The lights on your car, truck or SUV are more important now than ever. The days of winter in McHenry are shorter. The nights are longer. Cloudy days are more frequent. The net effect of all this is that you’ll spend more time driving in darkened conditions during the winter.

Additionally, the spray of road salt on your car, truck or SUV tends to spread a blanket over the vehicle that blends in with the road. At the same time, it hinders your vision on the windshield and windows.

These conditions make it more difficult to see while driving and for others to see you. As stated above, the lights on your car, truck or SUV are essential anytime you pull out of your McHenry driveway and head on down the road.

Of course, it helps if your lights work.

• It’s good to see when driving. Whether you’re in McHenry or you’ve left town, you want to see where you’re going. You don’t want to hit other cars, pedestrians, trees, fences … well, anything. The headlights are the key tool for vision when you drive. If they properly lighted – high beam and low – and properly adjusted, they illuminate the road in front of you. You also want taillights and back-up lights to help you see behind you. Good wipers and wiper fluid are also essential to good vision in a McHenry winter.
• It’s nice if you’re seen while driving. You also want others to see you. Your headlights are a big part of this – but be sure not to blind oncoming drivers with your high beams. But the other lights also let folks know that you’re on the road, even at night. Even when your car, truck or SUV is wearing road-salt camouflage. Those other lights also help to communicate your actions and intentions to other drivers. Brake lights let them know you’re slowing down. Turn signals indicate that you’re planning to turn.

If you haven’t done so lately, you should check all your lights, including interior and dash lights. You can even receive a ticket if one or more of the lights on your car, truck or SUV isn’t working. On the other hand, if you’re bringing your vehicle in for an oil change or other service, you can usually ask an auto repair shop in the McHenry area to check your lights for you. They’ll make sure you can see and be seen.