Winter is quickly approaching and that means fewer hours of daylight. To be sure you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, check your vehicle’s lights and wipers, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

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. In fact, wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states.

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 on whether or not 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.

*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.

The Car Care Council suggests the following pre-trip check to help ensure safety and reliability on the road:

Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

Check the hoses and belts that can become loose, cracked, brittle, frayed or showing signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

Check lighting to identify any problems with exterior and interior lighting as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen.

Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Make sure the windshield wipers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

To save on fuel costs during the trip, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. The council also recommends that car owners restock their roadside emergency kit.

The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. The Car Care Council recommends that car owners follow its Fall Car Care Month checklist and inspect their vehicles before the temperatures drop and severe weather hits.

Heating, Wipers & Lights

Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.

Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

Tires & Brakes

Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.

During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

Gas, Oil & Filters

Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.

Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.

Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust

Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.

Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.

Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Pack the Essentials

Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.

Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.

According to a recent survey by J.D. Power, the following car brands have excellent reliability ratings for preowned cars: 

1. Toyota

2. Lexus

3. BMW

4. Mazda

5. Honda

6. Audi

7. Subaru

8. Acura

9. Kia

These brands have been consistently rated highly for their dependability and longevity. However, it's important to note that the reliability of a preowned car also depends on factors such as its maintenance history, mileage, and driving conditions.

Another survey by Consumer Reports also found that Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Audi, Subaru, Acura, and Kia are among the most reliable car brands. 

If you're looking for specific models, the 2019 Kia Soul, 2020 Kia Forte, and 2019 Hyundai Tucson are some of the most reliable preowned cars according to J.D. Power. The Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Lincoln MKZ, Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Honda Accord are also reliable preowned cars. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/16/2023

There are several reasons why used cars can be a better value than new ones:

1. Less depreciation: A new car loses a significant portion of its value as soon as it is driven off the lot, whereas a preowned car has already undergone this initial depreciation.

2. Lower insurance costs: Insurance costs for preowned cars are generally lower than those for new cars.

3. Lower dealership fees: Dealership fees for preowned cars are generally lower than those for new cars.

4. More bang for your buck: Preowned cars often offer more features and amenities for the same price as a new car.

5. More peace of mind: Preowned cars have a proven track record, so you can research their reliability and performance before making a purchase.

It’s worth noting that the current global shortage of semiconductor chips and other supply chain issues has caused serious delays in the production of new vehicles. As a result, many people are turning to preowned vehicles instead . However, it’s important to do your research and inspect any preowned car thoroughly before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a good value.

Inspecting a preowned vehicle before buying it is a wise decision. Here are some steps you can take to inspect a preowned car:

1. Exterior inspection: Check the body of the vehicle for any dents, scratches, or rust. Inspect the windshield, wheel wells, and undercarriage for any damage or corrosion. Measure the tread of the tires and check for any signs of uneven wear.

2. Interior inspection: Check the seats, dashboard, and carpet for any signs of wear and tear. Test all the buttons and switches to ensure they work properly.

3. Under the hood inspection: Check the oil and transmission fluid levels and colors. Look for any metal deposits in the fluid. Inspect the condition of the brake pads and rotors.

4. Test drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to check its performance. Listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations while driving.