Have You Checked Your Headlights?
Posted February 29, 2016 12:49 PM
Like everything in the ID automotive market, there have been great strides in headlight technology in recent years. ID drivers can be safer at night because of it. Good headlights improve visibility on Idaho Falls roads, enabling you to see farther. They also improve your peripheral vision, helping you to see the sides more clearly. The more you can see, the more quickly you can react to road conditions. This is because nearly half of traffic fatalities take place at night. And as Idaho Falls resident population ages, everything that helps older eyes is welcome.
Most new vehicles sold in ID come with halogen headlamps. A decade ago, halogens were exotic and expensive. Now that they are standard equipment, the price has come way down. Many luxury cars are equipped with high intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps. You have probably seen them on some Idaho Falls roads; they're very bright and have a bluish tint.
From behind the wheel, there is no doubt that HID headlamps are the best thing going. However, many Idaho Falls drivers complain about HID lights in oncoming traffic or when they approach from behind. In fact, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called for public comment, they received a record number of complaints about HIDs. This has lead to several studies - your tax dollars at work. Some expect future regulation of HID lamps.
All halogen headlamps dim over time. Your service advisor at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service recommends that they be changed out once a year. We suggest you replace your headlamps in the fall at the end of Daylight Saving Time. It's easy to remember; when you change your clock, change your headlamps. Remember to replace all headlamps at the same time; then all your lights will be equally bright. You will appreciate it during those long ID winter nights.
If you have an older vehicle with old-school headlamps, you might be able to get a halogen replacement. You'll be amazed at the difference this upgrade will make.
In addition to regular halogen lamps, Idaho Falls vehicles can upgrade to premium lamps that filter some of the yellow light, making a bright white light that's more like natural sunlight. This light's easier on the eyes and should improve reaction time.
Now, you may be able to step up to HID headlamps, depending on the kind of car you drive. These lamps should last the life of your car, but cost several hundred dollars a pair. If you want other Idaho Falls vehicles to think you're running HID lamps, you can even buy regular halogens that have a bluish tint. Does she or doesn't she? Only her All Things Automotive & Diesel Service technician knows for sure.
Over time, plastic headlight covers can get cloudy or yellowed. In fact, AAA reports that nine out of ten headlights are dirty or yellowed, greatly reducing vision. In addition to helping you replace your headlamps, many service centers such as All Things Automotive & Diesel Service in Idaho Falls, ID, can restore headlight covers. Headlights can be restored at a fraction of the cost of replacing them.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
I Can See Clearly Now: Wiper Blade Replacement in Idaho Falls
Posted February 26, 2016 4:19 AM
About 90% of our driving decisions in the Idaho Falls area are based solely on what we see. So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important.
Most Idaho Falls drivers have experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our vehicle windshield is just dirty. In fact, it's estimated that 46,000,000 drivers across the nation are driving with wipers that can't adequately clear their windshield in a storm.
It seems like our wiper blades are always at their worst when we need them the most. If that sounds like you, you've got plenty of company in the Idaho Falls area. 78% of drivers only change their wiper blades after the blades function so poorly that they become a safety hazard.
Idaho Falls drivers need to change their thinking. Instead of blades being something to replace when they fail, we need to consider wiper blades as vehicle safety component. Then we'll stay ahead of the storm.
Idaho Falls vehicle owners really ought to replace wiper blades twice a year; in the spring and the fall. If you live in the colder parts of ID, you may even want to get special winter blades in the fall.
Winter blades are made to resist freezing. Speaking of winter and freezing Idaho Falls conditions, if your vehicle has been sitting for a long time and the windshield becomes frozen, don't use your wipers to clear off snow and ice. That can shred your blades and may even damage the wiper motor.
Your wiper blades live outside in the freezing cold and blistering sun. Over time, they become hard and brittle, and then tear. They also lose their flexibility and just don't clear the vehicle windshield effectively. Worn wiper blades aren't just a safety hazard for Idaho Falls drivers; they can also scratch their windshield. That may require replacing the entire vehicle windshield – that's the consequence for neglecting such a small part.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service recommends Idaho Falls drivers replace worn blades right away. We can provide you with a quality replacement blade. At All Things Automotive & Diesel Service, they cost about the same as they would at the store – but installation is included.
Of course you also need washer fluid to help your blades do their work. Even though All Things Automotive & Diesel Service will top off the washer fluid with a full service oil change, it is a good idea to have some extra fluid at home. Take it with you if you're heading out on a road trip.
Always use windshield washer fluid. Plain water, even that fancy French bottled water, just doesn't cut it. It can freeze in the fluid reservoir or on the windshield itself, making things worse. Besides, water won't clean your windows as well.
So follow these tips to keep your windshield clear and your eyes on the road.
Find us at:
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903