There is a specific kind of "winter morning" feeling we all know too well. You’re bundled up, the coffee is hot in your cup, and you walk outside only to find your car encased in a thick shell of frost or buried under a fresh layer of snow. We’ve all felt that temptation: you clear a tiny "porthole" in the ice just big enough to see the road directly in front of you, blast the defroster, and hope for the best as you pull out of the driveway.But as any experienced driver will tell you, "good enough" visibility isn't good enough when the roads are at their worst. When we’re in the thick of a long, hard winter, your ability to see 360 degrees around your vehicle is your first line of defense against accidents.
At DeBoer’s Auto, we want to make sure you get to your destination safely. Let’s talk about why visibility is often neglected and what you can do to stay safe during these freezing months.
The Danger of "Driving Blind"
It’s a common-sense thing, yet we see it every day: drivers moving down the highway with half their windows still covered in snow. When your side windows or back windshield are obscured, you are essentially driving with giant blind spots. You might be tempted to rely on your backup camera, but a camera lens can easily get covered in salt spray and slush, leaving you "guessing" your way into a lane change.
Remember, visibility means you can react properly. It gives you the maximum amount of time to make the best choice possible when a car slides in front of you or a pedestrian steps off a curb.
Winter’s Toll on Your Wipers
Your windshield wipers are the hardest-working parts of your car right now. However, winter is incredibly tough on rubber. Ice buildup on the blades can cause them to tear or crack, which leads to those frustrating streaks that make it impossible to see through oncoming headlights at night.
If your wipers are skipping or leaving patches of moisture, they’ve likely been damaged by the frost. It’s worth getting a fresh set of winter-rated blades that are designed to handle the heavy lifting of snow and ice without failing when you need them most.
Don't Forget the Basics: Fluids and Lights
- Washer Fluid: This is a life-saver in February. Make sure you are using a fluid rated for low temperatures (usually -20°F or lower). Summer fluid can actually freeze inside your lines or, worse, freeze instantly upon hitting your windshield, creating a dangerous sheet of ice while you’re moving.
- Check Your Bulbs: Winter means more driving in the dark. Between shorter days and heavy snowfalls, your headlights, high beams, and blinkers are essential for communicating with other drivers.
Your Winter Visibility Checklist
Before you shift into gear, take thirty seconds to run through this quick mental (or physical) checklist:
- The 360° Clear: Are all windows—including the rear and side-view mirrors—completely free of frost and snow?
- The Roof Swipe: Did you clear the snow off the roof? (Preventing it from sliding down and blinding you or the driver behind you).
- Wiper Integrity: Are the blades flexible and free of ice chunks?
- Fluid Check: Is your reservoir full of winter-grade de-icer fluid?
- Light Brightness: Are your headlights and taillights clear of salt grime so others can see you?
We’re Here to Help
Keeping your car "winter-ready" is about more than just tires and antifreeze; it’s about making sure you have a clear view of the road. If your windows aren't operating properly, your wipers are shredded, or you need a lighting check, the team here at DeBoer’s Auto is ready to assist.
Don't let a "porthole" view lead to a preventable accident. Call us, book an appointment online, or stop by the store today. We look forward to helping you live life uninterrupted—even in the snow!
