Back to all

Nighttime Visibility in Royal Oak

January 31, 2017



There are a number of factors that contribute to the high nighttime accident rate in the Royal Oak area, things like drowsy driving and a higher rate of impaired driving. Without a doubt, visibility is a major contributor. Let's focus on visibility…

It's said that 90 percent of our driving decisions are based on what we see. Nighttime driving has the effect of reducing 20/20 vision to the equivalent of 20/50 vision. What you could clearly see at 50 feet in daylight can't be seen until you are just 20 feet away at night.

Too make sure your headlights are giving you the greatest visibility, visit us at Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak, located at 3110 Rochester Rd, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073. Please give us a call to make an appointment: 248-585-0980.

Accident avoidance is dependent on reaction time. Reaction time deteriorates measurably in low light conditions. One thing we can do to improve visibility is to make sure our headlights are as bright as they can possibly be.

Headlamps dim over time. They dim so gradually that you may not notice it. Many experts suggest replacing your standard or halogen headlamps once a year.

If your vehicle has standard headlamps, consider upgrading to halogen lamps. They make a big difference. And there are upgrades available within the halogen category as well. This once-a-year expense is very modest compared to the safety benefits.

Some vehicles come with high intensity discharge – or HID – headlamps. These lamps should last for the life of your vehicle. They are very bright and are clearly the best option for nighttime driving. Depending on your vehicle, you may be able to upgrade to HID headlamps. Talk with your Royal Oak area service advisor at Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak about options for your car.

Another startling fact is that 90 percent of vehicles on the road have dirty or yellowed headlight covers. Dirty is easy to fix. Just run the window washer over the headlight cover when you stop for gas. Get those bugs and dirt off the cover.

Now plastic headlight covers can yellow or become hazy over time. They can be restored to clarity with a special polishing process. Our pros at Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak can help you with this service.

It's also vital to keep your windshield clean and streak free when driving at night. Make sure you have plenty of washer fluid and that your windshield wipers are in good working order.

We recommend replacing wiper blades twice a year – in the spring and fall. Fall is also a good time to replace headlamps so you'll be ready for those long winter nights.

Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak
3110 Rochester Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan 48073
248-585-0980
http://www.toptechautorepairroyaloak.com

Need Service?

More articles from Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak

Steering You Right (Power Steering Signs of Problems)

February 16, 2025

Nearly every modern vehicle on the road today has power steering, a wonderful invention that makes steering take far less effort than it did in the "good old days." Today, we take our steering for granted: until something goes wrong, that is. Most power steering these days is rack-and-pinion, th... More

Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak Alternator Replacement Service in Royal Oak

February 9, 2025

Your vehicle alternator doesn't get enough credit. Though your battery gets your engine started, after that it's all about the alternator. Driving around Royal Oak is a lot of work for your alternator, and as upgrades such as heated steering wheels, cooled seats, stability control and lane de... More

Automotive Tips from Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak: Battery Testing

February 2, 2025

The simple fact is that 70% of car batteries fail within 4 years. They just need to be replaced at Top Tech Auto Repair Royal Oak when they are no longer able to hold a full charge.Batteries are a big ticket item for most Royal Oak drivers and its tempting to put off buying a new one as long as p... More