If you’re finding it hard to see in the dark, have the Wichita auto care pros at Tracy’s Automotive check your headlights.

You were sitting in the drive-through banking line yesterday when you heard one of the drivers in the next lane shout at the driver in front of him. He was trying to tell her that one of her brake lights was out. That started you wondering if your brake and tail lights are functioning. You figure your headlights are because you can see at night – or at least you can see when the street lights come on.

This is a good time of year to pay attention to the condition of your car lights because the days are getting shorter and, because daylight saving time has just ended, the early darkness seems to be happening even sooner. While you’re checking your lights, the nonprofit Car Care Council suggests you should also check your windshield wipers to make sure they’re ready for rain, sleet and snow.

“The days are getting shorter, so it is a good time to check that your vehicle’s wipers and lighting are working properly because the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so check all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out. Also, be sure to inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits.”

The council points out that the wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers and sunny weather.

Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:

If there is any doubt whether your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.

The council offers these tips:

• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.
• Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

If you have any questions about your wipers or lights – or if you simply want them checked alone or as part of regular maintenance – ask the trusted Wichita auto care specialists at Tracy’s Automotive for help.

While you’re at Tracy’s Automotive, check into our specials, like free road hazard protection on a set of four tires.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

While you’re at Tracy’s Automotive, be sure to sign up for our giveaway of a $150 gift card and a Weber Spirit II E-210 gas grill.  The Weber Spirit II E-210 is a two-burner grill that’s built to fit small spaces, and packed with features such as the powerful GS4 grilling system, iGrill capability, and convenient side tables for placing serving trays.

Once you fall in love with the Spirit II E-210, fill out a form. We’ll be giving away one $150 gift card and one grill at each of our locations on Nov. 20.  You must enter at one of our service centers. Stay tuned for more details or ask one of the auto pros when you visit one of our service centers.

Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.

Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.

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