwest. These are the items that will most heavily affect the ability to drive safely in rainy conditions.
Tires
Probably the most important factor in your vehicle’s ability to drive safely in the rain is its tires. There are 2 important factors in keeping your tires ready for the rain; tread and air pressure. Tires need to have enough tread to provide good traction on the road, especially in wet conditions. Use the “penny test” to check if your tires have enough tread.Air pressure is also important. A properly inflated tire will allow water to move through the tire tread grooves and back out onto the road.
Regular tire alignment and rotation will help your tires wear evenly and maintain proper handling of the vehicle as well.
Lights
Headlights are important for cars to be visible to others as well as so we can see when we are driving. This is especially true in rainy weather.Headlight covers can become cloudy over time due to oxidation of the plastic. The most cost efficient way to resolve this is to clean the headlight with soap and water, and then brush toothpaste over the light cover surface. This will abrade away the cloudy material. Finish with a car wax to help protect against further oxidation.
Headlight and taillight bulbs should also be replaced regularly. Driving with one or more light out makes it difficult to see at night and in rainy weather. Always replace bulbs in pairs. Uneven wear will cause an uneven field of vision. It’s best to have bulbs replaced at a service center as some headlight assemblies are complex and require specialized tools to take apart.
Windshield Wipers
Probably the most obvious of the list but often overlooked; Windshield wipers keep your field of vision clear. There are three types of wiper blades available on the market today; conventional, beam and hybrid.Conventional wiper blades are functionally a rubber squeegee attached to a metal mounting bracket. This is the most cost effective of the three options. These should be replaced every 6 months.
Beam wiper blades are one solid piece of rubber and are curved to contour to the windshield's shape. These blades more efficiently move water from your windshield and last twice as long as conventional blades.
Hybrid blades are a metal frame wrapped in a rubber shell. These blades use pivoting suspension of the frame to keep the blade firmly pressed to the windshield. These wiper blades provide better water displacement than conventional blades without the price of beam blades making them a good mid tier option.
You can also treat your car’s windshield with a water repellent (such as Rain-X) which can be purchased or made at home with a few simple ingredients.
If it’s time for service on any of these items, call or email us today to make an appointment!
And remember, Kings Cross Automotive stocks all of the best wiper blades in our parts department. We can also change them right in the service drive, often without needing a appointment!