Changing of the seasons is always a good time to think about vehicle maintenance. In addition to taking your car in for its required mechanical checks, there are things you can do in your own garage to prepare for autumn. Falling leaves and tree debris make keeping your windshield clean for clear visibility a challenge. To assure you can see clearly while driving, be sure to take a few minutes to clear off your vehicle – especially at the base of the windshield and other crevices where debris may accumulate.

Here are five more things you can do to assure clear visibility while driving so you and your passengers will be as safe as possible on the road.

Check Your Wipers

Fall typically brings more rain, so make sure your wipers are in peak condition to assure their effectiveness. You should inspect your wiper blades regularly, and ask your auto service professional to check them whenever you bring in your car for other service or repair. As a rule of thumb, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

Regularly Clean Your Windshield

Leaf litter and other tree debris lead to a dusty and dirty windshield. This can be particularly dangerous at night, when oncoming lights hit the dirt on your windshield and impair your vision. Try to make a habit of cleaning the windshield every time you fill up. Most gas stations have what you need right by the pumps.

Polish Up Those Headlights

Take a moment to check out your headlights. You may be surprised by the amount of dirt and bug grime that has accumulated on them. If not cleaned, it will eventually get to the point of making your headlight beams dimmer. Regular cleaning will make clear headlights easier to maintain.

Fix Windshield Cracks or Chips

A small crack in the windshield might be annoying, but drivers tend to live with it. Unfortunately, all it takes is one bump or pothole, and suddenly that small crack spreads all the way across the windshield. Have those cracks repaired as soon as possible to maintain safe visibility and to avoid the cost of a windshield replacement.

Top Off Your Washer Fluid

For your windshield wipers to function properly they need an ample supply of windshield washer fluid. Letting wiper blades drag across a dry surface is not only ineffective, it can lead to damaging of the blades. Top off your washer fluid at every service interval or whenever the seasons change to avoid being left high and dry. Use windshield washer antifreeze in winter months to prevent damage to your washer system.