Ask Joe Mechanic: Increase Your Winter Visibility

Visibility is an essential component of automotive safety. According to the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, inability to clearly see the road, other motorists and potential obstacles is a leading contributor to automotive accidents and injury.

Approximately half of all fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes occur at night, even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that traffic volume is substantially less at night. Lack of visibility, which may result from a dirty windshield or inclement weather, can render pavement markings nearly invisible or throw off drivers' senses of direction.

Poor visibility can be hazardous, and drivers must take steps to ensure they have maximum visibility at all times, whether it's day or night or if the weather is poor or fair.

One of the best ways to ensure maximum visibility is to keep your windshield clean. Not all windshield washer fluids and wipers are created equally. For example, some washer fluids are ineffective in freezing temperatures. Frozen washer fluid can cause a complete blockage of the system and greatly impair visibility.

As anyone who has driven on snowy and/or salty roads can attest, such substances can quickly gather on windshields, where they crust up and impede visibility. A windshield cleaning system that is not working effectively is a recipe for an accident.

Always read the product label before purchasing washer fluid. Summer blends are only effective when temperatures remain above 32 F. When the mercury dips below freezing, these fluids freeze up. Winter formulas should contain an antifreeze solution that will lower the freezing point of the liquid. Many such fluids employ methanol to not only prevent freezing but also to melt frost and light accumulations of ice.

Drivers also may be able to supplement their washer fluids with common items to increase durability during extreme cold snaps. Mix 99 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol into the washer fluid to prevent it from freezing. Otherwise, the washer fluid brand may have specific instructions for mixing for use in areas where the temperature regularly dips below freezing.

Combine these visibility tips with the inclement weather driving recommendations we shared a few weeks ago and you’re sure to remove much of the stress from your winter time commutes and road trips.

This week’s recalls:
2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, Yukon XL The Problem: An improperly sized ignition lock actuator can make it difficult to turn the key, which could become stuck in the “start” position. Through either a “jarring event” or a cool interior temperature, the ignition lock could move into the “accessory” position. The result is loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, and deactivated airbag deployment. The Fix: Dealers will inspect vehicles and if necessary replace the faulty ignition lock component at no cost to owners.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 The Problem: Rear axle shafts in these vehicles may have been improperly heat-treated, resulting in possible fracture without warning. The rear wheel could potentially separate from the axle shaft. The Fix: GM dealers will inspect rear axle shafts and replace faulty parts for free.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD The Problem: Hose clamps for the fuel tank in these diesel-powered pickups may not have been properly tightened by assembly plant personnel, increasing the risk of a fuel leak and possible fire. The Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary tighten the fuel tank hose clamp in question, free of charge.

2014 Ford Escape and 2015 Lincoln MKC The Problem: Nickel-plating on the fuel pumps of these crossovers may cause seizing fuel pumps, which could induce a vehicle stall or failure to start. The Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the fuel delivery module.

2015 Lincoln MKC The Problem: Because of the push-button ignition switch’s close proximity to other buttons on the center control stack, people are accidentally shutting off the engine while driving. The Fix: Dealers will replace and reprogram gearshift and powertrain control modules, replacing a center console panel with a new panel that relocates the push-button start control.