When roads become wet or icy, the right wheels and tires can help ensure you have the traction you need to maintain control. Maintaining tire balance and wheel alignment reduces tire wear and improves handling and fuel economy. Tire replacement is necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or if the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In addition, normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension system and disrupt the alignment, which in turn reduces optimum handling.
• Use the “penny test” to check your tread; if you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, you are ready for new tires.
• Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually or at the first sign of improper handling or uneven wear.
• Check inflation pressure at least once a month (including the spare) and once per week in the winter.
• Rotate and balance tires every 6,000 miles to avoid accelerated wear on shock absorbers and struts.
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Your battery should be securely mounted, with connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
Headlights play a major role in safe driving; the chances for accidents increase if you can’t see or be seen. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility, signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.
If there is any doubt about whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on.
Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights, making it difficult to be seen by others.
Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. If they aren’t, 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.
Replace dimming, rapidly blinking or non-functioning lights immediately, but check first to ensure a loose or faulty fuse isn’t the source of the problem.
seen. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility, signals and alerts other drivers, and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior.
• If there is any doubt about whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on.
• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights, making it difficult to be seen by others.
• Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. If they aren’t, 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.
• Replace dimming, rapidly blinking or non-functioning lights immediately, but check first to ensure a loose or faulty fuse isn’t the source of the problem.
The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement of wipers, including operating conditions, frequency of use, material and type of wipers and weather.
• In general, replace blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering.
• Be aware that some vehicles have two washer fluid reservoirs. Check levels monthly and use washer fluid only; do not use water.