The crisp winds of fall bring more than just the aroma of spiked cider. As daylight hours shorten and weather conditions worsen, poor visibility becomes a hallmark of the season—and a serious challenge for drivers. That’s why now is the perfect time for a thorough check-up of your vehicle's lighting.
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazards—each one plays a crucial role in keeping you safe on the road as fog, rain, and (dare we say it…) snow begin to roll in. Whether you’re a DIY pro looking for a convenient checklist or a newbie still figuring out fog lights, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to check and how to do it, offering a few expert product suggestions along the way. With Parts Via, you’ll be prepared for whatever the season throws at you!
Fall Driving Safety Starts with Your Windshield
Clear, functioning lights make all the difference in avoiding hazards and staying safe on the road, but they’re useless if you’re looking through a dirty or cracked windshield. Before diving into the tips below, take a moment to clean your front and rear windshields, both inside and out. Use a quality glass cleaner and a soft rag for the best results. And if you notice any cracks or chips, don’t delay addressing them—the colder weather will only make them spread.
For optimal visibility, consider upgrading to winter wipers.
Lighting Check #1: Headlights
Topping the list of vehicle lighting checks are your headlights, since they provide forward illumination and will undoubtedly be doing the heavy lifting on foggy mornings or icy nights. It's crucial that your headlights are bright and functioning properly, not only to see the road clearly but also so other drivers can see you. Additionally, those lights must be angled correctly to avoid inadvertently blinding other drivers.
Start with a physical inspection of the headlight housing. Look for any signs of cracking or fogging. While general oxidization can be tackled with a DIY headlight restoration kit, any serious cracks may require a replacement. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, give the headlights a good cleaning using a product formulated specifically to clean and restore clear plastics.
Once the headlight housings are clean and scuff-free, it’s time to test the lights themselves:
- Park your vehicle in front of a white wall or garage door and turn on the headlights.
- Cycle through the low beams, high beams, and daytime running lights, ensuring each mode turns on and off correctly.
- Using the wall as a guide, check that the lights are clear, bright, and even.
To better check alignment, park the vehicle on a level surface about 25 feet from the wall or garage door. Turn on the headlights and note where they shine on the wall—it should be at or slightly below the center of the headlight lens. If the beam is too high, too low, overlapping, or noticeably uneven, you need to make adjustments. We suggest consulting a professional to ensure these are done correctly—and to rule out any suspension issues as the cause for misalignment.
If your headlight bulbs are burnt out or flickering, it’s time for replacement. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the part number, or head to your local auto parts store. You’ll need your ride’s YMM and trim level. Stick to reputable, DOT-approved brands like SYLVANIA, HELLA, and Valeo.
Lighting Check #2: Taillights, Turn Signals, and Hazards
After checking your headlights, it’s time to turn your attention to the vehicle’s rear. Taillights are often overlooked during vehicle lighting checks, but they play an important role in driving safety—during fall or any other season.
In addition to making your vehicle visible to other drivers, especially during nighttime or poor weather conditions, taillights also communicate key actions like braking or reversing. Within that same lighting assembly—or, sometimes, as part of the same bulb/LED system—are your turn signals, used for lane changes or turns, and your hazard lights, which warn other drivers during emergencies.
Faulty or dim taillights not only make it difficult for other drivers to see you, but also compromise your ability to safely maneuver in low-visibility conditions. Remember, taillights have advanced a lot over the years. Many newer vehicles now include reverse lights that provide extra illumination when backing up, helping you see the area behind your vehicle and any nearby obstacles.
To check your taillight brightness and functionality, once again park in front of that white wall or garage door—but this time with your front facing out. (Alternately, you can recruit a buddy to stand behind your vehicle for this check.)
- Turn on the vehicle and gently tap the brake pedal, noting if both taillights are engaging.
- Next, cycle through the left turn signal, right turn signal, and hazard lights, ensuring each mode turns on and off correctly and blinks at a normal speed.
- Lastly, put the vehicle in reverse and gently ease back, checking to see that the reverse lights (if applicable) have engaged.
Similar to your headlights, give the taillight housings a good cleaning and a quick physical exam, looking for cracks, chips, and haze. A restoration kit will work wonders here as well.
If your brake lights or turn signal bulbs are burnt-out or not operating properly, now is the time for replacement. Stick to quality brands that are OEM- and DOT-approved.
Lighting Check #3: Fog Lights
While not present on all vehicles, fog lights or fog lamps are designed to cut through low-visibility conditions better than traditional headlight beams. Mounted low on the vehicle—typically in, on, or below the bumper—they illuminate the road directly in front without bouncing off fog, heavy rain, or snow, which can cause reflective glare.
If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, performing a quick systems check before fall sets in is a smart move, since this is the season when they’ll see the most use.
- With your vehicle running, switch on the headlights and then activate the fog lights using the switch or button inside your car.
- Step outside and check to see if both fog lights illuminate and are casting a bright, focused beam that shines low and wide.
- To check alignment, back your vehicle up about 25 feet from a wall. The top of the fog light’s beam pattern should be approximately 4 inches down from the lamp’s center.
Keep in mind that fog lights won’t work if your high beams are on; headlights must be in the normal, low-beam position.
Lighting Check #4: Auxiliary Lighting
In addition to checking the standard lighting equipment on your vehicle, it’s important to inspect any additional lighting options you might have onboard, such as light bars, work lights, or cube lights. These auxiliary lights can really enhance visibility in low-light conditions or when navigating challenging terrains, so you’ll want to ensure they’re in tip-top shape.
- Start by ensuring that your auxiliary lights are properly mounted and securely attached—especially with the season of high winds and heavy rains approaching.
- Turn on each auxiliary light and assess the brightness and spread of the be
For specific instructions regarding the operation and functionality, always refer to your vehicle's manual or the lighting unit’s installation guide.
Lighting Check #5: Interior Lights
The last stop on your list of vehicle lighting checks is the interior. Surprised? It’s easy to dismiss dome lights and dashboard indicators, but even minor lights can significantly impact your safety on the road. Before fall sets in, give these lights a thorough once-over.
Start by checking that all interior lights (in the cabin, footwell, and cargo area) turn on and off properly when doors open and close. Then, confirm that the correct dashboard lights illuminate when you switch on low beams, high beams, fog lights, and other features.
Taking a quick moment to assess these lights, which is easily done while checking your vehicle’s other lighting, can help enhance your safety and situational awareness while driving, ensuring a safer experience on the road this season.
Drive Safely this Fall and Check Your Lights with Parts Via
By performing these vehicle lighting checks now, you can rest easy and fully enjoy all the great things this season has to offer (like that spiked cider we mentioned earlier). Don’t wait for a visibility issue to arise—tackle this checklist and make sure your lights are shining bright with high-quality lighting products and accessories from Parts Via.